Aisha Buhari calls for paradigm shift in aid to local communities

Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, has appealed for a new approach from donor-dictated humanitarian and development aid, to a needs-driven and community centered model for the benefit of vulnerable populations.

She made the call in a keynote address at the 18th Dubai International Humanitarian & Development Aid Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) on Tuesday.

She announced the achievement of life-changing milestones in the areas of health, education, women and youth empowerment for various social groups across Nigeria.

“Leaning on partnerships with governmental agencies, development partners, donors and other actors, the Aisha Buhari Foundation has, over the years, touched the lives of multitude Nigerians through the provision of healthcare centers, schools, and income-generating activities,”, she disclosed. 

Mrs Buhari further noted that the experience of her private-driven Foundation over the past six years has significantly contributed to the realization of SDG goals 3, 4, and 5.

“This would have been impossible without the support of dependable partners in the peace and security, development and humanitarian clusters.

“I, therefore, advocate for a paradigm shift from donor-centered development aid, to a truly localized community-centered approach in building capacities for implementing humanitarian and development assistance,” she said.

“It is pertinent to reflect more than ever before, on the issues of accountability, transparency and trust in humanitarian aid delivery,” Mrs. Buhari added.