Confirming to its commitment to assist Nigeria with its insecurity crisis, Japan has stated that it will extend an Emergency Grant Aid of $ 855,000 (equivalent of JPY 83 million) for the main purpose of supporting the abducted schoolgirls and their families in the Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.
Japan stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the government of Japan, upon requests by UN organisations and the government of Nigeria, decided to extend emergency grant aid of $855,000 (approximately 83 million Japanese yen), to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other organisations.
The statement reads in part, “This emergency grant aid is expected to contribute to providing support for the psychosocial and physical care of communities of Chibok LGA (Local Government Area) in Borno State, which is suffering direct and indirect harm as a result of the abduction of school girls by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram on 14 April 2014.
“This support project would be implemented with the support of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); International Labour Organization (ILO); United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and other organisations.”
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kishida, had earlier said that the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls are issues on which the international community should work together, saying such acts by Boko Haram should never be tolerated.
“The Government of Japan renews its determination to continue to cooperate with the people and Government of Nigeria, and the international community to eliminate acts of terrorism and to contribute to the peace and security of the region,” the statement added.
