Mr Tom Fletcher, UN’s new chief of humanitarian affairs, on Monday assumed office, pledging to defend humanitarian values while navigating operations amid growing global crises.

Fletcher, a former UK Ambassador and policy adviser to three British Prime Ministers, was appointed UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator by Secretary-General António Guterres in October.

In his new role, he will also head the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

He succeeds Martin Griffiths, also from the UK, who stepped down at the end of June for health reasons. In the interim, Joyce Msuya, the Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, served as acting Under-Secretary-General.

As the new top humanitarian official, Fletcher acknowledged that he is “under no illusion as to how tough this mission is.”

“The impact on civilians of conflict, climate change, inequality and injustice is growing at a staggering rate,” he said in a statement.

“I will defend our humanitarian movement and humanitarian values, and battle to make us more efficient, strategic, inclusive and innovative. We must win afresh the argument for international solidarity,” he added.

Before his appointment, Fletcher was Principal of Hertford College, Oxford, and Vice Chair of Oxford University’s Conference of Colleges.

He brings extensive experience in leading and transforming organisations, along with a strong background in diplomacy, having previously served as Global Strategy Director at the Global Business Coalition for Education, according to a UN biographical note.

Fletcher also worked closely with the UN during his UK diplomatic career in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, including as Head of the Middle East Peace Process at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

He is the 12th person to take this role since the creation of what is now the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints has donated relief supplies worth N250 million to support flood victims in Anambra communities.

This is contained in a communiqué by the Church’s Country Director for Welfare Services, Mr Charles Adebayo, in Owerri, on Tuesday.

The relief materials were presented to the state government at the State’s Emergency Management Agency office.

Otuonye listed the donated items to include bags of rice, beans, garri, salt, vegetables, kegs of palm oil, cartons of noodles, milk, chocolate drinks, soaps, detergents, mosquito nets, toiletries, among others.

They were received by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the state’s Committee on Emergency Response, led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Gilbert Ibezim.

Adebayo said that caring for the needy was one of the missions of the church and that similar donations were made in Benue with plans for same in Enugu and other places.

He called on other Nigerians to complement government’s efforts by supporting disaster stricken, needy people in their own little ways.

“In the past, we have assisted the state with boreholes, renovation of schools and hospitals, so we’re ever ready to support government’s Public Private Partnerships and to support other private institutions,’’ he said.

The Church’s Head of Area 70, Mr Justice Otuonye, said that the Area 70, a group of church leaders, oversaw the donations.

He said the donated items were only a part of several other donations by the Church, in keeping with Bible account of Luke Chapter 10 where Jesus Christ sent out the 70 disciples to preach the gospel and care for those in need.

Responding, Soludo called for support from stakeholders to mitigate its effects on victims.

He said that intentional steps must be taken to address the challenge head on and thanked the Church for its humanitarian efforts while assuring them that the items would be distributed judiciously.

“We will now focus on building the big net for emergency response, both government and all stakeholders, to build enduring partnerships and be able to respond to such emergencies.

“I can assure you that every item brought here will be judiciously distributed to those in most need to satisfy their needs and fulfil the intent of the donor “, he said.

The Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) has advised Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to prioritise critical sectors for rapid and sustainable development of the state.

The President of IDGS, Rev. Adesola Adebawo, gave the advice in a congratulatory message to the governor following his victory in Saturday’s governorship election on Tuesday in Akure.

“As we look forward, we are confident that Mr Governor’s administration will prioritise critical sectors such as infrastructure development, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

“By harnessing the untapped human and natural resources across Ondo, we believe we can make significant strides toward achieving economic prosperity not only for our state but for Nigeria as a whole.

“This victory is more than a political triumph; it represents a renewed promise of progress, prosperity, and inclusiveness for all citizens,” Adebawo said.

The IDGS president appreciated people of the state for their unwavering support to the governor, stating that re-electing him was a resounding affirmation of the values of justice, equity and unity that the people of the state held together.

“This momentous achievement was made possible by the collective efforts and resilience of the people across all the 18 local government areas, who came out in significant numbers to cast their votes for progress, inclusivity and positive change.

“Your faith in a brighter future has been the cornerstone of this victory and we are sincerely grateful for the confidence you have placed in Gov. Aiyedatiwa to lead our beloved state into a new era of growth and sustainable development,” he said.

He also extended appreciation to traditional rulers in the state for their invaluable support throughout the electioneering journey.

According to him, the strategic leadership, dedication and commitment to the principles of fairness and equity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have significantly contributed to the victory.

Adebawo also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to justice, which he said paved way for the party’s success in the election.

“This victory is a fulfillment of the aspirations of the Ilaje people and a testament to what could be achieved when leaders prioritise the collective good.

“We also recognise the contributions of the elders of Ondo State whose wisdom, counsel and advocacy have guided us throughout this journey,” he said.

He solicited the support of all indigenes of the state to rally behind the governor and unite in a collective quest for a prosperous and inclusive future.

“This is our chance to build a state where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and where our shared dreams can be realised through hard work, dedication and unity.

“Today, we stand together knowing that with a common vision and purpose, there are no limits to what we can accomplish.

“Let this victory serve as a symbol of hope and a powerful testament to the strength of our unity,” Adebawo said.