Abuja — President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has assured that the Federal Government will continue to work with the Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organizations to make Nigeria and the world better places for the less privileged.

Speaking after his investiture on Thursday July 29, in Abuja, as Grand Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, President Jonathan also pledged his Administration's full support for the N20 Billion Appeal Fund initiated by the Red Cross for victims of the Jos crises and the earthquake in Haiti.

The President said although the Federal Government has already donated funds directly to the Government of Haiti to alleviate the suffering of victims of the earthquake disaster, and provided some support for those affected by the Jos crises, it welcomed the effort by the Red Cross to raise additional funds for them and will do all it can to assist in the realization of the N20 Billion target.

Declaring his belief in philanthropy and helping the less privileged in society, President Jonathan urged all Nigerians in the public and private sectors, foreigners residing in the country, and other international humanitarian organizations to support the appeal fund with generous donations.

"I appreciate what you are doing globally and in Nigeria. The less privileged need to be assisted. Whenever I see philanthropists helping to remake the world and make it a happier place for all, I always want to encourage them," the President told the Red Cross delegation which was led by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and the President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Chief Rochas Okorocha.

Before decorating the President with the insignia of Grand Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross, Chief Okorocha described him as a true champion of the weak, poor and less privileged.

He said that under President Jonathan's Administration, Nigeria was quickly reassuming a leadership role in Africa for humanitarian and charitable assistance to those in need.