Abuja — To alleviate the sufferings of the victims of the recent Jos crisis which claimed hundreds of lives and those who suffered the earthquake in Haiti, President Goodluck Jonathan has promised a palliative relief of N20billion to be made available soon.

He also said that the Federal Government will continue to work with the Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organisations to make Nigeria and the world better places for the less privileged.

The President spoke after his investiture as Grand Patron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society yesterday in Abuja.

He said although the Federal Government had 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 also welcomed the effort by the Red Cross to raise additional funds for them and would do all it could to assist in the realisation of the N20 billion target.

Declaring his belief in philanthropy and helping the less privileged in the society, President Jonathan urged all Nigerians in the public and private sectors, foreigners residing in the country, and other international humanitarian organisations 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 comfirmed that under President Jonathan's Administration, Nigeria was quickly reassuming a leadership role in Africa for humanitarian and charitable assistance to those in need.

Also speaking at the event, Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, and Chief Rochas Okorocha commended the initiative of the president and that of the Red Cross.