In celebration of the 2024 World Humanitarian Day (WHD), Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and the EMNAMU Foundation recognized and awarded outstanding humanitarian aid workers and institutions.
The event included donating operation vehicles, food, non-food items, and cash to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Malkohi IDP Camp in Yola, Adamawa State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Enitan, emphasized the significance of WHD, which is observed globally every year on August 19th.
Nigeria, the first African country to host the event in 2012, has consistently marked the day to honour the courageous humanitarian aid workers who risk their lives to assist vulnerable populations affected by crises.
“This day is dedicated to honouring humanitarian aid workers in Nigeria and around the world, who often risk their lives to help save and improve the lives of others.
“These exceptional heroes are working tirelessly to provide much-needed assistance to the most vulnerable people across the six geopolitical zones of the country, thereby alleviating their sufferings,” Enitan stated.
He urged stakeholders in the humanitarian sector to recognize and appreciate the dedication of their staff.
He also highlighted the theme for this year’s event, “Act for Humanity,” is important for mobilizing public and institutional support to protect humanitarian workers and civilians while demanding accountability for violations of international humanitarian laws.
On his part, the President and Founder of EMNAMU Foundation, Emmanuel N. Musa, highlighted the foundation’s efforts in alleviating hardship for the underprivileged, creating jobs for unemployed youths, planting over 50,000 trees to combat climate change, and building schools for children.
Musa also announced a N500 million entrepreneurship assistance fund aimed at reducing poverty and promoting equality.
The Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and partners for selecting Adamawa State for this year’s WHD celebration.
He acknowledged the state’s challenges with conflicts, displacements, and natural disasters but reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting humanitarian interventions and creating a conducive environment for aid workers.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malik Fall, praised humanitarian workers for their dedication to saving lives and alleviating suffering.
He emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between governments, the UN, and international and national NGOs to address the limited resources available for humanitarian interventions.
The celebration also featured a cultural dance performed by women from the IDP camp, symbolizing hope and resilience.
The high point of the event was the symbolic presentation of donations to IDPs and the awarding of operation vehicles to outstanding humanitarian workers and institutions.
