2024 World Humanitarian Day: We Must Unite To Support & Protect Civilians, Aid Workers. Stakeholders

2024 World Humanitarian Day : We must unite to support & protect civilians, Aid workers, Stakeholders.

From Umar Dankano,Yola.

Stakeholders have advocated for more  support and protection to humanitarian workers assisting civilians in conflict situations across the globe.

Making the resolution during the 2024 world humanitarian Day celebration in Yola, Adamawa state capital Monday,the stakeholders unanimously acknowledged the dangers and sacrifice imbedded in the humanitarian services and call for doable actions to safeguard their human dignity in our societies.

In his keynote address, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Malick Fall said it is only befitting that we all stand in solidarity with the little children whose lives are on the line.With mothers who are struggling to feed their children.With boys and girls who are missing out on a childhood because they have been forced by circumstances to take on adult roles to help their families make ends meet.

Malick Fall stressed that all hands must be on deck to assist people deprived of their dignity and human rights especially in armed conflicts noting that the humanitarian space is one of the main spaces where humanity has its truest expression.

Fall reiterated that it is a space where you see humanitarian actors risking their lives to go and save other people’s lives, to reduce vulnerability, to protect and to help people get back on their feet.

“State and Federal Government, civil society, national and international partners, donors, and the private sector must pull together to not only address the immediate needs of distressed families  but also address the root causes of their needs.

“Many solutions lie in development interventions in  education and employment opportunities for young people.In women’s empowerment.

In access to healthcare and education and other basic services.

Delivering his goodwill message at the occasion, Abel Entino, the permanent secretary federal Ministry of Humanitarian stated that the commemoration of World Humanitarian Day provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the unwavering dedication and selfless service of humanitarian workers who strive tirelessly to alleviate suffering while bringing hope to those affected by crises.

Represented by a Director from the Ministry, Valentine Ezeh, Entino said resilience of our people in the face of adversity is truly remarkable, but it is essential that we continue working together towards sustainable solutions that address these pressing issues.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting civilians caught in conflicts, ensuring the safety of aid workers, and mobilizing resources needed to meet growing humanitarian needs.

“It is imperative that we advocate for peace building efforts and social cohesion initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of conflict and violence. This aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“In this regard, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is poised to strengthen and elevate the robust collaboration and support for our development partners and humanitarian workers for the betterment of the society”.The permanent secretary maintained.

Earlier in his speech, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri expressed gratitude to the Organisers of the occasion for choosing Adamawa state to celebrate this year’s humanitarian anniversary pledging to support and cooperate with various bodies with primary goal of safeguarding the human dignity of the people.

The celebration was graced by many civil society organizations,Non governmental organizations, People with special needs among others.