Stakeholders Urge Action on Humanitarianism

Stakeholders have called for a shift from rhetoric to practical humanitarian action, warning against the commercialisation of humanitarian service and urging leaders and practitioners to uphold ethics, accountability and compassion.

The call was made at the 16th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and induction ceremony of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) in Abuja, held recently to commemorate World Humanitarian Day.

The event brought together government representatives, academics, diplomats, humanitarian practitioners, development partners and civil society organisations to discuss Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges and the need for stronger national resilience.

Former Kaduna State Governor, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who chaired the occasion, charged IHSD Fellows and graduates to make their professional recognition meaningful by expanding humanitarian activities at the grassroots.

He called for stronger collaboration between IHSD, the National Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agencies to improve humanitarian response across communities.

The keynote presentation focused on ethical leadership, inclusivity and humanitarian values, with speakers stressing that humanitarianism must influence governance, education, social protection and community development.

Representing Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, the Senior Special Assistant on International Relations and Diaspora Affairs highlighted the state’s social-protection programmes, including the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection and partnerships aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and empowering youths.

Discussions also focused on the use of artificial intelligence, drones and data analytics in disaster preparedness and humanitarian response, as well as the impact of conflict, displacement, flooding, food insecurity and gender-based violence on women and girls.

The event also featured the presentation of Materialism & Humanitarianism, authored by Dr. Prince Francis Origa, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of IHSD.

Reviewing the book, Dr. Ahmed Saidu EY-Shaa warned against excessive materialism and urged society to measure prosperity beyond wealth to include knowledge, character, integrity and positive contributions to humanity.

IHSD President and Chairman of its Governing Council, Amb. Adamu Babangida Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting dialogue and practical solutions to Nigeria’s humanitarian challenges.

The Institute said it has trained more than 10,000 students across 94 batches and reached over 18,000 beneficiaries.

The stakeholders agreed that humanitarianism must go beyond conferences, titles and declarations and be reflected in governance, institutions, communities and everyday conduct.

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja 

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