World Humanitarian Day: NEMA urges peace advocacy, mobilization in crisis regions

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mustapha Ahmed, has called on humanitarian actors across the globe to intensify mobilization and advocacy for a peaceful and humane world devoid of conflicts.

He made the call in commemoration of the United Nations World Humanitarian Day, weekend in Abuja.

In statement, the DG notes that while Nigeria suffers from the impacts of climate change, a more urgent humanitarian crises for the country include insurgency, banditry and nature induced disasters especially the annually recurring floods nationwide.

He said “These events, no doubt call for mobilization and advocacy for a peaceful and humane world devoid of conflicts in the world which is now noted to be more volatile due to prevailing complex emergencies that have placed serious burden on humanitarian workers.

“They now serve in risky environments in various countries to bring hope to the most vulnerable people no matter where, no matter who and #NoMatterWhat. This is the time to show solidarity and commend their sacrifices.

“I have the greatest pleasure and delight to on behalf of management and staff of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), join the Nigerian and global community to celebrate the 2023 World Humanitarian Day.

“The World Humanitarian Day, a universal event celebrated on 19th August every year was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly since 2008 to celebrate the gallantry of humanitarian actors. These are people who have lost their lives, suffered traumatic experiences or survived different threats to life while providing humanitarian service to persons in need.

“They are the real heroes, persons caught on the web of natural or human induced disasters and violent conflict here in Nigeria and across the world.”

Ahmed pointed that the day not only marks the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Canal Hotel in Bagdad, Iraq where 22 people lost their lives including His Excellency, Sergio Vieira de Mello among others, it also shows impact dastardly acts by terrorists and brings to fore the risk faced by humanitarian actors in different parts of the globe.

“There is every reason therefore, to remember, celebrate and honour these heroes of our time across the world and specifically here in Nigeria, where they work hard to save lives in the various hotspots,’ the DG said.