2014 World Humanitarian Day: FG assures support to aid workers

ABUJA (NEMA Report) – The Nigerian Government has assured continued support for humanitarian aid workers in the discharge of their responsibilities for assisting the population at risk in the country. 

Nigeria’s Vice President, Muhammad Namadi Sambo gave the assurance in a speech he delivered on behalf of the President at the 2014 World Humanitarian Day Celebration held in Abuja lately. He also identified the important roles of aid workers in driving the commitment of the Federal Government towards providing needed succor to people faced with humanitarian challenges. 

While citing the condition of some medical workers in Lagos that were infected by the Ebola Virus Disease in the course of their treatment of the index case, he said that the Federal Government would do everything possible to support them. Adding, it is in appreciation of the critical roles of aid workers that the Federal Government has always included them in major decisions on humanitarian affairs. 

In his remarks at the occasion, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Muhammad Sani Sidi reiterated the agency’s commitment to continued service to humanity in the face of incessant attacks on aid workers. 

“I want to assure that NEMA will explore the outcome of the programmes and activities of the 2014 World Humanitarian Day commemoration to improve public awareness on safe and sustainable humanitarianism and place the message on the front burner of public discourse,” he pointed. 

He further cited an unpleasant scenario of conflicts and natural disasters where humanitarians have subjected their lives as well as worked with their hearts and blood to save lives and bring succor to the distressed in times when the  major concern of everyone was self – preservation. He affirmed that without the varied Governmental and Non-Government humanitarian service providers – ICRC, National Red Cross Society, UN System and local volunteers, the human toll in these hot spots could have been grave.

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Nigeria, Daoda Toure urged private sectors to support humanitarian activities in Nigeria and invest more in areas of Disaster Risk Reduction. Also, the Federal Commissioner in-charge of the National Commission for Refugees, Hadiza Sani Kangiwa presented the humanitarian hero’s register in recognition of aid workers that have demonstrated exceptional quality beyond their calls of duty, some of whom have lost their lives in the cause of humanitarian works.