By Asmau Ahmad
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has called on humanitarian workers not to relent on delivering life-saving assistance to people in need.
Director-General of the agency, Mustapha Ahmed, said this in his message to commemorate this year’s World Humanitarian Day in Abuja.
The day is celebrated on every August 19, recognised by the United Nations General Assembly.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “No Matter What.”
Ahmed said that in spite of all the difficulties and dangers faced by humanitarian workers as “they carry out their activities, it is necessary to show solidarity and commend them for all their efforts.
“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 flooding nationwide.
“These events, no doubt calls for mobilisation and advocacy for a peaceful and humane world devoid of conflicts.
“The world 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”
The Director-General added that it important to remember and celebrate NEMA humanitarian actors that have lost their lives and those that have suffered injury and trauma in the line of duty.
“It is on record that some NEMA staff have lost their lives and some kidnapped while many others have suffered tragic experiences while on active duty.
“I want to express my solidarity with the staff of NEMA, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and the Nigeria Red Cross.
“I also want to acknowledge the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent, the numerous NEMA partners, the United Nations system and community volunteers working in various hotspots in Nigeria and across the world.
“There is no doubt that your commitment to giving succour to persons in distress has enabled us to collectively make our communities and the world a better place for us and the future generation of humanity to live in dignity, peace and prosperity.
“In spite of all the difficulties and dangers faced as humanitarian workers, we must not give up on our commitment to deliver life-saving assistance to people in need, #NoMatterWhat,” he said.
