The Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Mrs Helen Isamoh Egodo in collaboration with the Office of the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Her Excellency Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Family Health International (FHI 360), the Neighbourhood Care-Well Foundation, and Her Excellency's Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, today,19th August, 2024, joined the United Nations and dependable humanitarian activists around the world in celebrating the 2024 World Humanitarian Day in Calabar.
In a colourful Road Walk around the state capital which attracted top government functionaries, bureaucrats and office-bearers in many non-governmental organizations, the Cross River State Government further strengthened her deliberate efforts towards humanitarian services in a sacrifice of self and time to ensure that human dignity is preserved and champions of humanitarian services are celebrated and encouraged as well as celebrating the resilience of humanity in the face of natural disasters, tribal wars, national or international conflicts, and other humanitarian crisis.
This year's Humanitarian Day celebration which marks the 20th anniversary of the ridiculous bomb attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, that claimed the life of 22 humanitarian champions reminded us of the strength and selflessness of those who risk their lives in their attempts to help others, and our unwavering commitment to care for internally displaced individuals, people with disabilities, and the destitute. It also demonstrates our resolve to join the global campaign against the alarming attack on humanitarian workers in both developing and developed nations of the world.
As the theme of this year's campaign "Act For Humanity" suggests, this is the time to act by condemning attacks on vulnerable individuals, and protect humanitarian workers even in conflict zones. It is also a clarion call to join voices with international organizations, humanitarian communities, and well-meaning individuals to demand that government at all levels ensure the protection of all people on life-saving missions.
In her flagging off speech Her Excellency Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu who was ably represented by Apostle (Mrs) Queen Eton Essien, called on Cross Riverians, private & public organizations and philanthropists to show solidarity with victims of humanitarian crisis and work together to create more awareness on the plight of the vulnerable people. She reiterated her commitment to continue to assist and cater for over 65,ooo displaced person in Cross River State while promoting the dignity of humanity through her Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative.
In her solemn remarks, Dr. Helen Isamoh Egodo noted that the road walk was to "remember the sacrifices of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to serve others and also to honour the resilience of the communities affected by crisis". She further stated that, "in Cross River State, we have witnessed the impact of humanitarian efforts firsthand. Through our collaboration with USAID, UNHCR, FHI 360, and other NGOs, we have seen lives transformed and hope restored".
The Face of Humanitarian Services in CRS assured that "the Honourable Commissioner and the Office of the First Lady are committed to supporting vulnerable populations and promoting humanitarian values. We recognize the importance of collective action in addressing complex challenges". The Honourable Commissioner called on Cross Riverians to: "Let us continue to work together to alleviate suffering, promote peace, and empower communities". She added: "today's road walk is a testament to our shared humanity and our determination to make a difference"
The event was well attended by humanitarian workers, international organizations, youth corps members, staff of the Office of the wife of the Governor's of Cross River State, and members of staff of the CRS Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation as well as refugees and displaced individuals in the state.
Media Unit, Office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, CRS.
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