Governor Otu Seeks The Collaboration Of Humanitarian Workers To Save Lives, Reiterates Commitment To Defending The Rights Of Refugees and the vulnerable population in the state

Governor Otu Seeks The Collaboration Of Humanitarian Workers To Save Lives, Reiterates Commitment To Defending The Rights Of Refugees and the vulnerable population in the state

In a continued drive to create a world where every individual lives with dignity and true sense brotherhood through selfless services and humanitarian acts, the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation led by the Honourable Commissioner Dr. Mrs. Helen Isamoh Egodo in collaboration with the wife of the Executive Governor of Cross River State Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu celebrates all distinguished humanitarian workers in the state and around the world in the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Symposium held in the  Conference Hall of Dannic Hotels, Ekorinim, Calabar, today, 29th August, 2024. 

This august event was part of the 2024 World Humanitarian Day celebration to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the disastrous bomb attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, that claimed the life of 22 humanitarian champions. It also reminded us of the strength and selflessness of those who risk their lives in their attempts to help and support others, and our unwavering commitment to care for internally displaced individuals, people with disabilities, and the destitute. It also demonstrated our collective resolve to join the global campaign against the unnecessary attack on humanitarian workers in both developing and developed nations of the world.

Just as this year's theme: "Act For Humanity" suggests, there is no better time than now for us to stand up and "act for humanity" by condemning the incessant and unnecessary attacks on   humanitarian champions even in conflict or war zones. It is undoubtedly a solemn invitation to join voices with international organizations and development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), International Red Cross Society, CUSO International, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Excellent Community Education Welfare Scheme( ECEWS).  Her Excellency Rev Mrs Eyoanwan Otu's Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative (HWBEI), and other dependable humanitarian activists and Rights defenders around the world in celebrating these icons of humanity and encouraging well-meaning individuals to continue this noble task while demanding that government at all levels should ensure the safety of all people on life-saving missions.

The high point of the Symposium was educating and motivating humanitarian workers through paper presentations on:  "Strengthening Humanitarian Efforts: the Need for Collaboration", "Innovative Approaches to Humanitarian Aids in Crisis Zones", "Mainstreaming Gender Based Violence and Sexual Reproductive Health/Rights in Delivering Humanitarian Services", "How Humanitarian Workers Can Act For Humanity in Line with Humanitarian Principles", and the lead paper where Prof Robito Ekanem of the Department of Guidance and Counselling,  UNICROSS, demonstrated her teaching ingenuity on "Mental Health Support for Humanitarian Workers: Addressing Burnout and Stress".   The session also had an awareness campaign/ presentation on the emerging Monkey Pox epidemic and its mounting concerns for global health by Dr. Ima Obong Ekanem of World Health Organization.

The Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, in his heartwarming address, declared that there is power in collective action and collaborative partnership to save lives which is a demonstration of our shared purpose to build a society where everybody thrives and lives with dignity. The State Governor who was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions Mrs Lawrencia Ita, reiterated the people-first administration's commitment to defending the rights of refugees and the vulnerable individuals in the state, and encouraged both humanitarian workers and all Cross Riverians to stand up against injustice and act for humanity.

In her special message and warm greetings, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State and founder of Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiatives, Her Excellency Rev. Mrs Eyoanwan Bassey Otu expressed her gratitude to all humanitarian activists and partners while encouraging them to continue to raise more awareness to the public on our roles in showing solidarity to victims of humanitarian crisis. Her Excellency, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Programmes, Apostle Mrs Queen Eton, also stressed the need to reach out to people in need everywhere in the state and restated her unwavering commitment to strategic partnership and collaboration through her Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiatives.

The Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr Mrs Helen Isamoh Egodo extended her deepest gratitude to all the humanitarian workers who have dedicated their lives to helping others.  "Thank you for the sacrifices you make, for the risks you take, and for the unwavering dedication you show everyday", she expressed. "Your work saves lives, restores dignity, and offers a lifeline to those who have nowhere else to turn to", Dr Egodo continued. The Honourable Commissioner also noted that the CRSG recognises the critical role humanitarian workers play and the need to take the lead in coordinating and providing humanitarian services, hence, the Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was created in 2023 by His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to serve as the government's coordinating institution for all humanitarian responses and interventions in the state.

In the historic event and first of its kind in Cross River State which was well attended and catered for, she expressed her positive thoughts on all development partners, government functionaries, volunteers, participants, speakers, the refugees, people with special needs, the cultural group, civil society organizations, the media, and staff of her ministry for their contributions towards making the 2024 World Humanitarian Day Symposium a huge success.

*Media Unit*

Office of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, CRS.