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Act for Humanity: The Urgent Call of World Humanitarian Day 2024
Act for Humanity: The Urgent Call of World Humanitarian Day 2024
By: Mohamed Malick Fall
Every year, World Humanitarian Day (WHD) serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of humanitarian efforts globally. This year, the theme #ActForHumanity emphasizes the collective responsibility we all share in protecting civilians and the humanitarian workers who serve them in conflicts and other crises.
As we observe this day on 19 August, it is crucial to reflect on the profound implications of ongoing conflicts, the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), and the dire need for global leaders to take decisive action and say enough is enough.
Conflicts around the world, from Gaza to Sudan, continue to wreak havoc on civilians. Climate change is also increasing humanitarian needs.
In north-east Nigeria, the prolonged conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions, disrupting livelihoods and compounding already alarming levels of food insecurity and malnutrition.
In 2024 alone, 8.1 million people need humanitarian assistance in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) states in north-east Nigeria. This includes 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 4.1 million people in host communities. Humanitarian partners together with the Government of Nigeria aim to reach 4.4 million of these people with lifesaving food, water, shelter and other emergency assistance.
In Borno State, Anna Monday, a mother of four, endures the harsh realities of displacement. Forced from her home, she now lives in a temporary learning centre at the reception centre in Pulka, a place designed for short-term accommodation but now a long-term refuge for many. Up to 30 women sleep in the shelter while the men sleep outside, highlighting the lack of adequate shelter.
Amina Buba, a mother of four, was displaced from her village in Adamawa State due to violent attacks by insurgent groups. Her home was burnt, forcing her family to flee with only the clothes on their backs. In the IDP camp, Amina struggles to find enough food and clean water for her children.
Fatima Mohammadu, a young girl from Yobe State, was separated from her family during a raid on her village. She was found by humanitarian workers and brought to an IDP camp. The trauma of separation and the loss of her loved ones have left deep emotional scars. In the camp, she faces challenges such as lack of access to education and inadequate nutrition.
Women, men, boys and girls across Nigeria are also affected due to crises linked to intercommunal violence, the climate crisis or general hardships. Women and children, often suffer the worst effects enduring widespread violations of their rights, including sexual violence.
A combination of insecurity, limited access to affected people, and inadequate funding and resources are complicating the delivery of essential services, leaving millions of people in humanitarian need.
In north-east Nigeria, attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers have become disturbingly common blatantly violating international humanitarian law.
On 29 June, for instance, numerous civilians died, and dozens were injured in multiple suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno. A month later, many families lost their loved ones in yet another suicide attack in Konduga, also in Borno. These incidents underscore the persistent threat to civilian lives in conflict, and highlight the urgent need for enhanced protection measures, including stricter adherence to international norms and the need for greater accountability for violations.
Every day, humanitarian workers, from Government, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations (UN), civil society, Nigerian and international staff go out of their way to save lives and to bring people back to their feet. Host communities accommodate people who are internally displaced despite not having much to share because of their humanity.
World Humanitarian Day is more relevant than ever. The world has never seen greater humanitarian need. The number of people who are suffering because of conflict and other humanitarian crises is staggering. There has never been a more urgent need to protect civilians, and to recognize the critical role of humanitarian workers.
Global leaders and parties to conflict have a pivotal role to play in resolving conflicts and protecting humanitarian workers. They must not only condemn violations of international humanitarian law, but also take concrete steps to hold those responsible for violations accountable.
Thanks to funding from donors, humanitarians are reaching millions of people each year with lifesaving assistance. But they need robust support to continue their vital work in support of Government efforts. This includes financial resources, humanitarian access, and political goodwill.
Today, only a quarter of the resources needed to address urgent humanitarian needs globally and in north-east Nigeria has been forthcoming. Without these resources we will be unable to support Anna, Amina, and Fatima to survive and rebuild their lives.
Beyond humanitarian interventions, development-related activities are key as humanitarian needs also stem from a lack of basic services, a lack of livelihoods, and poor access to employment for young people.
The theme #ActForHumanity is not just a slogan; it is a call to action. It implores each one of us to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, to speak out against injustices, and to work towards a world where humanitarian principles are respected, and lives are protected.
On this World Humanitarian Day, let us all pledge to act for humanity, for today and for the future.
I trust that you will stand with me in solidarity with people affected by conflict and disaster and the brave men and women who come to their aid. They should not be the target of violence but must be protected at all cost.
Mohamed Malick Fall is the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.
Act for Humanity: The Urgent Call of World Humanitarian Day 2024
News
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
A violent confrontation among rival youths in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga, Minna, Niger State, resulted in the death of one person and the arrest of several others, security sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to sources, on Friday at about 8:00 p.m., a group of youths armed with dangerous weapons were sighted causing havoc along David Mark Road. Security operatives quickly intervened and dispersed the group.
However, at about 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, the same group engaged in a violent clash among themselves using matchets and daggers. Twelve suspects, including Ibrahim Musa, Abbah Hussaini, Babangida Gambo, and Abubakar Bala, were arrested, by the police and their weapons recovered.
Later at about 8:30 a.m., Bello Mohammed of Farm Centre, Tunga Minna, was found lying in a pool of blood. He was rushed to General Hospital Minna but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Sources said that preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was among the suspected thugs terrorizing residents in the area.
Violent clash in Sabon-Titi area of Tunga Minna leaves one dead, several arrested
News
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
By: Zagazola Makama
A 25-year-old Fulani man, Yakubu Salisu of Tenti village, Bokkos Local Government Area, was killed in a violent attack, while six cows were poisoned in a separate incident in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
According to sources , Salisu was stabbed at the back by yet-to-be-identified assailants suspected to be locals of Bokkos. He died instantly at the scene.
Before the attack, a farmer, Josiah Joshua, 28, said he reportedly confronted six herders rearing cows on his farm. According to him, herders allegedly refused to remove the animals and attacked Joshua, resulting in injuries.
In retaliation, Joshua mobilized his friends to attack Yakubu Salisu, stabbing him multiple times on his before and killing him instantly.
Local leaders told Zagazola that the claims by some parties suggesting the Fulani victims “invaded farmlands” are false and appear to be an attempt to justify the attacks. Investigations indicate both incidents were unprovoked and targeted.
The police, however stormed the scene, photographed the corps and later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites, as the family declined an autopsy. The Authorities said they have commenced investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, in Riyom LGA, six cows were poisoned in Kwi village without any apparent provocation.
Authorities have commenced investigations into both incidents, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Security officials warned residents to remain vigilant and urged communities to avoid taking the law into their own hands.
These incidents illustrate the rising tensions in Plateau State, drawing attention to the need for swift intervention to prevent escalation of communal violence over farmland disputes.
Young fulani man killed, six cows poisoned in separate farmland incidents in Plateau state
News
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
By: Sunday Oladapo
Leadership in the security sector often reveals itself not through grand speeches or public displays of authority, but through quiet, deliberate decisions that gradually shift systems, culture, and outcomes. Adeola Ajayi’s stewardship of the Department of State Services (DSS) exemplifies this subtle but powerful form of leadership. Though he rarely seeks the spotlight, the changes unfolding under his watch are reshaping the DSS in ways that many insiders describe as the most meaningful transformation the agency has witnessed in years.
From the moment Ajayi assumed office, it was clear he was bringing a different kind of energy—one rooted in discipline, modernization, and strategic silence. Instead of sweeping pronouncements, he focused on strengthening the agency’s foundation: its people, processes, and purpose. And this approach, though understated, is now yielding visible dividends.
Reinvigorating Professionalism and Intelligence Capacity
One of Ajayi’s most significant achievements is the recalibration of the DSS’s intelligence framework. Recognizing that modern threats—from terrorism to cybercrime—require an intelligence service that is both proactive and technologically sophisticated, he initiated targeted reforms to upgrade analytical tools, digital surveillance capacity, and field operations coordination.
Training programs have also been revitalized. Officers are now exposed to global best practices in intelligence gathering, behavioral analysis, cybersecurity, and inter-agency communication. The goal is simple but transformative: build a DSS that can prevent threats before they materialize, rather than merely responding after damage has been done.
Ajayi’s emphasis on data-driven intelligence has contributed to more efficient threat assessment, improved crisis response, and a more agile internal structure that encourages innovation instead of outdated, rigid protocols.
Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration
A common weakness in Nigeria’s security architecture has been fragmentation—agencies working in silos, often competing rather than collaborating. Ajayi has worked quietly but effectively to change this dynamic. His leadership has fostered smoother cooperation between the DSS, the police, the military, and other national security institutions.
By prioritizing information-sharing, joint operations, and coordinated strategy development, Ajayi has positioned the DSS as a core driver of national security synergy. This shift may not be flashy, but its impact on operational success is already becoming evident.
Humanizing the Service and Rebuilding Public Trust
For many years, perceptions of the DSS fluctuated between respect and apprehension, largely due to concerns over transparency and human-rights practices. Ajayi has taken deliberate steps to address this by promoting a more professional, rights-conscious operational culture. Officers now undergo enhanced training on ethical conduct, community engagement, and communication.
While the DSS is not—and cannot be—a public-relations-driven institution, Ajayi understands that a modern security service must maintain a level of trust with the citizens it protects. His reforms are gradually helping to redefine the agency’s public interface, balancing its mandate for secrecy with an improved commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Internal Welfare and Institutional Stability
Security agencies perform best when their personnel feel valued, motivated, and well-equipped. Ajayi has strengthened internal welfare systems, ensuring officers receive improved support, clearer career growth opportunities, and the tools they need to perform effectively. This has boosted morale and reduced internal friction—two factors crucial for operational efficiency.
His quiet stabilizing influence has also brought a sense of predictability to DSS operations. Under his leadership, the agency appears more insulated from political turbulence, allowing it to focus squarely on its mandate.
A Leadership Style Rooted in Strategy, Not Spectacle
In a time when some leaders rely on bravado or theatrics to appear effective, Ajayi stands out for his disciplined restraint. His philosophy seems guided by a fundamental principle: a security agency’s success is measured in outcomes, not headlines. The calmness of his leadership style has enabled him to pursue reforms without unnecessary noise, distractions, or politicization.
And this may be the true hallmark of his impact—delivering change through consistency rather than controversy.
Looking Ahead: A Long-Term Blueprint for the DSS
If the momentum of Ajayi’s reforms is sustained, the DSS could emerge as a more modern, reliable, and globally respected intelligence service. His agenda sets a foundation for:
A culture of professionalism over patronage
A stronger intelligence-driven approach to national security
A more integrated and collaborative security environment
A service that balances secrecy with lawful, ethical conduct
A stable institution that prioritizes national interest above all else
His leadership demonstrates that meaningful reform does not always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it comes quietly—through silent changes that produce big, enduring impact.
In transforming the DSS with such strategic subtlety, Adeola Ajayi is not only redefining the institution but also showing that a new era of thoughtful, modern security leadership is both possible and already taking shape.
Sunday Oladapo is a public analysts from Abuja
Silent Changes, Big Impact: Adeola Ajayi’s Transformation of the DSS
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