By Nkechi Eze
The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Monday commemorated the 2025 World Humanitarian Day in a profound show of compassion and solidarity with the people of Kpaduma community in Abuja, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening national unity through humanitarian service.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Civil–Military Relations, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, noted that the observance of World Humanitarian Day goes beyond a symbolic global tradition. He said it reflects the Armed Forces’ dual mandate of defending national security while extending compassion to the most vulnerable across communities.
“World Humanitarian Day is a reminder of our collective duty to support the vulnerable and care for those in need. Today’s activities, the distribution of palliatives and the medical outreach are small but sincere tokens of our appreciation to the people of Kpaduma for their friendship and support over the years,” he stated.
Rear Admiral Bankole praised the resilience and hospitality of the community and saluted humanitarian workers across the world for their selfless sacrifices. He added that the Armed Forces would continue to work with civil society organisations, humanitarian agencies and host communities to build a more compassionate, united and stable Nigeria.
In her goodwill message, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa represented by Dr. Modupe Ogunshina said the outreach reflects DEPOWA’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian causes. She stressed that the association has consistently supported vulnerable population groups through medical missions, educational assistance and empowerment programmes.
“As wives of military and police officers, we understand the cost of service. We see the challenges our loved ones face daily, and we also recognise the plight of displaced families, widows, orphans and victims of conflict. This is why DEPOWA remains committed to humanitarian work. Together, we can build a more compassionate world where no one is left behind,” she said.
Dr. Ogunshina urged Nigerians to embrace the enduring values of empathy and compassion, adding that every citizen regardless of status can contribute to nation building by extending a hand of hope to those in need.
Also speaking, the Chief District Head of Kpaduma, His Royal Highness Alhaji Akimi Ahmed Mohammed, commended the Defence Headquarters and DEPOWA for reaching out to his community. He described the military as a reliable partner that has always responded to the needs of the people in difficult times and prayed for God’s blessings on all humanitarian actors.
“Our community has always received support from the military. We are deeply grateful for this gesture and we pray for God’s blessings on the Armed Forces, DEPOWA and all humanitarian partners. I urge my people to remain law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies so that this partnership continues to grow stronger,” he said.
The ceremony featured the distribution of food items and other palliatives, as well as a free medical outreach that provided clinical consultations and essential medications to members of the community.
World Humanitarian Day is observed every year on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers, military personnel and volunteers who risk their lives in assisting vulnerable populations and upholding human dignity. The 2025 commemoration in Kpaduma underscored the Armed Forces’ determination to blend military professionalism with compassion and community service.
