Humanity - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Aug, Thu, 2025

Edo IDP camp coordinator bags ‘living legacy’ humanitarian award

By Deborah Coker

Mr Solomon Folorunsho, Coordinator of the Home for the Needy Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, on Wednesday bagged the “Living Legacy” Humanitarian Award.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony, organised by the Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards (HSD Award) in Abuja.

According to the organisers, Folorunsho was recognised for his exceptional track record in national development, societal upliftment, and relentless service to humanity.

Speaking shortly before receiving the award, Folorunsho stressed the importance of translating humanitarian ideals into daily practice.

He said it was the duty of the humanitarian community to prevent and alleviate suffering wherever it was found, with special focus on the most vulnerable.

“I want everyone in the humanitarian community to know that you are very special in the hands of God.

“If you look closely today, Nigeria is a huge humanitarian society, with many people in need of your service.

“Everyone you see suffering in the streets is a potential doctor, engineer, president, or lawyer. Though we may not be many today, the work we are doing will inspire others to join us,” he said.

Folorunsho added that offering help to the needy, regardless of religion, touched the heart of God.

“My experience shows that these are the persons God will bless, no matter their age.

“There are many in our society who are weak, disabled, homeless and displaced. When people are left without help, some resort to self-help, which often leads to crime.

“But if equal opportunities are given to every human being, we will see good results everywhere,” he said.

He explained that every activity at the Home for the Needy IDP camp was borne out of the need to serve humanity, noting that the less privileged also deserved dignity and care.

“Love your neighbour as yourself. Nigerians are neighbours to one another, and everyone in need is our neighbour,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Bashir Jamoh, immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), another awardee, said Nigerians in the North East remained the most vulnerable.

Jamoh noted that residents of the region faced frequent attacks and threats, and called for a central body to protect humanitarian workers.

“Sometimes they are attacked, killed, or maimed for no reason. It is our duty to structure an organisation under which humanitarian bodies can unite to safeguard aid workers and support their efforts,” he said.

He also urged the media to help change negative narratives by educating the public and drawing attention to the plight of the less privileged.

“It is our duty to support media teams who amplify these issues to the country and the world. Nigeria is already tagged as one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers,” he added.

NAN reports that the HSD Award is an annual event that celebrates individuals and organisations for their contributions to humanitarian causes and societal development.

The 2025 edition, held in commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 20, highlighted compassion, service, and the pursuit of human dignity, recognising those who have made lasting impacts through community development, philanthropy, and social responsibility. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Lydia Beshel
May, Wed, 2025

Entertainment

Foundation trains media officers, filmmakers, content creators on educational impact

By Veronica Dariya

World Changers Media International Foundation, an NGO, has trained more than 25 media officers and content creators on production of impactful educational stories and documentaries for humanity.

Dr Janice Collins, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, urged participants at the Abuja workshop to create narratives with lasting positive difference.

Collins, also the Director, Institute of International Journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, USA, advised content creators to ground their stories on truth and facts

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in collaboration with the African International Documentary and Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), for filmmakers and producers.

She emphasised that storytelling should drive social responsibility, spark social change, and deepen audience connection with key social issues.

“We must be able to humanise our stories by bringing attention to an element that is affecting society in order to bring about a positive change.

“Do not forget to enforce your professional ethics and conduct as a journalist or storyteller; seek the truth and report it, minimise harm, be accountable and transparent,” Collins said.

She mentioned that with a creative strategy, business acumen, and diverse funding can generate sustainable income from storyteller and documentary production.

Her foundation, she noted, is committed to empowering media professionals to create positive change, amplify marginalised voices, and improve the lives of the most vulnerable.

She said that her team worked to support and creates platforms for voices and stories that need to be heard and be included in the global narrative.

In her remarks, the Director-General, AFIDFF, Mrs Malame Mangzha, told NAN that the workshop targeted public relations and media officers from partner organisations of the foundation.

She said: “We picked our participants from media departments of organisations we have been working in partnership with for the past few years.

“We deemed it fit and important to empower these officers and our new generation content creators, to create contents that could drive impact in communities and the society at large.

“While they could also be generating income in the process. However, our expectation at the end of the day is to see them tell their own stories with their own voices, in their own narratives.”

Mangzha also said that the two-day interactive workshop was designed to equip participants with practical skills in creative storytelling and production.

She added that it would include hands-on training, collaborative exercises, and real-time feedback to help participants’ crafts and expand their creative vision.

NAN reports that participants at the workshop included personnel from various organisation such as the National Commission for Museums and Monument, National Troupe of Nigeria, National Park Services.

Also present at the event are, National Film and Video Censor Board, social media content producers among others. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Halima Sheji

Primate Ndukuba urges Nigerians to serve God, humanity in love

Philip Daniel Yatai
Apr, Fri, 2025

Religious

Primate Ndukuba urges Nigerians to serve God, humanity in love

By Angela Atabo

The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has urged Nigerians to serve God and humanity sacrificially, following the example of Jesus Christ.

He made the call during his message on Maundy Thursday, a Christian observance that commemorates the washing of the disciples’ feet and the institution of the Last Supper.

The term Maundy is derived from the Latin word Mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ new commandment to love and serve one another.

According to Ndukuba, Holy Week begins with the celebration of Palm Sunday and proceeds with a series of events that reflect what Jesus did, taught, and endured during the final week of His earthly ministry, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection.

He said Maundy Thursday “highlights the significance of Jesus’ actions on the eve of His crucifixion, particularly His act of humility in washing the feet of His disciples, a task traditionally reserved for servants.”

Preaching from John 13:1–17, Ndukuba emphasised the importance of servant leadership, humility, and love, which Jesus demonstrated through this symbolic act.

“Today, we remember how He instituted the Last Supper, during the Jewish celebration of the Passover.

“That evening, Jesus gathered with His disciples for a meal, took bread, broke it, and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’

“When He had finished, He sat down and said, ‘You call me Teacher and Lord—and rightly so, for that is what I am.

“If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set an example for you to follow.

“He also took the cup, blessed it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for many.’

The Primate explained that Jesus’ actions fulfilled the message of Mark 10:45, which says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

“On this Maundy Thursday, as we commemorate the Last Supper, I pray the Lord helps us to follow in His footsteps—daily surrendering our lives to God and serving both Him and our fellow humans with love and humility,” he said.

Ndukuba urged Nigerians, especially Christians, to love one another just as Christ loved them and gave Himself for their sake, in fulfillment of His law.

He further explained that Maundy Thursday preceded Good Friday, which “recounts Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, suffering, crucifixion, and ultimately leads to the celebration of His resurrection on Easter Sunday.”

The Primate expressed gratitude to God for His divine love, which sent Jesus to earth as a sacrifice for humanity.

He called on Nigerians to yield their hearts to God and to selfless service toward one another.

Rear Adm. Olusegun Adebare (Rtd.), a member of the congregation, reflected on the significance of the foot-washing ceremony, saying it was a powerful reminder of Christ’s humility.

“Maundy Thursday teaches us that no matter our status—high or low—the Kingdom of God is for all.

“When the priest washes our feet, it symbolises our equal standing before God and our call to serve one another in humility,” he said.

Mrs Ngozi Ikeliane, also a member, echoed the message, emphasising that Jesus’ example is a call to action.

“By washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus clearly instructed us to do the same — to serve one another in love.

“That is why the Church commemorates it — to remind us of the kind of life we are called to live as Christians,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Kevin Okunzuwa