Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has challenged people of the State to be their brother’s keepers at all times and imbibe the culture of volunteerism especially during emergencies, ABN TV reports.
The Governor made the call on Thursday at an event in Umuahia to mark the 2021 World Humanitarian Day.
He noted that humanitarian needs have continued to occur in the society as a result of natural and man-made disasters.
The occasion also had in attendance the Nigerian Country Representative of the African Union-ECOSOC, Dr. Tunji Asaolu, and Amb Adamu Babangida Ibrahim, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea & President of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development alongside other creame de-la creames.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, former Secretary to the Abia State Government, and current Vice President of the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa was also present and delivered the keynote address.
The Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, NGO Matters and Social Development, Dr. Prince Francis Origa said the event was a new dawn for Abia, stating that the state has done what no other state in the entire South East of Nigeria has been able to do, by being the first to appoint a Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs and the first to also mark the World Humanitarian Day in such an elaborate manner.
The occasion witnessed a large crowd who came from all works of life.
Different stakeholders were in attendance including NGOs/CSOs, traditional rulers, students from higher institutions, Youth Corps Members, religious leaders, government officials, and persons living with disabilities amongst others.