The Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) has appealed to the federal government to promote social justice and inclusion, while placing human dignity at the forefront of governance.

Francis Origa, registrar and chief executive officer of the institute, said the lack of inclusion and unequal treatment had continued to promote violence and agitations across the country.

He made the call in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the 15th Annual Humanitarian Public Lecture and the Pan-African Humanitarian Leadership Award (TPAHLA) in Abuja on Saturday.

The event was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), CIFAR Nigeria, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the African Refugees Foundation.

The theme of the lecture was “Humanitarian Leadership as the Compass for Africa’s Future: Bridging Power, Policy, and People for Peace, Prosperity, and Planet”.

Mr Origa stressed that peace and development depend on meeting citizens’ expectations and upholding the value of human life.

He identified the absence of social justice and inclusion as major factors fuelling division, violence, and unrest.

“The government should live up to the expectations and place human life and human dignity first. Governments should do more to promote social justice and inclusion.

“These are some of the issues that are dividing us as a people and that have continued to promote violence, agitations because people are not equitably treated, people are not having that inclusion in the decisions,” he said.

The IHSD registrar also criticised the current approach to policy-making, saying those representing the people often design policies that suit their personal interests and then “dish it out to the poor masses”.

He urged the government to “allow the poor to breathe” and integrate a “humanitarian faith” into its governance philosophy.

Mr Origa called on Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper and embody the true spirit of humanitarianism, noting that support does not always require financial resources.

According to him, when you see something going wrong with your brother or neighbour, “just a little encouragement, even if you don’t have the money, you can use a little encouragement to support that person”.

He emphasised the need for Nigerians to be more empathetic rather than merely sympathetic, to foster a culture of care and collective responsibility.

Speaking on the event, Mr Origa said it aimed to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Reduction and the International Day of the Girl Child.

He said the lecture brought together participants from various sectors, including government ministries and agencies, development practitioners, and humanitarian organisations to brainstorm on emerging issues.

“The theme of the lecture focused on strengthening African security cooperation from a humanitarian perspective and building strong institutions in Africa using humanitarian values.

“Over 100 students graduated as professional humanitarians, certified with global best practices, while over 35 distinguished humanitarian fellows and honorary special ambassadors were inducted”.

He explained that the criteria for fellowship include a proven track record of service to humanity, exemplary conduct, and passion for humanitarian work.

Applicants, he added, must register, undergo courses, sit for examinations, and pass before being certified.

“The public lecture is actually a gathering of key stakeholders and players in the humanitarian and development sector who come together to lend their voices to happenings in society as they affect human survival and human welfare”.

Chairman of the occasion, Mukhtar Yero, a former governor of Kaduna State, emphasised the importance of humanitarian work and the need for concise and impactful communication.

Mr Yero expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the event and congratulated the graduates and participants.

The minister of youth development, Ayodele Olawande, also stressed the need to empower Nigerian youths to lead through humanitarian service.

Mr Olawande, represented by Obinna Nwaka, director-general, committee of youth on mobilisation and sensitisation (CYMS), urged Nigerians to get involved in humanitarian work.

“The best way to get recognition is when we render humanitarian service. I urge all Nigerians to contribute our quota to the country and not to wait for what the government will do for us”.

Director-general, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),  Zubaida Umar, noted the vital role of humanitarian leadership in promoting good governance and conflict prevention.

Mrs Umar, represented by Fatima Kassim, director of special duties at NEMA, underscored the importance of collaborative partnerships in strengthening humanitarian coordination, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development.

President and chairman, Governing Council of IHSD, Adamu Ibrahim, a former Nigerian ambassador to Guinea, announced the admission of Bokchara Malanyaro into the governing council as an honorary executive adviser.

He said it was in recognition of his commitment to humanitarian activities.

The event also featured keynote speakers, including Osama Tanfa, head of Cross-Border Cooperation at the National Boundary Commission, and Simon Shomkegh of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

They discussed issues such as strengthening Africa’s trans-border peace and security cooperation and promoting humanitarian values and ethics.

The Pan-African Humanitarian Leadership Award recipients were honoured for their exemplary commitment to humanitarian service and leadership.

The event brought together stakeholders, policymakers, and humanitarian professionals to discuss critical issues affecting Africa’s development.

The annual public lecture by IHSD also featured the unveiling of the Pan-African Humanitarian Response Centre, graduation of trained professional humanitarians, and induction of new fellows.

(NAN)