Table of Contents
- Call to Action
- True Measure of a Nation's Greatness
- Nigeria's Efforts in Humanitarian Duties
- Legislative Measures for Protection
- Commitment to Multilateral Cooperation
- Importance of Peace Over Conflict
- Nigerian Delegation to the IPU Assembly
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on world leaders to reaffirm their dedication to humanitarian responsibilities and moral obligations in addressing global suffering.
Akpabio made this appeal during the Humanitarian Session of the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Senator Osita Ngwu.
He emphasized that the true measure of a nation’s greatness is not its wealth or military power but rather its compassion and commitment to protecting those in need.
“We gather in a world that is weary and wounded, a world that suffers in silence. Three hundred and ten million individuals are in need — these are not mere statistics; they are human faces,” he stated.
The Senate President pointed out that Nigeria remains committed to its humanitarian and constitutional responsibilities by establishing institutions such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the National Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons.
He also underscored several laws implemented to protect vulnerable populations, including the Violence Against Persons Act, the Child Rights Act, the Trafficking in Persons Act, and the Disability Act.
Akpabio reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral cooperation through partnerships with ECOWAS, the Red Crescent, the World Food Programme, and the United Nations to address humanitarian issues and tackle challenges such as climate change and corruption.
He urged global leaders to prioritize peace over conflict, cautioning that wars only result in generational devastation.
“We must halt wars before wars bring us to an end. There are no battlefields — only fields of mourning. Each gunshot extinguishes a dream; each victory buries a generation,” he remarked.
The Nigerian delegation to the IPU Assembly included Senators Ireti Kingibe, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Zam Titus, Folorunsho Ibrahim Jimoh, and Ibrahim Dankwambo, along with Hon. Mark Esset and other members of the House of Representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main message from Godswill Akpabio at the IPU Assembly?
Akpabio urged world leaders to renew their commitment to humanitarian duties and to prioritize compassion and protection for vulnerable populations.
How is Nigeria addressing humanitarian issues?
Nigeria has established several institutions such as the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency, along with enacting laws to protect vulnerable citizens.
What partnerships is Nigeria involved in to tackle humanitarian challenges?
Nigeria collaborates with organizations such as ECOWAS, the Red Crescent, the World Food Programme, and the United Nations to address various humanitarian challenges.
