By Bavoriat Dabo
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to promoting compassion, solidarity, and humanitarian service to strengthen national unity and community resilience.
General Musa made the remark during the commemoration of World Humanitarian Day held at Kpaduma community in Abuja. The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, said the event was an opportunity for the Armed Forces to show gratitude to the host community for its longstanding cooperation and support.
He explained that World Humanitarian Day goes beyond a global observance, stressing that for the military, it serves as a reminder of the dual responsibility of safeguarding national security and extending compassion to the people.
“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 a medical outreach — are small but sincere tokens of our appreciation to the people of Kpaduma for their friendship and support over the years,” he said.
General Musa commended the resilience and hospitality of Kpaduma community while saluting humanitarian actors across the world for their selfless sacrifices. According to him, the Armed Forces will continue to partner with civil society, humanitarian groups, and host communities to build a more compassionate and united Nigeria.
Delivering a goodwill message, the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, represented by Dr. Modupe Ogunshina, described the occasion as a reflection of DEPOWA’s humanitarian mission. She noted that the association has remained consistent in its interventions through medical care, educational support, and empowerment programmes targeted at vulnerable populations.
“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 recognize 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 further urged Nigerians to embrace kindness and compassion, stressing that “nobody is too small or too big to extend a hand of hope.” She encouraged the people of Kpaduma and all beneficiaries to continue building a community anchored on cooperation and unity.
In his remarks, the Chief District Head of Kpaduma, His Royal Highness Alhaji Akimi Ahmed Mohammed, commended the Defence Headquarters and DEPOWA for extending humanitarian assistance to his people. He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the community and the Armed Forces, noting that the military has always responded swiftly in times of need.
“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 encourage my people to remain law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies so that this partnership continues to grow stronger,” he said.
The event featured the distribution of food items, other relief materials, and a medical outreach that provided healthcare services to residents.
World Humanitarian Day is commemorated annually on August 19 to honour humanitarian workers, volunteers, and security personnel who dedicate their lives to protecting vulnerable populations and upholding human dignity.
This year’s commemoration in Kpaduma further highlighted the Armed Forces’ resolve to combine national defence with compassion and community service.
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