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On this World Humanitarian Day, we honour the courageous changemakers who bring light to the world’s darkest places, where hope rises above the silent screams of Plateau’s conflicts, where resilience defies the living graves of Northern strife, and where renewal blooms even in the Niger Delta’s wounded lands.

These brave humanitarians stand as beacons of solidarity, proving that where suffering exists, so does the unyielding spirit of compassion. This year's theme, "Strengthening Global Solidarity, Empowering Local Communities," reminds us that effective humanitarian action requires working hand-in-hand with affected populations - not treating them as passive recipients, but as active partners in shaping their own recovery.

At ACT Foundation, we pay special tribute to our grantees who have shown extraordinary courage across critical humanitarian sectors. In healthcare, Lifebank Technology delivers life-saving blood supplies to emergency scenes while DRASA battles deadly outbreaks through infection control. For gender-based violence response, WARIF operates safe houses for survivors and Stand To End Rape provides crucial legal aid. In displacement crises, Adara Foundation shelters displaced families, and Nuru Nigeria empowers farmers to boost yields, incomes, and community resilience through better agriculture, markets, and health in conflict zones. These frontline workers face unimaginable hardships, often knowing each mission could be their last.

The dangers humanitarian workers face is both constant and complex. Beyond physical threats like explosives, kidnappings, and aerial bombardments, they navigate delicate political landscapes where even well-intentioned advocacy can provoke resentment or accusations of interference. From the war-torn deserts of Gaza to Sudan's conflict-ravaged farmlands, from Benue's violent crisis zones to Ogoni's environmentally devastated communities, these brave individuals continue their work despite the risks.

The statistics paint a grim picture. According to The Aid Worker Security Database, in 2025 alone, 248 humanitarians were killed, 110 wounded, 56 kidnapped, and 30 detained. The gender breakdown shows 107 men, 31 women, and 306 of unspecified gender among the casualties. When we expand our view to include 2024-2025, the numbers become even more staggering: 631 killed, 418 wounded, 181 kidnapped, and 75 detained - totaling 1,305 lives directly affected.

These numbers represent real people - aid workers facing organ harvesting, extrajudicial killings, detention without cause, and constant danger from both armed groups and deteriorating conditions. They endure rejection from suspicious communities and work in increasingly hostile environments, all while trying to deliver life-saving assistance to approximately 305 million people in need worldwide - a ratio that leaves humanitarian workers vastly outnumbered.

Despite these challenges, the humanitarian spirit endures. Each day, workers from organizations like Mamamoni (empowering vulnerable women), The Irede Foundation (supporting amputees), and Solar Sister Nigeria (bringing light to crisis zones) continue reaching those in need. Their work is not just about delivering supplies - it's about restoring dignity, rebuilding communities, and reminding the world of our shared humanity.

On this World Humanitarian Day, we honor their sacrifice and recommit ourselves to supporting their vital work. We must advocate for their protection, amplify their stories, and ensure that those who dedicate their lives to helping others are not forgotten. The risks they face remind us that humanitarian work is not just a profession, it is a calling that demands our deepest respect and unwavering support.