Nigerian Humanitarian Leader Honored with Prestigious “Living Legacy” Award
In recognition of his tireless efforts in promoting national development, societal upliftment, and humanity, Solomon Folorunsho, the Coordinator of the Home for the Needy Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, has been awarded the “Living Legacy” humanitarian award. The prestigious honor was conferred upon him during a ceremony held in Abuja, organized by the Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards (HSD Award).
Folorunsho, speaking before receiving the award, emphasized the importance of integrating humanitarian activities into daily life. He noted that the humanitarian community has a duty to work diligently to prevent and alleviate suffering, prioritizing the most vulnerable individuals. The coordinator acknowledged the vast humanitarian needs in Nigeria, highlighting that every person, regardless of their background or faith, deserves aid and support.
“Everybody you see today crying in the streets or suffering is a potential doctor, engineer, president, or lawyer,” Folorunsho said. “Though we are in Nigeria today and may not be many, the work we are doing will inspire others to join us.”
Folorunsho’s experience has shown that those who extend a helping hand to the needy, regardless of their age, are blessed. He emphasized the need to provide equal opportunities to every human being, as this will yield positive results everywhere.
The Home for the Needy IDP camp, under Folorunsho’s leadership, has been providing humanitarian services to vulnerable individuals. He believes that Nigerians are neighbors to themselves and that everyone in need of help is, in fact, a neighbor.
Similarly, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and a fellow awardee, highlighted the vulnerability of Nigerians in the North East geo-political zone. He emphasized the need for humanitarian bodies to come together under a single umbrella to protect aid workers and ensure their efforts are successful.
Jamoh also urged the media to change their narrative by educating the public on the common terms that harm the less privileged in humanitarian activities. He noted that Nigeria is often considered one of the most dangerous countries for aid workers, making it essential for media teams to report responsibly and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the humanitarian community.
The HSD Award is an annual event that celebrates individuals and organizations in Nigeria for their significant contributions to humanitarian causes and societal development. The ceremony was held in commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, which is observed annually on August 20.
