In commemoration of the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), through the leadership of Dr Okai Haruna Aku and in collaboration with strategic partners, embarked on a series of impactful humanitarian activities across multiple states, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to advancing humanitarian service, community support, and reproductive health rights.
In Niger State, the PPFN Niger State Association, in partnership with the Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, hosted a remarkable celebration at the PPFN Minna office. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barrister Mairo, alongside Directors of Humanitarian Services, Rehabilitation, and Information, the State Commandant of Man O’ War, and the State Leader of People with Special Needs.
A major highlight of the event was the provision of free medical services with focus on family planning by PPFN to attendees, addressing their critical sexual and reproductive health needs. Inspired by the impact of PPFN’s volunteerism program, the Permanent Secretary and all attending directors officially registered as PPFN volunteers, pledging their support to expand humanitarian and reproductive health efforts across the state.
Following the celebration, the PPFN NCR team, together with the Permanent Secretary, extended humanitarian gestures to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Minna, donating mattresses and food items to inmates. The Deputy Controller of Corrections, DC Yusuf, expressed gratitude for the donations and appealed for a medical outreach to support sick inmates, a request the NCR team is already considering.
In Borno State, PPFN partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Elela-Care, and the State Ministry of Women Affairs to commemorate the day at the Maiduguri Rehabilitation Centre. The event provided an opportunity to present volunteer registration forms to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, further strengthening collaborations for high-quality volunteer engagement in the region.
In Bauchi State, a medical outreach was conducted, offering family planning and a wide range of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to underserved communities
In Katsina State, the humanitarian outreach focused on Tudun Barau, a community hosting a significant population of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Essential family planning and SRH services were provided, addressing the urgent health needs of displaced and vulnerable populations while promoting well-being and informed reproductive health choices.
Across Plateau, Benue, and other Northern states, dedicated PPFN colleagues and volunteers organized road walks and outreach programs, embodying the theme of compassion and humanitarian service.
The 2025 World Humanitarian Day commemoration by PPFN across Nigeria reflects a renewed commitment to humanitarian values, volunteerism, and access to life-saving health services. From providing free medical care and outreach to displaced and vulnerable populations, to forming partnerships that strengthen the reach and quality of services, PPFN continues to be a beacon of hope, health, and humanity in communities where these values are needed the most.
PPFN extends special appreciation to its dedicated colleagues and selfless volunteers in Niger, Plateau, Benue, Borno, Bauchi, Katsina, and other regions for their tireless efforts in making the celebration impactful.