De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI) has called for increased humanitarian support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), widows, orphans, persons with disabilities (PWDs), the elderly and other vulnerable groups, urging governments to strengthen disaster preparedness and emergency response systems.
The organisation made the call on Thursday to mark its 2026 Humanitarian Day, observed annually on October 15, with the theme, “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Wellbeing.”
In a statement commemorating the occasion, DNKI International President, Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, urged members of the organisation worldwide to embrace compassion, selfless service and practical assistance to individuals and communities facing hardship.
He said humanitarian service should go beyond special occasions and become a way of life, reflected in daily interactions and collective efforts to build a more caring, inclusive and peaceful society.
Ityohegh urged DNKI chapters across the world to intensify humanitarian interventions in their respective communities, particularly through initiatives that alleviate hardship, promote community development and support disadvantaged populations.
He described the organisation’s guiding principle, “Service to Humanity,” as a responsibility requiring every member to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
According to him, charitable outreach, relief distribution, medical assistance and other community-based interventions could restore dignity, rekindle hope and improve the wellbeing of people experiencing difficult circumstances.
Expressing concern over natural and human-induced disasters affecting communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world, the DNKI president said such emergencies often displace families, destroy livelihoods and leave vulnerable people struggling to meet their basic needs.
He called on members, DNKI chapters and well-meaning individuals to sustain and expand support for disaster-affected communities through the provision of food, clothing, medical supplies, relief materials and other essential assistance, subject to available resources.
He particularly urged members to prioritise IDPs, widows, orphans, PWDs and elderly people, noting that vulnerable populations require collective support to overcome hardship and rebuild their lives.
The DNKI president also called on federal and state governments to strengthen emergency response mechanisms, improve disaster preparedness and ensure the timely delivery of relief services whenever emergencies occur.
He said effective coordination, prompt intervention, adequately equipped response agencies and sufficient resources were essential to saving lives, reducing suffering and restoring hope to affected communities.
Ityohegh commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and other emergency responders for their contributions to rescue operations, disaster management and humanitarian relief across the country.
He said the commitment of emergency responders, humanitarian organisations and voluntary groups to protecting lives and assisting affected communities deserved recognition and sustained support.
Stressing that government alone could not address every humanitarian challenge, he advocated stronger partnerships among public institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, the private sector and voluntary organisations.
According to him, collaboration among these stakeholders would help build a more responsive society capable of supporting citizens during emergencies and other difficult circumstances.
Reaffirming DNKI’s commitment to humanitarian service, Ityohegh said the organisation would continue to contribute to public welfare through humanitarian outreach, responsible engagement and community-focused initiatives.
He maintained that even small acts of kindness could transform lives, restore hope and inspire others to support people in need.
The DNKI president urged members to look beyond personal interests and embrace their collective responsibility to make their communities safer, stronger and more humane.
He called on Norsemen worldwide to stand together in times of adversity, support people facing difficult circumstances and uphold the values of love, unity, integrity and selfless service.
“Humanity must always come first,” he said, urging members to work towards building communities where compassion is practised, vulnerable people receive support and no one is left behind.
He wished Norsemen worldwide a happy 2026 Humanitarian Day and prayed for God’s blessings on DNKI, its members and their families, Nigeria and all countries where members of the organisation reside.