Prof Uche calls for humanitarian ethics, accountability in Nigeria’s leadership

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, Professor Uwaoma Kalu Uche, has called for the strengthening of humanitarian ethics and values in leadership as a pathway to building a sustainable, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

Professor Uche made the call while delivering the keynote public lecture at the 16th Annual Humanitarian Lecture of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development (IHSD) held on Saturday in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Humanitarian Ethics and Values in Leadership: The Pathway to Building a Sustainable, Peaceful, and Prosperous Nigeria,” Uche said Nigerian leaders must place human dignity, wellbeing and the protection of vulnerable citizens at the centre of governance.

He defined humanitarianism as the act of helping people suffering from war, poverty and sickness, saving lives and providing food, shelter and medical care, while treating every person with respect and dignity without bias or segregation.

Uche said ethical humanitarian leadership must be anchored on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, stressing that leaders must be accountable to the people they govern and prioritise community-centred action.

According to him, humanity requires leaders to address human suffering wherever it occurs, with emphasis on protecting life, health and human dignity.

He also stressed the need for impartiality and independence in the delivery of assistance, saying support should be based strictly on need and remain free from political, economic, tribal or military interests.

The university don called for greater integrity and courage among public officials, particularly when confronted with pressure and complex crises, adding that leadership development must include training in anti-corruption, digital ethics, integrity and accountability.

Uche said humanitarian principles should be embedded in public policy, urging government to strengthen social protection systems, expand access to healthcare and education, improve food security and protect vulnerable citizens from economic shocks.

He advocated rights-based legislation to protect marginalised and vulnerable groups, as well as permanently funded emergency response systems capable of responding swiftly and fairly to disasters, insecurity, pandemics and economic crises.

Uche further called for greater citizen participation in governance through mechanisms such as community-led town hall meetings, participatory budgeting and decentralised decision-making.

He warned that silence in the face of wrongdoing should not be mistaken for neutrality, arguing that leadership failure to respond adequately to terror attacks, insecurity and the suffering of communities amounts to complicity.

According to him, “When those in authority protect corruption instead of confronting it, they become partners in the suffering of the people.”

He said Nigeria’s future depends on leaders who choose integrity over corruption, insecurity and political convenience.

On corruption, Uche described it as the use of public power and position for private or selfish gain, noting that the practice undermines public trust and worsens poverty.

He said corruption manifests in different forms, including diversion of funds meant for roads, schools and hospitals, bribery, abuse of office and other practices that deny citizens access to essential services.

The professor stressed that humanitarianism and the fight against corruption must go hand in hand, noting that corruption prevents food, medical supplies and other assistance from reaching vulnerable populations.

He urged government to make budgets and public allocations transparent and accessible to citizens, while ensuring that individuals who steal public funds are punished without selective application of justice.

Uche also advocated greater protection for whistleblowers, investigative journalists and public officials who expose corruption, as well as stronger legal institutions capable of treating citizens equally.

He recommended merit-based recruitment, transparent procurement systems, greater autonomy for anti-corruption and security agencies, inclusive coalitions involving civil society and humanitarian organisations, and stronger community participation in combating corruption and insecurity.

The professor said corruption should no longer be viewed only as a financial or legal offence but also as a violation of human dignity because it deprives vulnerable citizens of resources needed for survival.

The lecture was one of the major highlights of the 16th Annual Humanitarian Lecture, which also featured the official launch of the scholarly book, Materialism and Humanitarianism, authored by Professor of Humanitarianism, Ambassador Prince Francis Origa, PhD.

The event also witnessed the conferment of honours on prominent Nigerians and institutions recognised for their contributions to humanitarianism, leadership, education, security and national development.
Among those honoured were Her Excellency, Dr Patience Goodluck Jonathan, and Professor Gregory Ibe, alongside other distinguished personalities.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa, former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University, and the Commander-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were among the dignitaries represented at the event.

Also represented were the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), UN Women and the Abia State Government, with the Abia State Governor represented by the Senior Special and Liaison Officer, Abuja.

The representatives and delegates delivered goodwill messages, commending IHSD for promoting humanitarian education, ethical leadership and social development, while stressing the need for stronger collaboration among government, academia, international organisations and humanitarian institutions to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Professor Uche was also inducted as a Distinguished Humanitarian Fellow during the ceremony, alongside other personalities honoured for their contributions to humanitarian and national development.

The event also featured the graduation of participants who completed various programmes at the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development.

The ceremony, held at Haris Hotel and Suites, Wuye, Abuja, brought together academics, government officials, humanitarian practitioners, security stakeholders and development professionals.

The event was organised by the Institute for Humanitarian Studies and Social Development in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL Nigeria.