As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Day, we at Grow Strong Foundation reflect on our country’s journey—its trials, triumphs, and, most importantly, its untapped potential. In a nation as diverse and complex as Nigeria, the humanitarian needs are equally multifaceted. Our vision for the future is clear: to build Nigeria where no one is left behind, where the most vulnerable are protected, and where collective action and resilience define our nation’s response to crises.
The Humanitarian Challenge in Nigeria
Nigeria has faced significant humanitarian challenges over the years, from conflicts in the Northeast, to floods, food insecurity, and health crises. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), more than 8.3 million people in Northeast Nigeria alone are in need of humanitarian assistance as of 2023. These challenges call for a visionary and sustainable approach to humanitarian response that goes beyond immediate relief and addresses the root causes of vulnerability.
A Vision of Human-Centered Development
At Grow Strong Foundation, we envision a Nigeria where every person, regardless of their background, is empowered to lead a dignified life. This means moving beyond short-term relief efforts and focusing on long-term solutions that promote resilience, peace, and sustainable development. Our response is grounded in human-centered development, a philosophy that emphasizes the empowerment of individuals and communities as active participants in their recovery and development.
This vision echoes the sentiments of development theorist Amartya Sen, whose book Development as Freedom argues that development should not be measured merely by economic growth but by the expansion of people’s freedoms and capabilities . In the Nigerian context, this means building a humanitarian response that fosters independence and self-reliance, where people have the tools, knowledge, and resources to rebuild their own communities.
Addressing Gender and Vulnerability
Women and children have borne the brunt of Nigeria’s humanitarian crises. As a foundation, we believe that focusing on gender-responsive interventions is critical to addressing vulnerability. The stories of resilience, like that of Aisha, a widow in Northeast Nigeria who started a business to support other widows in her community, highlight the importance of empowering women as agents of change. According to the World Economic Forum, women’s active participation in peacebuilding can reduce conflict and instability by 20–30% .
Our ongoing projects, in partnership with UNICEF and UN OCHA, aim to provide support to women in conflict zones, not only through relief efforts but by offering vocational training, psychosocial support, and leadership opportunities. This aligns with the recommendations of The United Nations Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, which emphasizes the need for greater inclusion of women in peace and humanitarian efforts .
Strengthening Community Resilience
As a country, Nigeria has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. However, this resilience must be bolstered by systems and structures that can withstand future shocks. Our humanitarian response vision centers on strengthening community resilience by investing in local capacities and creating platforms for communities to take ownership of their development.
In his book The End of Poverty, economist Jeffrey Sachs highlights the importance of investing in community infrastructure and local solutions to break the cycle of poverty . Similarly, Grow Strong Foundation’s programs are designed to create sustainable impacts by engaging local stakeholders, strengthening disaster preparedness, and improving access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and clean water.
Collaborating for a Better Future
As we celebrate Nigeria’s independence, it is important to recognize that building a more resilient nation will require collaboration across sectors. Governments, NGOs, international organizations, and local communities must work together to address the country’s humanitarian challenges.
At Grow Strong Foundation, we are committed to fostering these partnerships. Our collaborations with UN agencies, local governments, and other civil society organizations are crucial to scaling our impact and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most. This collaborative spirit is what will drive Nigeria toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas like zero hunger, gender equality, and peace and justice.
A Vision of Hope and Progress
As we reflect on Nigeria’s 64 years of independence, we recognize the immense challenges that lie ahead, but we are also filled with hope. At Grow Strong Foundation, our vision is rooted in the belief that through collective action, empowerment, and resilience, Nigeria can overcome its humanitarian crises and forge a future of peace, progress, and prosperity.
Our commitment remains steadfast: to protect the vulnerable, to empower women and communities, and to create a Nigeria where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. As we look to the future, we call on all Nigerians to join us in this mission, to stand together in the spirit of independence, and to work toward a nation where humanitarian response is not just about aid but about building lasting peace and resilience for generations to come.