The Organising Committee of the Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards (HSDA) 2026 has unveiled the recipients of this year’s honours following what it described as a rigorous, transparent and merit-based selection process.
The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja, where the committee disclosed that the awards ceremony will hold on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of Abuja Continental Hotel. Red carpet activities are scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m.
The annual awards, held to commemorate World Humanitarian Day, recognise individuals, public officials, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists and institutions that have made significant contributions to humanitarian service, social development, nation-building and community empowerment.
According to the committee, this year’s awardees emerged after months of nominations, independent assessments, stakeholder consultations and detailed evaluations based on humanitarian impact, integrity, innovation, sustainability and long-term contributions to society.
It said the 2026 edition celebrates leaders and changemakers whose achievements have strengthened communities, inspired hope and contributed to national development.
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Mkpa Agu Mkpa, former Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University and Vice President of the Institute of Humanitarian Studies and Social Development, on the theme: “Diamonds of Humanity: Celebrating the Power of Service and Transformational Leadership.”
The event will also feature the sub-theme: “2027: Inspiring Citizens to Elect Leaders of Character, Service and Transformational Vision,” aimed at promoting conversations on values-based leadership, active citizenship and the need for visionary leadership.
Among the recipients are Usman Ododo, who will receive the Humanitarian Governor of the Year Award, and Muktar Betara Aliyu, who has been named recipient of the Lifetime Humanitarian Hero Award for his decades of humanitarian service, philanthropy and commitment to community development.
Also honoured is Hillary Obioma Ibegbulem, who will receive the Philanthropic Personality of the Year Award in recognition of his philanthropic interventions and humanitarian initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Organising Committee, its chairman said the awards celebrate individuals and institutions whose compassion has translated into measurable impact.
“Our awardees embody the highest ideals of service, leadership and humanity. Their remarkable contributions remind us that true greatness is measured by the lives we transform and the hope we inspire,” he said.
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the special edition of The Charity HSD Magazine, which will showcase humanitarian icons, impactful initiatives and stories of transformational leadership.
The event will also witness the fundraising launch for the DiamondHeart Legacy Center, a proposed centre for humanitarian leadership, research, innovation, training and youth empowerment. The project is expected to serve as a hub for developing ethical leaders, advancing humanitarian research and strengthening institutional capacity across Nigeria and Africa.
The committee said the event is expected to attract government officials, diplomats, traditional rulers, captains of industry, donor agencies, development partners, humanitarian organisations, academics, faith leaders, business executives, youth groups and media practitioners from across the country.
It congratulated all award recipients and invited stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the celebration of humanitarian excellence and national development.
The Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards 2026 is powered by DiamondHeart Initiatives Ltd/GTE. The complete list of award recipients is available on diamondheartinitiatives.org
