Support
By Doris Esa
Abuja, March 20, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Red Cross Society on Tuesday called for continued support from the Federal Government in disaster and epidemic management in the country.
National President of the society, Mr Bolaji Anani, made the call on Tuesday when he visited the Minister of Interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd).
Anani said that his visit was to solicit support from the ministry because it was key to activities of the society.
According to him, such support will go a long way in dealing with disaster management whenever it occurs.
Anani urged the minister to determine a focal point for the organisation, so that all reports and requests emanating from the society could easily get to him.
“We are requesting at this point for you to determine for us a focal point in your ministry. If there is a focal point, we will now know that all our reports and request will be able to have easy access to you,” Anani said.
He said that the society was the largest Community-Based Organisation in the country, adding that the Society was the first to be called whenever there was a disaster.
“In Nigeria, we are the largest community-based organisation, we are in all 36 states with over 800, 000 volunteers.
“We rushed to the place of disaster to support them whenever it happens, to help those who are vulnerable and carry out evacuation,” he said.
Anani also wants the ministry to be part of its national meetings.
Responding, Damazau assured the organisation of the ministry’s continued support, saying that the focal point it sought would be addressed.
He commended the organisation for rendering humanitarian services regardless of gender, religion, or political inequality.
“We appreciate your services; I believe that we can work very closely for the benefit of our citizens,’’ Damazau said. (NAN)
ORD/FNO/OPI
Edited by Franca Ofili and Olisa Ifeajika