Red Cross urges Nigerians to participate in humanitarian activities
Participation
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, May 7, 2018(NAN) The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), FCT branch, on Monday urged Nigerians to participate in life saving and humanitarian activities, while also encouraging children to get involved in Red Cross clubs in schools.
Mr Taiye Olaniyi, Chairman, NRCS, FCT branch, made the call at Inter School First Aid Quiz and Stimulation competition in Abuja.
Olaniyi said the event was part of activities to commemorate 2018 World Red Cross Day scheduled for May 8 with theme: “Everywhere for Everyone’’.
Olaniyi said it was important for students of primary and secondary schools to participate in Red Cross club to help them inculcate noble values and principles in children.
He added that such principles deter young children from engaging in conflict and any crises as the symbol of Red Cross connotes neither sectarian nor religious connotation, but peace and safety to humanity.
He said the society has its presence in five Area Councils in the FCT, which includes, Abaji, AMAC, Gwagwalada, kuje and Bwari, adding that 84 schools are engaged in Red Cross clubs.
He said the World Red Cross Day, was celebrated all over the world in honour of its founder, Henry Dunant and to sensitise people about the need to participate in lifesaving activities.
“The theme of this year, aims to broaden the understanding of the public on how national societies are addressing humanitarian challenges through original, innovative, and unusual approaches.
“It is also to educate the public about the unique and different ways the organisation work to enable people to engage in providing humanitarian activities and how to protect lives in drastic conditions,’’ he said.
Olaniyi said that the humanitarian challenges in Nigerian were on the increase due to insurgency in the North-east, communal clashes, and other nature-induced disasters.
“Today, our brothers and sisters are in various camps in the FCT and across the country that are vulnerable and subjected to all kinds of illnesses and have limited or no access to medical care.
“Due to financial constrain it is hard for them to feed one square meal a day.
“We therefore encourage Nigerians, especially passionate and committed individuals, to get involved and support the vulnerable group in the society,’’ Olaniyi added.
He said the FCT branch would engage in various activities that are significant to humanity such as sensitisation and awareness walk about activities of the Red Cross.
According to him, no organisation is capable to provide for all the people affected by disasters across the country.
The chairman further urged the government, well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to join hands with the society to make the vulnerable populace happy. (NAN)
TIM/VOE/AFA
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Edited by Vivian Emoni/Felix Ajide