Abuja: Mr Adeaga Oluyemisi, National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has urged Nigerians to remain united in humanity, warning that division weakens disaster response efforts during crises and emergencies across communities nationwide. Oluyemisi made the appeal in Abuja during the 163rd anniversary celebration of World Red Cross Day, emphasising that unity strengthened every hand reaching out to support vulnerable people everywhere globally.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oluyemisi highlighted that Red Cross volunteers provided humanitarian assistance without expecting payment, adding that they remained committed to bringing hope and relief to needy people regardless of circumstances, religion, ethnicity, language, or social status. ‘Our work is not limited by borders, language, or status, because suffering does not ask for identification before it arrives,’ he stated, urging citizens to embrace compassion and humanity in everyday interactions.
Oluyemisi stressed that kindness remained th
e foundation of societies enduring difficult situations peacefully together. He remarked, ‘When we act with compassion, we remind each other that dignity belongs to everyone, not just the fortunate few,’ highlighting that humanitarian values strengthened peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among communities nationwide.
According to him, the anniversary also renewed the organisation’s commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and independence, principles that enable Red Cross workers to provide assistance fairly without discrimination during humanitarian emergencies and conflicts worldwide. ‘These principles allow us to operate where others cannot, to speak for those without a voice, and to deliver aid without discrimination,’ he added.
Ms Rhoda Samande, Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, mentioned that the organisation operated programmes targeting grassroots communities and vulnerable populations nationwide. Samande explained that the organisation trained
grassroots residents in first aid and emergency response skills, encouraging beneficiaries to transfer acquired knowledge within their communities.
Ms Doris Doueihy, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Nigeria, celebrated the volunteers of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movements worldwide. Doueihy highlighted the increasing humanitarian demands globally despite shrinking financial resources available for humanitarian interventions. ‘Humanitarian needs are huge today more than ever. We all know that humanitarian funds are shrinking around the world,’ she pointed out.
Dr Awan Muhammad, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of volunteers working across Nigeria and other countries. He noted that their dedication remained the major significance of the annual World Red Cross Day celebration, assuring that the organisation would continue supporting humanitarian activities and vulnerable popu
lations across Nigeria and beyond consistently.