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.
Oluyemisi made the appeal on Friday in Abuja during the 126th anniversary celebration of World Red Cross Day.
“We are celebrating the birth of Henri Dunant, founder of the Red Cross movement, and the establishment of the first organised humanitarian service worldwide,” he said.
Oluyemisi commended Red Cross volunteers for providing humanitarian assistance without expecting reward, noting that they serve people regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status.
“Our work is not limited by borders or status because suffering does not ask for identification,” he said. “We should be united for humanity because that is what brings unity to humanity.”
He emphasised that compassion and kindness form the foundation of peaceful coexistence and urged stronger collaboration among communities, government, and humanitarian organisations to prevent crises and improve disaster management.
“No single organisation can address humanitarian challenges alone. We rely on partnerships to pool resources and deliver aid more effectively,” Oluyemisi added.
He hailed the dedication of Red Cross volunteers, describing them as the backbone of humanitarian efforts who often work in dangerous conditions.
Also speaking, Ms. Rhoda Samande, Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, said the organisation runs programmes focused on grassroots communities, including first aid training, emergency response, and support for internally displaced persons.
Ms. Doris Doueihy, Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Nigeria, noted that humanitarian needs are increasing globally while funding continues to shrink.
“We are responding to emergencies with food, water, shelter, psychosocial support, and other interventions, but we cannot fill all the gaps alone,” she said.
Dr. Awan Muhammad, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, acknowledged the sacrifices of volunteers across Nigeria and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
