Lokoja – The Kogi State chapter of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria has celebrated this year’s World Red Cross Day with a call on other stakeholders to remain committed and focused on the humanitarian mission of the organisation.
The state Secretary, Alhaji Dan Usman made the call on Sunday in Lokoja while addressing members of the society as part of activities to mark the day.
He reminded members of the society and other stakeholders that the world is daily becoming a tough place for human beings to live and the need for everybody to sit up.
Usman who was flanked
by the state Chairman, Hon. Isa Umar said the World today is facing situations of violence, international armed conflicts, local conflicts, floods,
climate crises, building collapses, herders/farmers clashes, earthquakes,landslides, mudslides,heatwaves and boat capsizings among others.
“The disturbing ones confronting us in Nigeria include banditry attacks, kidnappings, abductions, insurgencies and terrorism, car jackings, and of course, the monster that looks like it will
be here for a while yet, COVID-19 .
“In the midst of all these, little acts of kindness go a long way. Now, make no mistake. Your one, random, act of kindness may not make the original problem go away entirely.
“But your empathy will trigger feelings of relief and gratitude in the heart of the recipient of the kind gesture.
“In their hearts, they will know that even though things look difficult, they will be fine ultimately,” he said.
According to the Secretary , it is this line of ‘kindness’ thinking that informs every action of the Nigerian Red Cross Society as it goes into communities to implement various programs of all kinds, generally targeted at being kind to people, especially vulnerable populations.
He said the theme of this year’s celebration “BehumanKINDHappy” was very apt, saying it captured the whole essence of the organisation in the society.
“Everything we do at the Red Cross/Red Crescent is driven by kindness,” Usman stated.
He said that the Red Cross/Red Crescent Society as part of its activities in the state carried out the sensitization and mobilisation of over I80,000 people during measles vaccination exercise.
Usman also stated that the society carried out awareness campaigns to some communities in the state to educate inhabitants on Lassa fever and how to prevent its spread.
“The society carried out cash transfer of N63,300 to 100 vulnerables in Jimgbe community , renovated 12 houses of widows in Jimgbe community and
rehabilitated three hand pumps and one borehole at Gadumo, St Luke’s school Lokoja and Jimgbe community,” he said.
Usman explained that the society has also been engaging in search and rescue during flood disasters, road crashes and fire outbreaks across the state.
The Secretary, however, said that lack of office accommodatio and operational vehicles has been hampering the activities of the society. (vitalnews)
