Mrs Adebola Kolawole, Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State Branch, has urged politicians, corporates and individuals to be kind to humanitarian organisations for the benefit of those in need.
Kolawole made the call on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the 159th World Red Cross Day (WRCD), which is marked on May 8 annually.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the state branch of NRCS with the theme #BeHumanKIND.
According to Kolawole, the economic situation globally calls for kindness and help, and individuals who are privileged should look out for those in need.
“Be kind to one another. Be your brother’s keeper. If you see somebody without food, give them food.
“All those monies used for frivolous activities, bring them to Red Cross, Lagos state branch, we will utilise it well and help you use it to meet the needs of people,” she said.
She explained that as an auxiliary to state government, the Red Cross had been working hand-in-hand in disaster and emergency responses, such as building collapse, flooding and vehicle road accidents.
Others, according to her, are in the area of sensitisation on health matters including HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID-19 and also on measles, polio, malaria, blood donation and immunisation.
The chairman said the branch had a lot of ongoing projects which were being deprived of resources to accomplish them.
The Branch Secretary, Mr Olakunle Lasisi, said some of the humanitarian projects of the branch included setting up a laboratory to upgrade the Community Health Based Clinic for investigations and better management of ailments.
He also cited purchase of 10 utility vehicles to ease their transportation movement during disaster response operations and community service programmes.
Others are, purchase of two ambulances to ease transportation of victims/casualties from disaster spots to hospitals and referral of refugees for prompt medical attention, and upgrade of the Disaster Management Response Department, for prompt effective and efficient response by providing standard training materials and personal protective equipment.
Lasisi urged the state government, corporate organisations and individuals to support the Red Cross.
Other activities lined up to mark the 159th Anniversary of World Red Cross Day include the commissioning of a pedestrian bridge at Odo-Ogun, an area in Kosofe Local Government Area of the state, on May 10, a sensitisation walk, and blood donation on May 14. (NAN)
