Humanitarian
By Olatunde Ajayi
Ibadan, Dec. 11, 2025 (NAN) The Nigerian Red Cross Society has reaffirmed its commitment toward the provision of support for victims of insecurity, violence and various disasters in the country.
Mr Samson Ajilore, Chairman, Red Cross Society, Ibadan North West Division, stated this during the society’s end-of-the-year get-together party in Ibadan on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also witnessed the installation of the society’s Vice Patrons and associate members.
Ajilore said that the Red Cross has not failed in its efforts to complement the government’s efforts in the area of disaster preparedness/response, health and social welfare.
He, however, urged the general public not to see the Red Cross Society as a full Christian organisation but a society of humanitarian-minded persons.
Ajilore lamented that inadequate funding has been a very serious limiting factor to the realisation of the laudable goals of the society.
“We have had to discontinue a number of programmes such as the HIV Project and the Ambulance Patrol Service, many years back, because of the non-availability of a good ambulance fit for the job.
“These are services that saved millions of lives in the past and are still desirable and needed now.
“The sources of finance for the management of the society are via voluntary donations from humanitarian-minded persons and the annual dues paid by members.
“I seize this opportunity to appeal to the various categories of members to please pay up their annual dues regularly.
“What we need to pay are tokens, but little drops of water make a mighty ocean,” he said.
The event’s chairperson, Mrs Modupe Ayoola, the Registrar of the College of Health Science and Hygiene, Ibadan, lauded members for their selfless services to the public despite limited resources.
Ayoola disclosed that the society had, over the years, been responsible for the training of the college’s students on basic rescue and disaster management skills.
“This initiative has enhanced the college’s capacity to respond to emergencies and the promotion of health awareness programmes,” she said.
NAN reports that Dr Victoria Ademilua, Registrar, Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, and Chief Abdulfatai Aare-Latosa, the Baale of Onireke Community in Ibadan, were decorated as Vice Patrons. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TUN/MAS
Edited by Moses Solanke