May 7, 2018

Ahead of the World Red Cross Day (WRCD) on May 8, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRC), Lagos State branch, has called for strengthening of the country’s preparedness for emergencies.
Mr Olakunle Lasisi, Lagos state Secretary, NRC, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is marked annually on May 8 to celebrate the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
This date is the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who was born on May 8, 1828.
Dunant is also the recipient of the first Nobel Peace prize.
The theme for the 2018’s celebration is: “Everywhere for Everyone’’, while the sub-theme is: “Smile’’.
Lasisi said that the branch had financial needs that hindered it from carrying out major activities.
“Our emergency response is not strong enough especially as we lack the required tools needed to operate efficiently in times of emergencies.
“For example, we do not have an ambulance and that is a big challenge for us; we need to equip ourselves.
“We also need a bigger warehouse where we can store Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other equipment we can use to respond to emergencies.
“We have limited utility vehicles and it is also a major problem: even the payment of salaries has been a big concern to us,’’ he said.
Consequently, the secretary called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to come to its aid.
“Donations may not necessarily be financial but can come in other forms.
“The donations will help in sustaining the branch’s orphanage, primary healthcare centre and school situated in our premises, as well as to organise other activities we intend to carry out.
“We look forward to people and organisations that can partner with us; for instance, an individual can offer to donate two cars or another may say, this car has been grounded, let us give it to the Red Cross’’.
However, Lasisi commended the society’s members and non-members who had always supported them.
According to him, some organisations have helped the branch offset salaries in the past and also helped with the children in the orphanage.
On the World Red Cross Day, Lasisi said: “It is an important day in the history of the world to celebrate the founder’s life.
“The day also serves to appreciate the big roles the organisation plays in life saving events and in assisting the vulnerable social people all around the world.
“It is aimed at providing relief to the human beings in distress and desolation due to war, food shortage, epidemic diseases or natural calamities;
“the day is also aimed at appraising the activities of the Red Cross and to talk about its challenges.
“It is also a good opportunity for us to celebrate some of our volunteers.
“It is a time to let people know what we have done and what we hope to do better.’’
He revealed that the branch had already kicked off activities for the WRCD with a Quiz and Spelling Bee Competition.
He said that secondary school students had also been submitting their art works for the Arts Competition which would hold on May 8.
According to him, to encourage amateur artists, the best three competitors will be given awards.
“The branch had its annual Thanksgiving Service on May 6 at The Church of Assumption, Falomo, and on Friday May 11, we will be at the Alausa Central Mosque,’’ he said.
He said volunteers who had put in much effort in the humanitarian vision of the branch would be celebrated on May 19, and urged people to identify with the organisation.
“I urge Lagosians to register with the organisation; the membership is not restricted to academic qualification because there is always something to do to help humanity,’’ Lasisi said.
NAN recalls that the Lagos state branch of the NRC was built by the British in 1951 and used to be known as the British Red Cross, Nigeria Branch.