The Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ogun State Branch, Dr Jide Ibrahim Bello, has called for increased support from governments, corporate bodies and individuals to address rising humanitarian challenges in the state.
Bello made the appeal on Friday, during a press conference to commemorate the 2026 World Red Cross Day, where he highlighted the organisation’s achievements, challenges and future priorities.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “United for Humanity,” Bello described it as a rallying call for collective action in tackling growing global and local crises.
He said, “In a world faced with increasing humanitarian challenges, our strength lies in unity. No single institution can do it alone. It is through collaboration across communities, governments and partners that meaningful impact can be achieved.”
The chairman noted that the Ogun branch recorded significant interventions in 2025 despite what he described as a “difficult operating environment” marked by climate-related disasters, disease outbreaks and economic hardship.
According to him, the branch, in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Health, trained volunteers on Mpox surveillance and response, strengthening grassroots preparedness against disease outbreaks.
He added that the organisation intensified health promotion and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene campaigns in vulnerable communities, particularly in flood-prone areas, leading to improved hygiene awareness and disease prevention.
Bello further disclosed that the branch conducted a nutritional needs assessment across selected communities to address rising food insecurity and malnutrition, especially among children.
“The outcome of this assessment is already guiding targeted interventions and strengthening advocacy efforts aimed at improving food security in the state,” he said.
On disaster management, Bello revealed that over 3,000 households across Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode and Ogun Waterside benefitted from the Red Cross’s resilience-building initiatives under its REBUMAA project.
He explained that early warning systems were strengthened through volunteer training, flood sensitisation campaigns in communities such as Ibiade, Iwopin, Igile and Sokori, as well as the installation of manual river gauges.
The chairman also stressed the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding and accountability, noting that volunteers underwent training on prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as sexual and gender-based violence.
Highlighting youth development, Bello said the branch organised first aid competitions, camping exercises and established a Disaster Risk Reduction Club at St. Kizito Senior School, Iwopin, to nurture future humanitarian leaders.
Despite these gains, Bello lamented challenges including inadequate logistics, increasing humanitarian demands and the absence of a permanent office for the branch.
“These constraints are significant, but they also push us to do more and reach more vulnerable people,” he said.
He reiterated the branch’s commitment to expanding its humanitarian footprint, strengthening emergency preparedness and deepening youth engagement.
Bello urged stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to support the Red Cross in its mission to alleviate suffering and build resilient communities.
“As we mark 163 years of humanitarian service globally, we must remain united, committed and focused on humanity,” he added.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
