NIGERIAN RED CROSS - TRULY RED

On the 16th and 17th of April 2013, there was an incident at Baga community in Borno state, Nigeria. It was the heavy clash that broke out between the MNJTF and the Boko Haram (BH) - a radical Islamic group. According to satellite images released by the Human Right Watch (HRW), an estimated 2,275 homes were destroyed by fire and about 125 were severely damaged. The aim of this piece is not to discuss this mayhem, but to highlight the role of a vibrant NGO in the occurrence. As we all know that figures capture the mind; various figures were given as the estimated number of death. The Nigerian Red Cross' figure taken shortly after the incidence caught the public attention, hence contributed to the push for investigation.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) was founded in 1960 and it has its headquarters in Lagos. It has over 350,000 volunteers, 300 permanent employees and offices in all the 36 state of the federation. The Nigerian Red Cross Society was established by an Act of Parliament in 1960 and became the 86th Member – National Society of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Now International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) on 4 February 1961. Although the activities of the Red Cross in the country dates back to 1917 when funds were raised for Nigerian soldiers who fought during World War 1.

Part of their activities remain disaster preparedness and response, community based health programmes (HIV/AIDS, First Aid, WatSan, Motherless and Abandoned Babies homes etc), training, organizational development, communications,  Restoring family links, youth development, alternative to violence and so on. In recent times, they have been a great help to victims of flood, bomb blasts, displaced people, violence and vulnerable people in several states of the nation.

As the world celebrates the World Red Cross Day today, I join other Nigerians in celebrating this society. When we are in the comfort of our homes, they are there helping communities like Baga after a fresh clash, risking their lives for others. The swift response to Baga victims and coming up with reliable figure is also quite commendable. Hence, if other Not-for-Profits organizations and NGOs can contribute in this manner, I am sure the third sector will maximally contribute to achieving sustainable well being of the Nigerian populace.