WRITTEN BY PROF. PETER KATCHY

Member countries of the United Nations are observing today as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day to ponder over the invaluable contributions of the Societies for global peace and humanitarian services. The celebration is in commemoration of the founder of the Red Cross Movement, Jean Henry Dunant, a Swiss Citizen born on May 8, 1828 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Jean Henry Dunant started his humanitarian services in the battle field of Solferino in Northern Italy in June 1859. The present day Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was formerly founded in 1863. The Theme for this year’s World Red Cross Day is LOVE FOR HUMANITY. The theme is in recognition and honour to the teaming volunteers all over the world who have shown love of humanitarian actions and experience in the field of emergencies as first responders.

The Red Cross in Nigeria, which at that time was a Branch of the British Red Cross, appeared for the first time in 1917, when an Adamu Orisha play was staged in Lagos to raise funds for the Red Cross to provide relief for returning soldiers of first World War. In April 1951, the Headquarters of the Nigerian Branch of the British Red Cross was opened in Lagos by the Governor-General.

In August, 1960 the two Legislative Houses passed the Nigeria Red Cross Society Act and the General Conventions Acts. With the formal handover by the Vice Chairman of the British Red Cross Society, the Countess of Limerick, to the Prime Minister of the Federation, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The Nigerian Red Cross became an Independent National Society in February, 1961 following the official recognition by the President of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society.

The objective of the Red Cross Society is based on Seven Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. As a neutral body, it does not take sides in hostilities, political, racial or religious issues. The desire to bring assistance and relief without discrimination to the wounded in the battle field and in any disaster in its international and national capacity is a purpose and objective of Red Cross.

A non-profit organization with homogenous acceptance throughout the world, membership of Red Cross Society is open to all and depends on the benevolence of all who are filled with the milk of human kindness to achieve its desired objectives. Every emanating disaster situation, preparedness for disaster, prevention for disaster, mitigation and rapid response to emergency situations are all anchored and piloted by the volunteers and members of Red Cross.

The day is basically to draw the attention of the world leaders and latent global organizations on the pertinent need to embark on rapid response to disaster emergencies and funding of humanitarian operations. It is very imperative to create enabling environment in order to achieve global security and safety which is central to world economic and social order in all facets of human endeavours.

The day is therefore celebrated to provide relief and peace to the injured people to prevent death rate due to the disasters of any kind, as well as in initiating active efforts all over the world to reduce casual death rate because of epidemic illness. It also helps people living in the vulnerable areas to manage the public health emergencies, empowering its members, civil societies and others in communities to provide immediate response to the health disasters in the vulnerable situations. The day equally helps the wounded people on the battlefield by organizing the nursing care and avails the treatment for prisoners of war and helps in searching the missing persons during conflict.

The World Red Cross Day 2019 celebration in Anambra State has commenced. Each Division of Nigeria Red Cross Society in the twenty-one (21) Divisions of Anambra State has embarked on ONE DIVISION, ONE PROJECT FOR THE WEEK of World Red Cross Day. The Grand Finale of the World Red Cross Day Celebration proper is scheduled for Sunday, May 12, 2019 at State Red Cross Headquarters, Amawbia. At this particular time in our country, let us have Love For Humanity.

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