The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has called for stronger partnerships to address emerging humanitarian challenges in Anambra, including climate-related disasters, armed conflicts and mass displacement.
Chairman of the NRCS in the state, Prof. Charity Emelie, made the appeal yesterday in Awka during the 2025 World Red Cross Day celebration, with the theme, “On the Side of Humanity.”
World Red Cross Day is observed annually on May 8 to commemorate the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, and to honour the staff and volunteers who uphold humanitarian values worldwide.
Emelie identified key humanitarian challenges in Anambra, such as insecurity, severe flooding across eight local government areas, displacement of residents, and widespread erosion.
“The Red Cross Society is drawing the attention of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and relevant stakeholders to these disaster-prone rural areas where basic necessities are lacking,” she said, “This call to action is crucial as humanitarian needs are rising at an alarming rate, while funding continues to dwindle.
“We plead for your support so we can remain on the side of humanity.”
She also commended the dedication, sacrifice and commitment of Red Cross volunteers across the state.
NRCS’s branch secretary, Mr Kingsley Okoye, noted that the society recently distributed hygiene and sanitary items to 400 women and girls affected by the 2024 flood disaster in the state.
He said relief materials and cash assistance were also provided to 1,100 households affected by the flooding.
According to him, the gesture is with support from donor agencies including the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department.
“The scale and complexity of today’s crises require collective action. No single actor can address these challenges alone, hence our appeal for broader support and collaboration,” Okoye said.
