NRCS Tasks Media On Coverage Of Humanity Related Issues

In a bid to address the pressing humanitarian challenges faced in the country, the Nigeria Red Cross Society, NRCS, is urging the media to prioritize coverage of humanity-related matters.

At a Media conference in Abuja to highlight some of the activities to commemorate this year’s World Red Cross Day, President of NRCS, Mr Oluwayemisi Adeaga emphasised the need to elevate issues such as poverty, healthcare, education and disaster response.

In a world, often consumed by sensationalism and superficial news coverage, there is a growing lcall for the media to prioritize humanitarian issues and place them at the forefront of their reporting.

With some parts of Nigeria currently grappling with numerous humanitarian challenges, collaboration between the media and organizations like the Nigerian Red Cross society has become increasingly vital as the media serves as a powerful tool for disseminating information, raising awareness, to significantly enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts.

President of the society, Oluwayemisi Adeaga highlighted that many humanitarian crises remained unnoticed or misunderstood due to limited media coverage.

According to him, by shedding light on these issues, the media can educate the public and foster a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those in need.

“If you are able to arouse the interest of everyone of us in humanitarian activities the better for the communities and the nation”.

“We need the collaborative effort of the media. Let us have a Pess Day for humanity in collaboration with the Red Cross society to promote activities of humanitarian organizations”, He explained.

On the World Red Cross Day, themed “Keeping Humanity Alive,” Mr. Adeaga emphasized its significance in celebrating the dedicated volunteers and staff tirelessly working to alleviate suffering in vulnerable communities.

“The NRCS is set to celebrate the power of our collective efforts at impacting on the citizenry. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Keeping Humanity Alive”. it resonates deeply, as we reflect on the countless lives touched, the hope restored, and the resilience empowered through our work”.

“In a world where crises and conflicts continue to unfold with overwhelming personal burdens, it is easy to feel apathetic against volunteering for humanity. Yet, we stand here today as a testament to the spirit of human capacity for compassion, kindness, and generosity. We are the messengers of hope, the beacons of light in the darkest moments.

“In the course of our commitment, we have witnessed the worst of brutality to humanity, but we also have seen the very best in human kindness. Strangers have become united into a single family, great community efforts in resilience have been observed with individuals rising above adversity. We’ve seen humanity at its most vulnerable, despairing, and yet most resilient states.

“As we celebrate the 2024 World Red Cross Day, we honour the unsung heroes, the volunteers, the staff, and the supporters who embody and imbibe the Red Cross spirit. We recognize the tireless efforts, the selfless acts, and the unwavering dedication to our shared visions.

“We most humbly remember those who have paid the supreme price in active service” he said.

He highlighted some of the
activities lined up
for the commemoration of World Red Cross Day to include road walk to educate Nigerians on the activities of Red Cross, Free Medical outreach among others.

Also speaking, the Communication Coordinator of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Qusai Alazroni and the operations Manager of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mr Hopewell Muyari underscored the diverse ways their organizations support NRCS activities.

They urged Nigerians to support NRCS in fulfilling its mandate and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with Nigerian communities to address humanitarian challenges and foster resilience.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji