Address of the national president of Nigerian Red Cross society on the observance of World Humanitarian Day, August 19, 2026.

Country: Nigeria Source: Nigerian Red Cross Society To all Red Cross Movement Partners, all NRCS Members, Management and Volunteers of the Nigerian Red Cross Society nationwide and All Humanitarian Service providers globally, On this year's World Humanitarian Day. Good Day All. I extend warm greetings and profound appreciation to every member of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, our dedicated management staff and, most especially, our millions of volunteers and supporters across the country. This year's commemoration is particularly significant because 2026 has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. It is therefore a fitting moment for us to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to humanitarian action and to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening volunteerism as a powerful instrument for saving lives, alleviating suffering and building resilient communities. For the Nigerian Red Cross Society, volunteering is not simply an activity; it is at the heart of who we are. Across Nigeria, our volunteers are present in communities, schools, health facilities, emergency scenes, disaster-affected locations and other places where people are in need. They respond with courage, compassion and selflessness, frequently putting the needs of others before their own. They are often among the first to respond and among the last to leave. Today, therefore, I salute every one of you. I salute the volunteer who responds to an emergency in the middle of the night. I salute the member who provides first aid, supports a vulnerable family, assists a displaced person, promotes health and hygiene, participates in disaster preparedness or mobilises a community for humanitarian action. I salute our management staff who support and facilitate these activities, and our members and leaders at every level who continue to uphold the ideals and Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Your service matters. Your sacrifice matters. Your contribution matters. As we celebrate, however, we must also reflect on the responsibility that comes with humanitarian service. The needs of our communities are becoming increasingly complex. Disasters, displacement, health emergencies, poverty, climate-related challenges and other vulnerabilities continue to demand stronger humanitarian preparedness and more effective responses. We must therefore move beyond simply responding to emergencies. We must build stronger communities, strengthen local capacity, invest in our volunteers, improve preparedness, deepen partnerships and ensure that humanitarian action reaches those who need it most, with dignity, impartiality and without discrimination. The International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development gives us an important opportunity to make volunteerism more visible, better supported, more structured and more impactful. As the Nigerian Red Cross Society, we must seize this opportunity. Let us strengthen our volunteer structures. Let us invest more deliberately in training, welfare, leadership development, recognition and protection of our volunteers. Let us harness the energy, knowledge and goodwill of our members and volunteers to reach more communities. As National President, I remain deeply grateful for your commitment and sacrifices. I encourage all of us to renew our pledge to the humanitarian cause and to work together in unity, discipline, professionalism and adherence to our Fundamental Principles. On this special occasion, let us remember that humanitarianism is ultimately about people helping people. Every act of kindness, every hour volunteered, every life touched and every community strengthened contributes to a better and more humane Nigeria. To all our members, management staff and volunteers across the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, I wish you a Happy World Humanitarian Day 2026. May the year ahead bring us greater unity, stronger volunteerism, deeper community engagement and more impactful humanitarian services. May we reach more vulnerable people. May we save more lives. May we alleviate more suffering. And may the Nigerian Red Cross Society continue to stand as a trusted symbol of humanity, compassion and service to the people of Nigeria. Happy World Humanitarian Day! Happy International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development! Thank you for serving humanity. Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, JP National President Nigerian Red Cross Society
2026-08-20 10:59:22