Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the ultra-modern headquarters of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) in Abuja, reaffirming her commitment to humanitarian service and describing the new facility as a major boost to emergency response and disaster management in the country.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the weekend, attracted top global humanitarian organisations, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the British Red Cross, the Norwegian Red Cross, the World Food Programme (WFP) and other development partners.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu, who is also a member of the Red Cross Movement, praised the dedication of the society’s volunteers and staff, saying the new headquarters would strengthen coordination, improve data-driven emergency response and enhance the organisation’s operational capacity.
“The activities of the Nigerian Red Cross Society go beyond our shores. Whether providing first aid services, responding to disasters, assisting victims of conflict and people in need, promoting health and wellbeing, or providing humanitarian assistance, the society has remained steadfast in its mission of serving humanity,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the new corporate office would improve disaster response coordination, enhance emergency management systems and deepen collaboration with local and international humanitarian partners.
Speaking on behalf of the international humanitarian movement, IFRC Head of Delegation, Ghullam Awam, said Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian challenges but expressed confidence that stronger partnerships would improve disaster preparedness and community resilience.
“Today Nigeria faces complex humanitarian challenges. But the IFRC, strengthened by its partners, is making efforts to strengthen disaster response and mitigation activities of communities in Nigeria, making them more resilient to the impact of climate change,” Awam said.
He also commended Senator Tinubu for accepting the role of Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, expressing optimism that her support would further expand the organisation’s humanitarian reach.
In his remarks, National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, thanked the First Lady for her unwavering support and for accepting to serve as Grand Matron of the society.
“Her Excellency, who is a Red Crosser herself, has accepted the position of Grand Matron. With her support, I see the Nigerian Red Cross remaining steadfast in its goal of alleviating human suffering and serving humanity,” Adeaga said.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1960, the Nigerian Red Cross Society remains the country’s foremost humanitarian organisation, providing disaster response, emergency healthcare and community resilience services through its nationwide network of trained volunteers.
