The Nigerian Red Cross Society has charged Nigerians to be united against disaster and rewrite the story about hunger across the country.
President of the Society, Mr Oluyemisi Adeaga emphasized the need for compassionate individuals to come together to help humanity, noting that disasters know no boundary, faith, gender or ethnic nationality.
Adeaga, who made the call at a fundraising and gala night organised by the Society in Lagos, described the level of vulnerability induced by hunger and disaster as very high in Nigeria.
However, he led the gathering to observe a minute silence in honour of volunteers who lost their lives in the cause of service to humanity and the victims of flood and other disasters across the country.
He stated, “We are gathered here not just for a fundraising dinner but for something far more meaningful.
“We are here because, in our hearts, we know we have the power to change lives.
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“As the Nigerian Red Cross, we have seen the faces behind the statistics of over 32million people who are struggling, of families who are on the brink, and of communities torn apart by hardship.
“But it is not just about acknowledging the struggles of others; it is about doing something tangible to help.
“In Nigeria, however, hunger is not an abstract thing. It is real.
“It is the reality of a mother skipping meals so her children could eat and of a child going to bed on an empty stomach with no promise of food tomorrow.
“These stories are happening every day, in every corner of our nation. They are not numbers; they are people-our people. Yet, in the face of this, there is hope. You are that hope.
“Your generosity will bring food to empty tables, provide safety nets to vulnerable families, and restore dignity to those who feel forgotten.
“It doesn’t take much to make a difference.
“Every contribution large or small has the potential to change someone’s life.
“When you give, you’re not just donating money; you’re offering someone the chance to look forward to tomorrow without fear of hunger.
“We know that the road ahead is long, but we also know that together, we are unstoppable.
“Let’s join hands to rewrite the story of hunger in Nigeria.”
The International Ambassador of the Swiss Red Cross and Founding member of Tiffany Circle West Africa, Mrs Absa Faty Kane said young people are driven by poverty and loss of hope to embark on dangerous exploits.
She said, “Chronic poverty and loss of hope are driving ever-increasing numbers of young people to take insane risks by crossing seas and oceans for an uncertain and certainly precarious future in the West.
“Disasters of all kinds follow one another: floods, droughts, insecurity therefore affecting entire communities with uninsured basic needs.
“Despite the international community’s growing awareness of the need for universal access to basic needs and the strong mobilization of public and private actors in Nigeria, we need to further combine effectively and urgently, our efforts in support of specific and global programs providing relief to the communities affected.”
On his part, head of delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Bhupinder Tomar, hinted that food insecurity is not just a statistic in Nigeria.
According to him, it is a daily reality for millions of Nigerians in rural and conflict-affected areas.
He said, “The rising cost of living, coupled with climate change-induced droughts and floods, has exacerbated food insecurity across the country.
“Today, 32million Nigerians are facing hunger and malnutrition, with devastating consequences for their health and wellbeing.
“This is a call to action. It is a chance for us to champion a movement of Nigerians helping each other and addressing the humanitarian challenges facing the country.
“This a challenge that requires a collective effort to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry.”
Earlier, in her welcome address, the host, Mrs Bola Kolawole, chairperson, Nigerian Red Cross, Lagos Branch, commended the individuals for sharing a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.
She added, “It is truly a privilege to welcome you to this iconic state for our fundraising event.
“We stand together to confront the pressing challenges of our time-hunger, displacement, and the ever-growing needs of communities across the nation.
“As Africa’s financial hub, Lagos is home to millions who wake up each day with hope, determination, and the belief that today could be the day when their efforts bear fruit.”