LAGOS- The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos branch, says it will train more volunteers this year for them to be better engaged in their communities.
Mrs Adebola Kolawole, Chairman, NRCS, Lagos branch, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Monday in Lagos that volunteers were the strength of the Red Cross.
The chairman, who spoke in commemoration of the 2023 World Red Cross Day (WRCD), said the highlight of the Day was on the universal, human and diverse aspects of the organisation, by focusing on its volunteers.
NAN reports that WRCD is observed annually on May 8 to commemorate the birth of Henri Dunant, the founder of Red Cross.
Dunant won the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
The theme for 2023 WRCD, which is also the 160th Anniversary, is: “#From the Heart”.
Kolawole said: “They are what defines us and they help make the world a safer and more peaceful place every day.
“We are trying to let them know that whatever they do for humanity should be from their hearts.
“They should do it committed and work without fear, bias,religious or political undertone.
“We want to encourage them to do more; we want them to know that if they do things from the heart, they will surely get reward from our God, Who Himself is the father of humanity.”
She said to achieve the goals set for the organisation in the area of emergency response, disaster management, community engagement on health and wellness, the volunteers would be trained and re-trained.
According to Kolawole, the British Red Cross is collaborating with them to ensure that the volunteers receive benefits from the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC).
NAN also reports NRCS is marking the anniversary with a weeklong event, including blood donation drive, football match, orchestral music concert, decoration and orientation of commandants. (NAN)
