Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has expressed optimism that with the right will, Nigeria will overcome all challenges facing it.
Speaking on Thursday after her investiture as the Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society at the State House, Abuja, the First Lady, while acknowledging the enormous role being played by the Red Cross in humanitarian efforts in the country, expressed optimism that various challenges confronting the nation would be surmounted.
According to her: “There is no challenge that is unsurmountable if we have the right will, and we have strong political will, to do right by the nation. Our assignment is a daily call to duty and we have to rise every day to do the work.”
Mrs Tinubu stressed the need to use voluntary organisations to change the mindset of youths by getting them to actively participate in their activities.
She said the voluntary organisations should be used to change the mindset of youths through active participation.
Her words: “If they learn to help from an early age, it would not be hard on them to do it when they are old.”
Mrs Tinubu said her investiture as the Grand Matron of the NRCS, which she described as a call to greater service, was an opportunity for her to add her quota to the society.
“I encourage people, if you have the capacity to help a neighbour in whatever way you can, do so.”
The First Lady explained that her office has initiated the National Food Bank Programme across the six geopolitical zones of the country, which is expected to eliminate or reduce child malnutrition to the barest minimum.
Earlier, NRCS National President, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, who led the team, thanked Mrs Tinubu for continually rendering humanitarian services to citizens through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
He said the society recognises her strong dedication to the welfare of women, children, families and vulnerable Nigerians in general.
Adeaga noted that the First Lady’s commitment reflected the deep-rooted principles upon which the society was founded.
His words: “With over 1.5 million volunteers, the Society was established under the Act in 1960 as the sole public humanitarian services provider for Nigerians. On behalf of the Governing Board, staff and volunteers of the society, I warmly welcome Your Excellency as part of the Society as the Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
“Today is far more than an investiture, it is a celebration of compassion, service and humility. It is a reaffirmation that, in times of uncertainty, hope is sustained by men and women who choose to serve others. Your compassion to humanity and commitment to national development have inspired countless Nigerians.
“For over six decades, NRCS has served as Nigeria’s voluntary aid society and statutory auxiliary in public services. Your acceptance comes at a time when humanitarian action has never been more important across Nigeria and the rest of the world.”
The NRCS President seized the opportunity to recount the challenges faced by humanitarian service providers and commiserated with those directly affected by humanitarian crises.
“We cannot gather on an occasion such as this without remembering many Nigerians whose lives have been affected by these humanitarian challenges. Behind every statistic is a family in distress, a child deprived of security and a community yearning. We also commend the Federal Government, the security agencies, community leaders and our countless volunteers.”
Adeaga also disclosed that a Nigeria Academy for Humanitarian Studies is in the offing, dedicated to humanitarian education, research and professional development.
Deji Elumoye
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