The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian youths to participate in voluntary organisations.
She made the appeal on Thursday during her investiture as the Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS).
At the ceremony, which took place at the State House, Abuja, the First Lady maintained that voluntary organisations are invaluable platforms for inculcating in young people the habit of selfless service and meaningful contributions to the nation.
She said, “If they learn to help from an early age, it would not be hard for them to do so when they are older.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who thanked the leadership of the NRCS, said she accepted the investiture as a call to greater service and an opportunity to contribute 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, who acknowledged the enormous role being played by the Red Cross in humanitarian efforts across the country, expressed optimism that the various challenges confronting the nation would be surmounted.
“There is no challenge that is insurmountable if we have the right will, and we have the 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.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu explained that her office has initiated the National Food Bank Programme across the six geopolitical zones of the country, with the aim of eliminating or reducing child malnutrition to the barest minimum.
In her remarks, the NRCS National President, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, who led the delegation, thanked the First Lady for continually rendering humanitarian services to citizens through her Renewed Hope Initiative.
He said the Society recognises her unwavering dedication to the welfare of women, children, families and vulnerable Nigerians in general.
Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga noted that Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s commitment reflects the deep-rooted principles upon which the Society was founded.
“With over 1.5 million volunteers, the Society was established under an Act in 1960 as Nigeria’s sole public humanitarian service provider.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, staff and volunteers of the Society, I warmly welcome Your Excellency 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 for humanity and commitment to national development have inspired countless Nigerians.
“For over six decades, the NRCS has served as Nigeria’s voluntary aid society and statutory auxiliary in public service.
“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 also used the opportunity to highlight 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 the 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 for hope.
“We also commend the Federal Government, the security agencies, community leaders and our countless volunteers.”
Prince Adeaga also disclosed that a Nigerian Academy for Humanitarian Studies is in the offing, dedicated to humanitarian education, research and professional development.
Also present at the investiture were members of the International Red Cross Network and other partners.
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