By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been decorated as grand matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
At the ceremony, which took place at the State House, Abuja, the First Lady stated that voluntary organisations should be used to change the mindset of youth by getting them to actively participate.
“If they learn to help from an early age, it will not be hard for them to do so when they are older.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu said being the Grand Matron of the NRCS is a call to greater service and an opportunity for her to add her quota to society.
“I encourage people: if you have the capacity to help a neighbour in whatever way you can, do so.”
The First Lady acknowledged the enormous role played by the Red Cross in humanitarian efforts in the country and 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 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.”
She 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 to the barest minimum child malnutrition in the country.
The NRCS National President, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, who led the team, thanked the First Lady 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.
“With over 1.5 million volunteers, the Society was established under the Act in 1960 as the sole public humanitarian services provider for Nigerians.”
