By Vincent Ujumadu

Awka — The Nigerian Red Cross Society has identified insecurity and flooding as the primary challenges hindering its humanitarian efforts in Anambra State and called for support from stakeholders.

Speaking during a ceremony to mark this year’s World Red Cross Day in Anambra, the Executive Branch Secretary, Mr. Kingsley Okoye, highlighted that insecurity in certain parts of the state limits the reach of Red Cross services, while annual flooding in eight local government areas strains the organization’s resources.

“Because of insecurity, some people cannot benefit optimally from our services, and the yearly flood in eight local government areas stretches our resources significantly,” Okoye stated.

He disclosed that in the past year, the Red Cross received funding to support disaster relief efforts in Awka North and Ogbaru local government areas, positively impacting over 1,000 households.

Additionally, the organization sank four boreholes in Ogbaru, Anambra East, Anambra West, and Awka North and distributed relief materials to 1,000 women. Cash aid of ₦30,000 was provided to vulnerable individuals for three months, while 1,500 households in Ayamelum, Anambra West, and Ogbaru received survival kits with support from the European Union Civil Humanitarian Body.

Okoye further noted that surgical equipment and other medical supplies were distributed to 11 health centers as part of the Red Cross health intervention program.

In her address, the State Chairman of the society, Professor Charity Emelie, emphasized the mission of the Nigerian Red Cross, which is to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people affected by disasters, epidemics, armed conflicts, and extreme poverty in both urban and rural areas, including hard-to-reach communities.

“The fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality define our ethics and drive our mission,” she affirmed.