The Secretary-General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Dr. Abubakar Ahmad Kende, has embarked on a strategic advocacy tour of key institutions in Sokoto State, seeking stronger collaboration to enhance humanitarian service delivery and community resilience.
The tour took the NRCS delegation to the palace of the Wazirin Sokoto, the Sokoto State Police Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), where discussions centred on strengthening partnerships for humanitarian interventions.
The advocacy visit began at the palace of the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, in the Gidadawa area of Sokoto.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Kende said the Red Cross was engaging traditional institutions to secure their support in mobilising communities and promoting humanitarian activities across the state.
“We are here at our home; the home of Nana Asma’u bint Fodiyo, who is globally recognised as a pioneer of humanitarian service in Northern Nigeria”
He stressed the critical role of traditional rulers in fostering community participation and awareness, noting that their support remains vital to the success of humanitarian programmes.
In his response, Wazirin Sokoto described the Red Cross Society as one of the world’s oldest and most respected humanitarian organisations.
He commended the organisation for its impartial approach to humanitarian service, noting that its interventions transcend religious, political, and ethnic considerations.
“The Red Cross Society is the world’s foremost first responder during disasters and emergencies. It has no religious or political agenda; it is purely and genuinely humanitarian,” Junaidu said.
The delegation later visited the Sokoto State Command Headquarters of the NSCDC, where Dr. Kende described the corps as a dependable partner that has consistently supported the Red Cross in carrying out its humanitarian mandate.
He expressed appreciation for the corps’ commitment to public service and assured the command of the Society’s readiness to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the law.
Responding, the Sokoto State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. E.A. Ajayi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Red Cross.
“We already enjoy a cordial and productive relationship with the Red Cross. Our collaboration has always yielded positive results,” Ajayi said.
At the Sokoto State Police
Command, Dr. Kende acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the police and the Red Cross, noting that support from security agencies remains crucial in accessing vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities during emergencies.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DC Sagir Isma’il, described the visit as timely, particularly with the commencement of the rainy season, a period often associated with emergencies and humanitarian needs.
He assured the delegation of the command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Red Cross.
“The Sokoto State Police Command will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Red Cross Society in all areas of mutual interest and cooperation,” he said.
The advocacy tour concluded at the Zonal Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Sokoto, where the delegation was received by the Zonal Head of Operations, Tukur Abubakar.
Dr. Kende praised NEMA for its longstanding partnership with the Red Cross and described both organisations as natural allies in humanitarian response and disaster management.
“Among all the advocacy visits we paid today, this is like visiting our other half. NEMA is Red Cross, and Red Cross is NEMA. We share the same humanitarian objectives and commitment to serving vulnerable communities,” he said.
The Secretary-General was accompanied by officials from the NRCS National Headquarters, advisers, and members of the Sokoto State Branch leadership, including the Branch Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Ainu, executive committee members, and management staff.
The advocacy engagements form part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Red Cross Society to strengthen institutional partnerships and improve coordinated humanitarian responses to the needs of vulnerable communities across the country.
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