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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has commissioned the newly constructed ultra-modern corporate office of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) in Abuja, describing the facility as a major milestone in strengthening humanitarian operations in the country.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the weekend, attracted global humanitarian leaders, including representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), British Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, World Food Programme (WFP), and other international humanitarian organisations.
The presence of the international partners highlighted the strategic role of the Nigerian Red Cross within the global humanitarian community and its continued commitment to supporting its programmes and operations.
Senator Tinubu, who is a member of the Red Cross movement and has supported several community development and welfare initiatives, reaffirmed her commitment to humanitarian service.
In her keynote address, she commended the resilience of the society’s volunteers and staff, noting that the new corporate office represents a new phase of improved coordination, modern operations, data-driven emergency response, and stronger institutional capacity.
“The activities of the Nigerian Red Cross Society go beyond our shores, whether providing first aid services, responding to disasters, assisting victims of conflict and people in need, promoting health and wellbeing, or providing humanitarian assistance; the society has remained steadfast in its mission of serving humanity,” she said.
The new office was designed to improve emergency response coordination, enhance disaster management systems, expand data analysis capacity, and provide a platform for stronger collaboration among humanitarian partners.
Speaking on behalf of the international movement, the IFRC Head of Delegation, Ghullam Awam, said Nigeria continues to face complex humanitarian challenges but expressed confidence that stronger partnerships would improve disaster preparedness and community resilience.
“Today, Nigeria faces complex humanitarian challenges. But the IFRC, strengthened by its partners, is making efforts to strengthen disaster response and mitigation activities of communities in Nigeria, making them more resilient to the impact of climate change,” Awam said.
He also acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s role as Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, saying her support would contribute to expanding the organisation’s humanitarian impact.
The National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, expressed appreciation to the First Lady for accepting the role of Grand Matron and supporting the growth of the organisation.
He described her involvement as a significant boost to the society’s efforts in alleviating human suffering and delivering humanitarian services across Nigeria.
“Her Excellency, who is a Red Crosser herself, has accepted the position of Grand Matron. With her support, I see the Nigerian Red Cross remaining steadfast in its goal of alleviating human suffering and serving humanity,” Adeaga said.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society, established through an Act of Parliament in 1960, serves as Nigeria’s foremost humanitarian organisation and an auxiliary to public authorities in humanitarian activities.
The society has a network of trained volunteers across the country providing disaster response, emergency health services, and community resilience programmes.
