Red Cross Secretary General Seeks Stronger Partnerships During Sokoto Advocacy Tour
The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Dr. Abubakar Ahmad Kende, has embarked on a series of advocacy visits to key stakeholders in Sokoto State aimed at strengthening partnerships and enhancing humanitarian service delivery.
Leading a delegation of national and state officials of the Society, Dr. Kende paid courtesy visits to the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Sokoto State Police Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
During a visit to the palace of the Wazirin Sokoto in Gidadawa, Dr. Kende said the delegation was in the state to seek royal blessings and support from traditional leaders in promoting humanitarian awareness and community engagement.
“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 said.
Responding, Professor Junaidu described the Red Cross Society as one of the world’s oldest and most respected humanitarian organisations. He praised its neutrality and commitment to serving humanity without discrimination.
“The Red Cross Society is the number one first responder during disasters and emergencies worldwide. It has no religious or political agenda; it is purely humanitarian,” he stated.
The delegation also visited the Sokoto State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. E.A. Ajayi, where discussions focused on strengthening existing collaboration between the two organisations.
Dr. Kende commended the NSCDC for its consistent support of Red Cross activities and reaffirmed the Society’s readiness to provide assistance within its humanitarian mandate.
In response, Commandant Ajayi assured the delegation of the corps’ continued support, noting that the relationship between the NSCDC and the Red Cross had remained productive over the years.
At the Sokoto State Police Command, Dr. Kende acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the police and the Red Cross, stressing the importance of security support in reaching vulnerable communities.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Shappa, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DC Sagir Isma’il, described the visit as timely, particularly as the rainy season sets in.
He pledged the command’s continued cooperation with the Red Cross in humanitarian and emergency response activities.
The advocacy tour concluded at the Sokoto Operations Office of NEMA, where the Head of Operations, Mr. Tukur Abubakar, received the delegation.
Expressing appreciation for the agency’s support, Dr. Kende described the relationship between NEMA and the Red Cross as inseparable.
“NEMA is Red Cross, and Red Cross is NEMA. We share the same commitment to serving vulnerable communities and responding to emergencies,” he said.
The Secretary General was accompanied by officials from the National Headquarters, advisers, and members of the Sokoto State Branch leadership, including the Branch Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Ainu.
