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THE Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has honoured First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu as its Grand Matron, following the investiture of President Bola Tinubu as the organisation’s Grand Patron in 2023.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an NRCS delegation led by its National President, Mr Oluyemisi Adeaga, officially decorated the First Lady during a ceremony held on Thursday at the State House, Abuja.
The honorary role is traditionally reserved for Nigeria’s sitting President and First Lady, who support the organisation’s humanitarian activities, disaster response operations and nationwide volunteer programmes.
Speaking at the event, Adeaga said the society recognised the First Lady’s sustained humanitarian service and contributions to the development and empowerment of Nigerians through various interventions.
He said that her longstanding commitment to the welfare of women, children, families and vulnerable groups, particularly through the Renewed Hope Initiative, reflected the humanitarian ideals upon which the Red Cross was founded.
“On behalf of the Governing Board, staff and volunteers of the society, I warmly welcome Your Excellency as the Grand Matron of the NRCS.
“Today is far more than an investiture; it is a celebration of compassion, service and humanity. It is a reaffirmation that, in times of uncertainty, hope is sustained by men and women who choose to serve others.
“Your compassion for humanity and commitment to national development has inspired countless Nigerians,” Adeaga said.
He stated that the society remained guided by the principles of impartiality and voluntary service without discrimination, adding that the First Lady’s acceptance came at a critical period for humanitarian action.
“We are deeply honoured that you have graciously accepted to serve as our Grand Matron.
“Your acceptance comes at a time when humanitarian action has never been more important across Nigeria and the rest of the world.
“As communities continue to face the effects of armed conflict, banditry, communal violence, displacement, disasters and the growing impact of climate change, this reality calls for stronger partnerships.
“The situation calls for greater preparedness and unwavering commitment to protecting human dignity,” he said.
Adeaga expressed sympathy for victims of humanitarian crises across the country and commended the Federal Government, security agencies, community leaders and volunteers for their sacrifices in service to the nation.
“We cannot gather on an occasion such as this without remembering many Nigerians whose lives have been affected by these humanitarian challenges.
“Behind every statistic is a family in distress, a child deprived of security and a community yearning for support.
“On behalf of the society, I express our heartfelt sympathy to all victims of these unfortunate circumstances.
“We also commend the Federal Government, security agencies, community leaders and our countless volunteers who continue to make sacrifices in service to our nation,” he said.
The NRCS president reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working closely with government and partners to build a safer and healthier nation through innovation, digital transformation, youth engagement and climate resilience.
“We envision a future where humanitarian preparedness is strengthened through innovation, digital transformation, empowered volunteers, active youth engagement, climate resilience, stronger health systems and strategic partnerships.
“We also envision inclusive programming and sustainable collaboration across all sectors.
“As part of this vision, we are developing a centre for humanitarian studies that will serve as a research hub,” Adeaga said.
He also said that the society’s national headquarters would be officially commissioned on Friday.
Responding, the First Lady thanked the organisation for the honour and recalled her involvement with the Red Cross and the Girls Guide movement from her primary school days.
She described humanitarian service as a calling and an integral part of her life, emphasising that no act of giving should be considered too burdensome when aimed at helping others.
“For some reasons, because of my love for the work that you do, I have to create time,” she said.
Tinubu highlighted an ongoing food bank programme across the country aimed at reducing cases of kwashiorkor and malnutrition among children.
“It is disheartening at this age and time to have children with kwashiorkor.
“It is a great honour that, in spite of my love for the organisation, I am being decorated today as the Grand Matron.
“That is why whatever you do in secret, God has a way of rewarding you openly.
“This is to encourage people that if they have the capacity to assist their neighbours, they should do so,” she added.
The First Lady pledged to continue collaborating with the Nigerian Red Cross Society in delivering humanitarian services and supporting vulnerable populations across the country.(NAN)
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