The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in amplifying humanitarian stories and raising awareness about conflict-affected communities in Nigeria.
This commitment was emphasised on Tuesday by Mr Aliyu Dawobe, the ICRC’s public relations officer, during a strategic visit to NAN’s Lagos office.
Dawobe stressed the critical role of media engagement in bringing attention to vulnerable communities, especially in North-Eastern Nigeria, where conflict had persisted for years. He noted that in Nigeria, the ICRC’s operations were primarily focused on the North-East due to the significant humanitarian needs in the region.
Dawobe highlighted some of the ICRC’s key interventions in Nigeria, including healthcare for malnourished children and pregnant women, citing the recent establishment of an 80-bed stabilisation centre for undernourished children in Damaturu, Yobe State.
He said other initiatives included food assistance, clean water provision, cash-for-livelihood programmes, emergency support, and family reunification for those separated by conflict.
Mr Olushola Tejuosho, Communication Officer for the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos Branch, reinforced the organisation’s focus on first aid, emergency response, and welfare support.
Tejuosho noted that the Red Cross operated with national and international partners and was often the first responder during emergencies, regardless of the conflict.
In response, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, NAN’s Head of Lagos Operations and Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, lauded the ICRC for its life-saving work locally and globally.
