By Abubakar Abraham
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Kogi State Branch, has held a colourful investiture ceremony for the conferment of Honorary Membership on distinguished leaders in the state in recognition of their humanitarian contributions and strategic partnership.
In his opening remarks in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kogi State Branch, Mr. Benjamin Ajodo, described the event as a strategic milestone aimed at expanding the Society’s “Circle of Humanity.”
He noted that in a world frequently tested by disasters, health crises, and economic shifts, the Red Cross remains the first line of defence for vulnerable communities. He charged the new honorary members to use their influence to amplify the Society’s reach in areas such as flood response and first-aid training across the state.
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Comrade Danjuma Usman thereafter presented a brief history and the significance of honorary membership. He traced the origin of the Red Cross to 1863 when Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed the suffering at the Battle of Solferino and championed the creation of neutral aid societies. This led to the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first Geneva Convention in 1864.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society was founded in 1960 after independence and operates as an auxiliary to the government under the NRCS Act. It is one of 191 National Societies guided by the seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.
In Kogi State, the branch which became operational since 1991, relies on over 30,000 volunteers for emergency response.
The investiture ceremony formally decorated the awardees with Red Cross bibs and presented them with membership certificates. The recipients include:
Hajiya Falilat Yusuf Musa, Head of the Civil Service of Kogi State, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Dr. Aledare Adekunle, Executive Secretary, Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KSHIA), Hon. Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and other notable personalities.
The award recognized their past support and future commitment to humanitarian causes in line with Red Cross values.
In their goodwill messages, the recipients expressed appreciation and pledged support for the Society’s work.
Hajiya Falilat Musa thanked the Red Cross for the honour and assured the branch of enhanced collaboration in serving the people, particularly in health and emergency response initiatives.
Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf described the investiture as a call to greater service, promising legislative backing for initiatives that strengthen humanitarian efforts across Kogi State.
Dr. Aledare Adekunle highlighted the synergy between health insurance and Red Cross emergency services, committing to deeper partnership for improved healthcare access. While Hon. Ismaila Isah lauded the Society’s impartiality and neutrality, pledging effective media support to amplify its humanitarian messages and attract more partners.
The event, held at the Office of the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, underscored the growing partnership between the Red Cross and state institutions to enhance emergency response, community outreach, and humanitarian values.
In his closing, Chairman Ajodo appealed for a befitting state headquarters, a well-equipped ambulance, and annual subvention to boost operations. He assured donors of transparency and accountability in the use of resources.
The ceremony ended with renewed commitment to the Red Cross motto: “Tutti Fratelli” – We are all brothers.
