2016 THEME OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT UNVEILED IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE

By Nnabugwu Chizoba

The 2016 theme of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, has been unveiled in Jos, the Plateau State Capital. The event took place on Sunday, the 18^th of May, 2016, at the Plateau State Capital. 

Speaking to our reporter at the event, in Jos, the Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross and Red Crescent, Plateau Branch, Mr. Manasseh Panpe, revealed that the theme for the 2016 Red Cross Year is “Everywhere for Everyone”.

On the relationship of this year’s International Red Cross and Red Crescent theme, and the activities of the Nigerian Red Cross and Red Crescent in Plateau State, Mr. Manasseh said “the theme simply stated the obvious, which is that the Nigerian Red Cross and Red Crescent in Plateau State is everywhere, as can be seen by the presence of the Society in all the nooks and crannies of the state". 

In the case of “For Everyone”, contained in the theme, Mr. Panpe responded thus “it is glaring that the staff and volunteers of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Plateau State, have at all times adopted the principle of no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion, in all her activities and operations. This is why, in all cases, the society has always endeavored to relieve the suffering of individuals, and in doing so has been guided solely by the need to give priority attention to the most urgent cases of distress”. 

Mr. Manasseh Panpe

Continuing, Mr. Panpe explains “In cases such as, treating the wounded or distributing food and/or relieve materials, staff and volunteers of the Society in Plateau State have consistently ensured that those in greatest need receive assistance first. To this end, decisions are taken only on “needs basis”, which ensures that personal considerations, and feelings does not influence decisions”.

Speaking on some of the challenges faced by the Society in Plateau State, he said “some percentage of the public still view, the group as a religious body. He therefore, used the occasion to disabuse the minds of such individuals, explaining that the Society, is purely a Humanitarian group that renders intervention services during emergencies”. 

Another challenge identified by Mr. Panpe in relation with the group and the members of the public is in the area of support, which he said is very low. Speaking further on this, he said “the members of the public, including corporate organisations, view the society as an international organization, (which is exactly what it is, partially) but with erroneous impression that it is heavily funded, by the international communities. As a result they do not see the need to assist the Society in its activities”. He then called on the public to assist the body in her efforts to relief human suffering and reduce the number of deaths, injuries and the impact of disasters on the victims. 

 

Some activities of the day

The event saw volunteers of the Nigerian Red Cross and Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent match round the City of Jos. The match took off from the Terminus end of the popular Rwam Pam Street, and terminated at the Jos Zoological Garden.  

On the choice of May 8, for the unveiling of the theme, Mr. Panpe, said “May 8, every year is celebrated in the globe as World Red Cross Day, in honour of the Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It is indeed an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions of volunteers and staff, who work untiringly during natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies, in different parts of the world, saving lives, providing unbiased assistance to people in need, contributing significantly towards changing the minds of people and promoting respect of diversity, human dignity and the reduction of intolerance, discrimination and exclusion”. 

Further findings by this medium, reveal that (May 8) is also the anniversary of the birth of the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, who was born on the 8^th of May, 1828. Our finding also reveals that Henry Dunant is the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.