By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and pledged continued support for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in advancing humanitarian assistance and disaster response across the country.
The minister gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Commission from the newly appointed Head of Delegation of the IFRC, Dr. Ghulam Muhammed Awan.
She congratulated Dr. Awan on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would deepen the Federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. She also assured him of the Ministry’s continued support in facilitating the IFRC’s humanitarian mandate.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement for their contributions to assisting victims of disasters, conflicts, disease outbreaks and other humanitarian emergencies, noting that the organization has earned global respect through its commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality and voluntary service.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, the minister recalled the Red Cross’ longstanding presence in Nigerian communities, saying its humanitarian and charitable activities had inspired generations of young people to embrace compassion, volunteerism and community service.
She also praised Red Cross volunteers for their courage and dedication in delivering life-saving assistance under difficult conditions, stressing that the organization’s neutrality remains one of its greatest strengths as it enables support to be provided solely on the basis of need, without regard to political, ethnic or religious considerations.
The minister further expressed satisfaction that humanitarian workers and volunteers in Nigeria continue to enjoy the trust and cooperation of local communities, making it easier to deliver assistance to those in need.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Awan thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the IFRC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response system.
He said the Federation would continue to promote community-based disaster preparedness and emergency response through its extensive network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.
Dr. Awan explained that the IFRC’s effectiveness is anchored on the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which enable volunteers to assist all people in need without discrimination.
He also described Nigeria as a strategic country within the Federation’s West and Central Africa operations and expressed optimism that collaboration with the Federal Government would expand in areas such as disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, public health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian capacity development.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in humanitarian action, protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing disaster preparedness and promoting sustainable community resilience across Nigeria and the West African region.
