-BY SUNNY A. DAVID
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Red Cross Society has appealed to those behind Boko Haram, banditry in the North and South West and gunmen in South East, South-South regions of Nigeria to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with the federal government and other relevant stakeholders for the sake of God and humanity.
Prof. Peter Katchy, Chairman of NRCS, Anambra Chapter, made the call in his address at the 2022 World Red Cross Day held at the State Headquarters in Awka on Sunday.
He urged well-to-do Nigerians to strive toward putting smiles on the faces of those who are victims of the situation to reflect the theme of this year’s celebration “Be Human Kind To Achieve Truce And Peace.”
According to the Chairman, “there is no safe place in Nigeria. I think the government of Nigeria under President Mohammadu Buhari, is too slow in handling the security challenges facing the Country. And the parents of these deadly hoodlums are not also helping the situation.
“As humans, we all know that these people causing unrest in our dear Country Nigeria come from a home and their parents know what their children are up to in the society. So, for the situation to come to an end, the parents’ and community roles must come to play.
“The present security situation is a clear threat to National peace as conflicts and violence are forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere as internally displaced persons (IDP) in very difficult situations,” Prof. Katchy added.
The Chairman blamed the crisis on hatred, animosity, political competition, and economic deprivation between groups, regretting that youths and able bodied adult were targets of recruitment for violent clashes.
Prof. Katchy called for more volunteer donors of blood to grow the Nation’s blood bank to enable emergency to respond to victims on need at any given time.
Our correspondent reports that the Red Cross Society in Anambra State, as part of the celebration of the day, hounored some media practitioners for their contributions to healthy mass education and mobilisation against insecurity.
He said that the efforts of the society to provide services and support to the public would not have gained much awareness if not for the committed reportage of the media personnel in the State.
Our correspondent reports that some of the media awardees included our correspondent, Chief Sunny Azuka David; Mr. Gabriel Okpalaeze, Acting Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, (ABS); Chief Chukwujekwu Ilozue, Chairman Correspondents ‘Chapel of Nigerian Union oof Journalist, Anambra chapter, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Okpalaeze said the task of ensuring a peaceful atmosphere was for everyone and assured that media would continue to partner developmental process of the society.
He also reassured the that media would continue to make themselves available and disseminate the right information that would promote peace and harmony over any misunderstanding and crisis amongst citizens.
