In a press briefing held today, September 26, 2024, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, represented by the Chairman, Nigeria Red Cross Society (Lagos State Branch) Mrs Adebola Kolawole announced an urgent call to action to address the severe hunger and malnutrition crisis facing millions of Nigerians. The society is launching a fundraiser, themed “Keeping Humanity Alive,” aiming to raise 2.5 billion naira to support 31.5 million people at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition by October 2024.

The Nigerian Red Cross does not often come out to openly solicit for funds,” President Adeaga explained. “However, the needs are dire.” He emphasized that the Famine Early Warning System reports conflict, drought, and inflation have led to a significant increase in hunger, from 26.5 million people at risk last year to 31.5 million currently.

Women and children are among the most vulnerable, with alarming statistics masking heartbreaking human stories of struggle and malnutrition. The society aims to provide lifesaving assistance to the hardest-hit regions, focusing on food, clean water, and basic sanitation services.

President Adeaga expressed gratitude to partners, sponsors, and supporters, urging the press to amplify the message. “We count on you to spread this story across Nigeria and beyond,” he said. “The more people who hear our call, the closer we get to our goal of alleviating suffering and restoring dignity to millions of people.”

“Behind each figure lies a human story—of a mother struggling to feed her children, of communities facing acute shortages of clean water, and of children who face the sad prospect of malnutrition,” President Adeaga emphasized.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society has a proven track record of alleviating human suffering. Past initiatives include mother’s clubs teaching young women to source nutritious food for their babies. However, the current crisis demands collective action and urgent support.

“This crisis demands a collective response from us all,” President Adeaga urged. “We cannot stand by and watch as entire communities are pushed to the brink of survival. In the Red Cross, our driving mantra is ‘Alleviating Human Suffering wherever it may be found’—and this is exactly what we intend to do.”

The fundraiser will support immediate relief efforts and fund long-term, sustainable programs designed to equip families and communities with the tools they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.

“With the 2.5 billion naira we aim to raise, we will be able to scale up our operations, bringing lifesaving assistance to the hardest-hit regions of the country,” President Adeaga explained. “Every naira donated will go directly toward providing food, clean water, and basic sanitation services—three essentials for survival.”

President Adeaga thanked partners, sponsors, and everyone who has pledged their support so far. “Your solidarity is invaluable, and it inspires us to keep pushing forward, despite the enormity of the task before us.”

To the press, he appealed, “We count on you to amplify our message. Please help us spread this story across Nigeria and beyond. The more people who hear our call, the closer we get to our goal of alleviating suffering and restoring dignity to millions of people.”

The Nigerian Red Cross Society invites everyone to join the cause through donations, partnerships, or spreading awareness.

“As we approach this event on Saturday, we ask that everyone joins us in Keeping Humanity Alive,” President Adeaga concluded. “You can donate to our cause at https://www.redcrossnigeria.org/nigeria-hunger-crisis-appeal Together, we can make a difference. Thank you.”