NAN
Lagos: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in amplifying humanitarian stories and raising awareness about conflict-affected communities in Nigeria.
This commitment was emphasised on Tuesday by Mr Aliyu Dawobe, the ICRC’s public relations officer, during a strategic visit to NAN’s Lagos office.
Dawobe stressed the critical role of media engagement in bringing attention to vulnerable communities, especially in North-Eastern Nigeria, where conflict had persisted for years.
“The Red Cross is mandated to protect the dignity of people affected by armed conflict and violence globally,” he said.
He noted that in Nigeria, the ICRC’s operations were primarily focused on the North-East due to the significant humanitarian needs in the region.
Dawobe highlighted some of the ICRC’s key interventions in Nigeria, including healthcare for malnourished children and pregnant women, citing the recent establishment of an 80-bed stabilisation centre for undernourished children in Damaturu, Yobe State.
He said other initiatives included food assistance, clean water provision, cash-for-livelihood programmes, emergency support, and family reunification for those separated by conflict.
He acknowledged NAN’s long-standing support for the Red Cross and its humanitarian mission.
“The News Agency is not just a media outlet for us. It is a collaborative agency.
“We’ve worked with NAN to pitch stories and take reporters to the field where hidden humanitarian stories must be told.
“We rely on credible media organisations like NAN to help us tell these critical stories,” Dawobe said.
He also announced that the ICRC was currently conducting first-aid training for journalists, which began on June 23, ending on June 28.
Mr Olushola Tejuosho, Communication Officer for the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos Branch, reinforced the organisation’s focus on first aid, emergency response, and welfare support.
Tejuosho noted that the Red Cross operated with national and international partners and was often the first responder during emergencies, regardless of the conflict.
“Our volunteers, more than one million nationwide, work strictly voluntarily,” he added, commending NAN for supporting the NRC’s activities over the years.
In response, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, NAN’s Head of Lagos Operations and Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, lauded the ICRC for its life-saving work locally and globally.
Ajayi encouraged the Red Cross not to relent in its humanitarian mission and pledged NAN’s continued support.
“Talking to NAN is like talking to all media houses. We have more than 500 reporters and seasoned editors across the country.
“Our reach makes us an ideal partner for sharing humanitarian stories,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, Head of Editorial Operations at NAN and former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), described the visit as a testament to the Red Cross’ impactful work.
She commended the ICRC for organising the training and assured that the skills acquired would enable reporters to respond more effectively in emergencies.
