The Nigerian Red Cross has disclosed its resolve to raise ₦2.5 billion to support 31.5 million people at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition.
Speaking at a media parley in Yaba, Lagos, on Thursday, the President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, explained that research indicated that by October 2024, the prices of staple foods like grains would have at least tripled based on current market projections.
Adeaga, represented by the Lagos State Branch Chairman of NRCS, Mrs Adebola Kolawole, warned that ongoing conflict, economic instability, and high food prices would continue to exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition through 2024.
“Our goal is to raise ₦2.5b to support 31.5m people at risk of suffering severe hunger and malnutrition by October 2024, unless something drastic is done now,” Kolawole stated.
She also disclosed that the NRCS would officially unveil the fundraiser on Saturday, September 28, 2024, under the theme ‘Keeping Humanity Alive’.
“With the ₦2.5bn we aim to raise, we will scale up our operations, bringing life-saving assistance to the hardest-hit regions of the country. Every naira donated will go directly towards providing food, clean water, and basic sanitation services,” Adeaga added.
She stressed that the Nigerian Red Cross rarely made public appeals on such a large scale.
“The last time we did this was to raise funds for returning World War II veterans. However, the needs, today are dire. The Famine Early Warning System has reported that due to a combination of conflict, drought, and inflation, many people will suffer hunger this year. Last year, the number of at-risk individuals was 26.5 million, but this year it has surged to 31.5 million,” she said.
Adeaga added that while conflict remained a critical issue, drought and inflation had worsened the situation, making it even harder for people to farm or access food.
According to her, the fundraising campaign will culminate in a Gala Night at the Civic Centre in Lagos, featuring an evening of elegance with a gourmet dinner prepared by a celebrated chef, a performance by a renowned international artist, and a fashion show.
“The funds raised will go directly towards our ongoing efforts to alleviate hunger and improve water and sanitation conditions for vulnerable communities. Corporate sponsors from the financial, insurance, food and beverage, telecom, and hospitality sectors have been invited to support the event,” she said.
Established by Nigeria’s Parliament in 1960 and recognised by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1961, the Nigerian Red Cross Society has been a cornerstone of humanitarian response in the country. PUNCH