By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has listed Radio talk show, advocacy visit, traffic control, free medical checks and novelty match between mother’s club and youth wing to mark this year’s World Red Cross Day in Benin City.
The Branch Secretary, Mr. Wilson Ekhomogiazin disclosed this to Journalists in Benin City.
He said, World Red Cross Day is also known as Red Crescent Day and both are celebrated on 8 May every year.
Mr. Ekhomogiazin added that this year, the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has joined in the global celebration by organizing events that aligns with the strategic plans of the National Society focusing on this year’s theme “ON THE SIDE OF HUMANITY”.
Ekhomogiazin reiterated that the theme promotes the idea of giving with a sense of Empathy for humanity, acknowledging the ability to understanding and sharing the feelings of others, recognizing our shared human experiences and emotions.
He said It involves compassion, kindness, and a willingness to help others.
The Branch Secretary maintained further that as we celebrate World Red Cross Day in honour of the founder of the Red Cross Movement, Jean-Henry Dunant, it is amazing, stressing that everything that they are and all that they do at the Red Cross, all began with ONE man and ONE act of Empathy to Humanity.
He pointed out that everyday they are inundated with news of situations of violence, local conflicts, international armed conflicts, floods, climate crises, building collapses, herders/farmers clashes, landslides, mudslides, heat waves, boat capsize, while the disturbing ones confronting us in Nigeria include banditry attacks, kidnappings, abductions, insurgencies and terrorism and car jackings.
He emphasized that in the midst of all this, little acts of Empathy for humanity would go a long way.
According to him “Your one random act of Empathy for Humanity may not make the original problem go away entirely but your sympathy will trigger feelings of relief and gratitude in the heart of the recipient of the kind gesture in their hearts”,
Speaking on what gave rise to the celebration of the day, he said”This date is the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who was born on 8 May 1828 at Geneva, Switzerland, and died on 30 October 1910 at Heiden, Switzerland.
“He was the founder of (ICRC) International Committee of the Red Cross and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901
“May 8 every year, the Red Cross celebrates the world Red Cross day to remind us of the selfless service of the founder, Sir. Jean Henri Dunant and those who put in their efforts to the establishment of what is today known as the Red Cross Movement – the world’s largest humanitarian organization”,
