The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has issued a serious warning, stating that the hunger crisis in the country has reached a critical level.
To this effect, the organization has called for immediate action and collaboration to help those who are most in need.
Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Kende, the Secretary General of NRCS, raised the alarm during a speech in Abuja. He expressed the organization’s deep concerns about the increasing food insecurity in the country and emphasized the need for government intervention to address the crisis.
This declaration comes as protests against food scarcity and rising living costs have spread across the nation. In Ibadan, hundreds of protesters have defied police warnings to demand action against the ongoing hardships.
During the launch of a partnership between the Red Cross and Ecobank in Abuja on Monday, Kende discussed how high fuel prices have caused hyperinflation, leading to food prices becoming unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Kende shared that 26.5 million Nigerians, including women and children, are facing severe hunger and need immediate help to prevent deaths and prolonged suffering. He mentioned factors like insecurity, inflation, extreme weather, and global conflicts as reasons for the crisis.
Kende stressed the urgent need for action, highlighting how malnutrition disproportionately affects children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Nearly 4.41 million children and 585,000 mothers are currently suffering from acute malnutrition. He expressed sorrow over the fact that around 1,000 Nigerian children die every day due to malnutrition-related issues.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) is fulfilling its duty, as outlined in the Nigerian Red Cross Act of 1960, by assisting the government in reducing human suffering. With a network of 800,000 community-based volunteers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the organization is prepared to offer humanitarian aid, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Kende encouraged people, groups, businesses, and organizations to come together and support government initiatives to address the crisis. He highlighted the importance of working together to tackle the humanitarian emergency, stating that united efforts could bring hope and save lives, ultimately leading to a better future despite the current challenges.
