Red Cross raised N6.7m for Borno flood victims – Official

The Nigerian Red Cross Society says it has mobilised N6.7m in three weeks to respond to the flood in Borno state.

The NRCS stated this in its humanitarian report themed “Reflection, resilience, and recommitment to humanitarian service”, which was unveiled in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Recall that the devastating flood in Borno, displaced at least 414,000 people, while another 30 were killed in Maiduguri, the state capital on September 10, 2024.

According to the report, the organisation, following catastrophic flooding in Maiduguri and its environs, “mobilised swift relief efforts, raising N6.7 million in just three weeks”, while its relief operations supported thousands of families in Adamawa, Anambra, Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Rivers states.

The NRCS also noted collaborations with the Norwegian Red Cross and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to launch a training of trainers programme to strengthen the country’s preparedness for the Mpox outbreak, which affected 26 states and the federal capital territory.

It also said it provided items worth N100,000 each to 1,850 affected households and launched a N2.5 billion fundraising campaign.

“While the full amount was not raised, the initiative fostered partnerships that will support future humanitarian efforts,” the report reads.

While speaking, the President of the NRCS Oluyemisi Adeaga, acknowledged the collective efforts that defined the year’s successes.

“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. To our donors and supporters, thank you for believing in our mission. Together, we will continue to serve humanity with dignity, efficiency, and compassion,” she said.

The report finally stated that “as climate change, health emergencies, and disaster management challenges persist, the NRCS aims to innovate and strengthen its networks to better serve vulnerable communities.”