Nigerian Red Cross Society, Isoko South Division Celebrates World Red Cross Day ~ Truth Reporters

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Nigerian Red Cross Society Isoko South Division recently Celebrates World Red Cross Day with a theme unstoppable at the Eboh Hotel event centre Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

Delivering his address the chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society Isoko South Division Dr. Oruke Olotu said that the theme of the World Red Cross Day  celebration 'Ustoppable' was chosen base on the several issues in the country, noting that it has actually placed high premium on beneficiaries of Red Cross activities and her volunteers across the nation and the world over.

Dr. Oruke further said that their activities and participation had made their membership to be impassive, noting that they taken charge instead of being passive. Instead of sliding down the hill complaining we are making some efforts to use our God given talents to walk up and get a lot impressive.

He noted that the world Red Cross day was to commemorate the birth of the founder, Sir Jean Henry Dunant, a Swiss National, born on 8th day of May 1828, saying that Sir Henry was on his way to Italy to meet Emperor Napoleon 111 of France to discuss the difficulties in conducting business in Algeria.

"At that time Algeria was occupied by France. In a small town called Selferino on June 24th 1859 he witnessed the battle of Selferino which involved the French, Italians and Austrian armies, about 40,000 soldiers were killed and some were wounded. Sir Henry abandoned his business trip and organized First Aid with the local people to look after wounded soldiers.

He also noted to the celebration raise funds for the activities of the society, noting that the Nigerian Red Cross was established between 1915 and 1917 when a fund raising was organized through the Red Cross members at the Oba's palace in Idumota, Lagos.

Dr. Oruke further emphasized that, Isoko nation witnessed the first appearance of the Red Cross in Notre Dame College Ozoro in 1966, saying that Prince Felix Asedegbega, became the chairman until he took over the mantle of leadership in 2011.

He lamented that Isoko Division of the Nigerian Red Cross had suffered tremendous setbacks due to the absence of some basic equipments and facilities such as Ambulance, First Aids Kits, Uniforms for members and volunteers.

He therefore called on Associate members and well meaning individuals to donate generously to the service of humanity, stating that it will enhance the effectiveness and response to the core