February 09, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Red Cross Society has expressed worry over the war in Gaza, saying it has drastically cut down humanitarian aid to the northeast region.
Muhammad Zannah Barma, Branch Secretary, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Borno State, disclosed this at the organisation’s 2023 Annual General Meeting held in Maiduguri, the state capital.
He urged the stakeholders to look inward to generate funds to sustain the activities of the branch.
“As I said earlier, it is difficult for us now. ICRC is our sole funder and they have cut down their funding due to the ongoing war in Gaza because their attention has been shifted to Gaza.
“I know we have the capacity and manpower so we need to look inward to generate income to fund our activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, an election was conducted during the AGM to elect leaders to pilot the affairs of the branch with Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio emerging as the Chairman and Muhammed Kauji as the Vice Chairman of the organisation.
Others include Alhaji Abba Butu Monguno as Disaster Management Adviser, Hajiya Fati Audu Yusuf as Communication Adviser, Sadiq Abubakar Muazu as Youth Adviser, Comrade Bulama Abiso as Programme Planning Adviser, and Hajiya Fusam Nganran as Resource Management Adviser.
Also elected are Madam Naomi Abwaku as Capacity Development Adviser, Hajiya Naijat Ali as Property Management Adviser, Sheikh Abba Al-Amin Banki as Divisional Adviser, Barrister Bukar Modu Mustapha as Legal Adviser and Dr. Muhammed Ghuluze as Health Adviser.
Speaking shortly after the election, the National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, who was represented by the National Legal Adviser, Barr. Muazu Muhammed Dikwa, commended the state branch for its commitment to serving humanity and exceptional demonstration of peaceful conduct and team spirit.
“Borno branch is among the leading branches, being one of the epicentres of insurgency and other natural disasters. This branch has done a lot and that is why all the principals of its partners here are fully represented,” Barr Muazu said.
He urged the new executives to be proactive and be good leaders leading by examples worthy of emulation by all and sundry.
Muazu admonished the new executives to carry all staff and volunteers of the society in the state along in their operations and activities.
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
Very high and kind regards!