As part of efforts to end the hunger crisis in Nigeria, the International Federation of Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to raise N23 billion to support the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
According to The PUNCH, the head of the delegation for the humanitarian network, Bhupinder Tomar, made this known at a media chat in Abuja on Monday.
Mr Tomar said Nigeria is currently facing an unprecedented hunger crisis this year, hence the need to support those unsure of where their next meal will come from.
He said about 1,092,300 people would benefit from the aid.
“We are trying to raise CHF 27 million to support the hunger crisis in the country,” he said.
He said, “Nigeria is facing an unprecedented hunger crisis this year. We are glad that the government of Nigeria has recognised the crisis and the President has declared a state of emergency.
“This event is to pass the message on to the general public to fully participate with the Red Cross Society to be able to support interventions in place.
“We are trying to raise CHF 27 million to support the hunger crisis in the country. 1,092,300 people will receive the aid in the form of cash assistance, food and nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene.”
The President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oluyemisi Adeaga, said the rising number of people experiencing food insecurity constitutes a threat to the country’s peace and stability.
He said Nigeria, like every other great nation, must prioritise the food needs of its citizens.
Adeaga said addressing hunger in the nation was not only a matter of dignity but also of urgent national security.
He said, “We call on all well-meaning people and organisations to join the efforts of the Nigerian Red Cross Society to bring relief to some of the most vulnerable members of our society who now face the human indignity of not knowing where their next meal will come from.”
