Red Cross seeks stronger Akwa Ibom support

Etim Ekpimah

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Akwa Ibom State Branch, has called for stronger government backing, sustainable funding and improved operational support to expand humanitarian services in the state.
Speaking at the 163rd World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebration on Saturday, 8 May 2026 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Hon. Sam Ikon, said the organisation remained committed to delivering life saving support to vulnerable communities under the global theme, “United in Humanity”.
Ikon said the Red Cross had made measurable progress in Akwa Ibom State over the past year through emergency relief, health interventions and volunteer development.
He disclosed that the branch supported 700 flood-affected families in Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo with cash assistance, food and non-food items.
According to him, the society also trained 100 volunteers and community women in vocational skills across eight local government areas through the Dasak Skill Acquisition Centre, with starter packs provided through partnership support.
He added that the organisation collaborated with the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency to sensitise residents on Mpox prevention and public health safety.
Ikon revealed that the branch currently has over 10,400 volunteers across the 31 local government areas of the state, though he noted that volunteer distribution remained uneven and called for more citizens to join.
Despite these achievements, he identified major challenges limiting the organisation’s effectiveness, including the absence of a purpose-built state headquarters, poor funding, inadequate emergency vehicles and security concerns.
He lamented that the Akwa Ibom Red Cross branch had operated from temporary and inadequate office spaces for nearly four decades, currently functioning from a rented apartment lacking essential facilities such as water supply, training space and proper storage.
Ikon appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to intervene by providing adequate land and support for the construction of a permanent Red Cross House.
He also noted that there had been no government subvention to the branch in the past 10 years, stressing that humanitarian demands were rising beyond what donations and grants alone could sustain.
The chairman further called for emergency response and utility vehicles to improve access to remote communities, alongside equipment, supplies and security support for relief storage facilities.
Ikon commended Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, describing its compassionate homes, food security, elderly care, education and enterprise support initiatives as complementary to humanitarian objectives.
He also praised the support of development partners, security agencies, ministries, civil society organisations and volunteers for strengthening humanitarian interventions in Akwa Ibom State.
Reaffirming commitment to the Red Cross principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and voluntary service, Ikon urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration to protect vulnerable populations.
He encouraged more residents to volunteer, stressing that every act of kindness strengthens shared humanity and expands the reach of lifesaving interventions across the state.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society additionally offered complimentary medical assistance to individuals unable to bear the expense of hospital visits on Saturday.