The International Federation of Red Cross launched an emergency appeal on Monday to raise CHF 27 million (N23bn) to support the Nigerian Red Cross society to respond to the hunger crisis in the country.
According to the agency, no fewer than 1,092,300 people would benefit from the aid.
The head of the delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Bhupinder Tomar, disclosed this during a media chat in Abuja.
He said Nigeria was facing an unprecedented hunger crisis this year, lauding the president for declaring a state of emergency on food insecurity.
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.”
On his part, 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 is not only a matter of dignity but a matter 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.”
