At the battle of Solferino, in a war between Australia, the French and the Piedmontese, witnessed by a Swiss Businessman passing through Italy in 1859, gave birth to what is known today as International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC). The Geneva traveler was Sir Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of Red Cross.

He was deeply touched by the sight of wounded and abandoned victims of the war that he rendered first aid services and relief and urged the local populace to assist him in saving the lives of the victims of the war. World Red Cross Day, celebrated every 8th of May is the birthday of Henry Dunant, born in Geneva in 1828. He was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

Red Cross in Nigeria, which, at that time, was a Branch of the British Red Cross, appeared for the first time in 1917, when an Adamu Orisha play was staged in Lagos to raise funds for the Red Cross to provide relief for returning soldiers of the First World War. In April 1951, the Headquarters of the Nigerian Branch of the British Red Cross was opened in Lagos by the Governor-General.

In August, 1960 the two Legislative Houses passed the Nigeria Red Cross Society Act and the General Conventions Acts. Following the official recognition by the President of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society, Nigeria became the 86th member nation of the International Red Cross Committees in Prague in September, 1961. The Objective of the Red Cross Society is based on Seven Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. The Motto of Red Cross is: Through Humanity to Peace.

As a neutral body, it does not take sides in hostilities, political, racial or religious issues. The desire to bring assistance and relief without discrimination to the wounded in the battle field and in a situation of disaster in its international and national capacity is the purpose and objective of the Society.

As a humanitarian organization, Red Cross, like every other rational and humane organ, is concerned about the miserable loud wailings all over the nation sequel to wanton killings and kidnapping of people all over Nigeria. The situation has drastically reduced human value and has decimated humanity.

We therefore fervently and passionately beg every Nigerian to be involved in the Campaign Banner: STOP THE KILLINGS, STOP THE KIDNAPPINGS, HUMANITY IS “UNSTOPPABLE”. It is disheartening that people are meeting their untimely and sudden deaths in unforeseen circumstances.

Violence is a physical act or behavior that is intended to hurt or kill through the process of physical force application. It is a strong negative emotional problem, always sudden and explosive with great energy exertions and strong movement, yet without achieving immediate positive result.

Dialogue, Treaty and Equity are integral to achieving peace in this present time, as development and peace are interdependent and mutually reinforcing sustainable economy. Total conflict resolution contributes decisively to the dissipation and elimination of human needs and provides the foundation for lasting peace which reinforces viable sustainable-development that liberates the resources needed for national development, peace and progress. Violence and illegitimate behaviour should not be the solution.

However, the most common causes of violence are inequity, hatred, inequality, animosity, partiality, injustice jealousy, greediness, selfishness rooted and fueled by ignorance. It is possible to put aside even long standing animosities and generational dispute that involves violence through dialogue, treaties and negotiations.

It is very pertinent now to promote and propagate peace in a special campaign under the Code Name: People on War with the Slogan “Even Wars Have Limits”. Join us now to raise the banner: ‘STOP THE KILLINGS, STOP THE KIDNAPPINGS, HUMANITY IS “UNSTOPPABLE.”

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