The Nigerian Red Cross Society has distributed wheelchairs to no fewer than 24 persons living with disability in Anambra state to aid their
mobility.
Health Reporters gathered that the gesture was part of activities by the organisation to mark its 28th Central Council/Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Awka, the state capital.
Presenting the wheelchairs, the former Chairman of the organisation, Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd), said the beneficiaries were selected from the 21 local government areas of the state.
Obidigwe commended the state government, corporate organisations and spirited individuals for their support to the Red Cross over the years.
“We particularly commend Gov. Willie Obinao who has done a lot to move the health system of the state forward especially with innovations that had ensured rapid response to health and disaster emergency situations.
“Your support enabled Red Cross to mobilise more than 12, 000 volunteers who provided First Aid and assistance to the most vulnerable during the 2018 flood disaster,” he said.
The National President of Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Anani, in his goodwill message, lauded the state branch of the organisation for the gesture and its activities in the past years.
Anani, who was represented by Chief Emmanuel Nworie, gave the assurance that the national body would continue to assist the state branch with relief materials and other supports.
The new state Chairman of Red Cross, Prof. Peter Katchy, explained that the beneficiaries were selected from the 21 local government areas of the state.
“Anybody you assist with wheelchair is like increasing their life span,” Katchy said. The chairman explained that the items were purchased solely with the fund realised from donations by members in the state.
He however, urged the state government to release the grant approved for Red Cross to enable it meet up with its numerous humanitarian activities.
Katchy said his administration would ensure the construction of a Red Cross bakery, water factory and a guest house to help the organisation generate finance for its activities.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Christopher Ifediora, who commended the organisation for the gesture, said the wheelchairs will help them to move easily at work, at home and school.
