By Sunny A. David
The Federal government has been urged to establish Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development in all states of the federation and the FCT to accelerate response to emergencies.
Our correspondent reports that while speaking at Amawbia to mark World Red Cross Day, the Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Professor Peter Katchy said this is to help in proper planning and coordination of timely response activities to disasters and emergencies ahead of time.
The State Chairman said the Ministries should be properly funded with adequate budgetary allocation from the Federal Government while all disaster management materials, equipment, machines and other logistics should be extended to the ministries.
He also urged the Federal government to extend COVID- 19 palliative packages to all States of the federation to alleviate the sufferings of vulnerable Nigerians across country.
Professor Katchy also called for increased budgetary allocation to the Health sector to meet health needs of the people while urging the Federal government to rebuild and reactivate the country’s refineries to accelerate the growth of the Nigerian economy and expand its revenue base.
The State Chairman also urged governments at all levels and the organized private sector, to commence plans for rapid rehabilitation and revitalization of all sectors of the economy immediately the pandemic abates.
The occasion was conducted under strict observance of social distancing. May 8 is marked annually as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, an annual celebration of the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
