The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has elected a lecturer in the Law Faculty of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Prof. Charity Emelie, as its new chairman.
Emelie’s election, which took place at the Red Cross office in Amawbia Awka, on Wednesday, saw the exit of the former chairman of the state Red Cross, Prof. Peter Onyekachi, after leading the state branch for several years.
The election was tagged, ‘Renewing our commitment to the fundamental principles.’
In her acceptance speech, the new chairman, Emelie, reiterated the organisation’s commitment towards better disaster management mechanism, humanitarian and voluntary services with a view to impacting positively on the society.
She said, “I am ably ready, ably qualified and capable. My first major step is to create awareness and be transparent, then other things will fall in line.
“We are committed to strictly observe the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross, which are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
“I urged other new officials to follow suit and work as a team. On handling disaster, we will harness the available resources and work with the director on emergency.”
Other members of the new executives are: Ezedigbo Chika, vice chairman; Ifeoma Okonkwo, legal adviser; Chizoba Orgu, development officer; Dr Chrysantus Onwurah, Head, health and care; Jude Ejiogu, Head, finance resource and mobilisation, among others.
NRCS National Legal Adviser, and the Chairman, Anambra State Election and Transition Committee, 2023, Muazu Dikwa, after inducting the new executives into office, advised them to carry every member along and adhere to the rules and regulations of the Red Cross Society, so as to achieve a worthy branch.
Dikwa said, “Anambra branch is a very vibrant branch, if the exco can come together and achieve what they want to achieve, definitely, there will be success in the branch.”
On his part, the Red Cross National Branch Development Adviser, Chief Emmanuel Nworie, said, “The strength of the Nigerian Red Cross are the branches and the strength of the branches are the divisions. They have to strengthen the divisions, they have to strengthen their branches.
“If you have more membership, you generate more fund, you have more people and it creates more visibility.”
The new executive members were inducted during the Annual General Meeting of the organisation.
