By George Ozalla
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Branch, has trained volunteers in basic first aid and emergency preparedness as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR).
The event, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, brought together Red Cross volunteers and emergency management stakeholders to promote disaster prevention, preparedness and community resilience under the theme, “Resilience Starts at Home: Safer Homes, Stronger Families, More Resilient Communities.”
The training was complemented by a orientation session led by the Branch Secretary, Mr. Simeon Nwaubani, who emphasised discipline, professionalism, proper representation and adherence to the Seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The principles are Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. Nwaubani urged volunteers to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Red Cross Society by demonstrating these values in their conduct, community engagements and humanitarian interventions.
He stressed the importance of integrity, compassion, teamwork and respect for human dignity, reminding the volunteers that their behaviour should reflect the organisation’s humanitarian mandate.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Ozy Okonokhua, Director of the FCT Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (FCT EMSAS), highlighted the territory’s emergency medical support arrangements, including a scheme that provides eligible registered patients with free treatment for the first 48 hours.
He disclosed that three major federal hospitals, the National Hospital, Abuja, Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, alongside 14 hospitals operated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), had been enrolled in the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS).
According to Okonokhua, patients do not necessarily have to arrive at a participating hospital in an emergency ambulance to benefit from the scheme. Patients brought in by private individuals, as well as those who walk in, may also qualify, provided they are registered under the system and meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
He identified participating FCTA facilities in locations including Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, Gwarimpa, Nyanya, Karshi, Kubwa, Kwali, Kuje, Abaji and Zuba.
The FCT EMSAS director further explained that eligible ambulance operators would receive ₦60,000 for each qualifying patient movement within a 50 kilometre radius under the reimbursement arrangement. He appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to enrol its ambulances on the platform to enable the agency to benefit from the applicable reimbursement for eligible patient transportation.
Okonokhua encouraged residents to familiarise themselves with emergency medical services and complete the necessary registration before emergencies occur. He noted that advance preparation could help improve access to timely medical assistance when urgent medical attention becomes necessary.
In his address, the Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, FCT Branch, Chukwuma Matthew Ogonnaya, identified fires, flooding, road traffic accidents, building collapses and public health emergencies among the hazards confronting the Federal Capital Territory.
He called for greater emphasis on disaster prevention, preparedness and early action rather than relying mainly on emergency response after incidents have occurred.
Matthew described disaster risk reduction as a shared responsibility and urged residents to identify hazards in their homes and communities, acquire basic first aid knowledge and respond promptly to early warnings issued by relevant authorities.
He particularly commended members of the Emergency First Aid Team (EFAT) for their dedication, rapid response to emergencies and commitment to saving lives across the FCT.
He encouraged the volunteers to sustain their efforts while prioritising personal safety, teamwork, discipline and professionalism in their operations.
Addressing public health concerns, including Ebola-related issues raised by health authorities, Matthew urged volunteers to promote verified information, encourage good hygiene practices and report suspected health risks through established channels.
He cautioned against direct contact with suspected cases and urged volunteers to follow official infection prevention and control guidance. He also stressed that public health communication must be handled responsibly to prevent misinformation, stigma and unnecessary panic.
The Disaster Management Officer challenged volunteers to extend disaster awareness beyond the commemoration by educating households, schools, markets and community groups on safety, preparedness and practical risk reduction measures.
He called on every Red Cross detachment across the FCT to serve as a centre for disaster risk awareness, helping communities identify hazards, prevent avoidable emergencies and protect vulnerable populations.
Matthew acknowledged the contributions of NEMA, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), FCT EMSAS and other partner agencies in strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response and community safety.
He called for stronger collaboration among humanitarian organisations, emergency management agencies and communities, stressing that effective disaster risk reduction requires coordinated action, sustained public awareness and collective responsibility.
The basic first aid training and volunteer reorientation formed part of the FCT Branch’s broader efforts to strengthen volunteer capacity, improve emergency readiness and promote a culture of safety within communities.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed annually on October 13 to raise awareness of the importance of preventing disasters and reducing their impact on lives, livelihoods, property and communities. The Nigerian Red Cross Society FCT Branch held its 2026 commemoration on October 24, bringing volunteers and emergency management stakeholders together to promote first aid awareness, emergency preparedness and community participation in disaster prevention.
