Dr. Chris Omotosho, a lecturer and public affairs analyst, has charged members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society to deepen their commitment to humanitarian values by going beyond mere lip service and embracing selfless actions, even in the face of personal inconvenience.
Omotosho gave the charge during the keynote address he delivered at the 2025 World Red Cross Day celebration, held on Thursday at the Valley View Auditorium, Isale Igbehin, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Themed “On the Side of Humanity,” the event attracted divisional coordinators, executive members, volunteers, and stakeholders in the humanitarian sector.
Recounting his early involvement in voluntary organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Rotaract Club, and eventually the Red Cross Society, Omotosho said his life philosophy of preparedness and selflessness was deeply shaped by these formative experiences.
“I was called to prepare this keynote just yesterday evening when I thought I’d finally rest after a hectic week.”
“But because of what Red Cross has taught me – especially about being ready for emergencies and the demands of humanity – I knew I had to rise to the call,” he disclosed.
According to him, being on the side of humanity means going beyond comfort zones and acting for the collective good, regardless of personal cost.
“To be on the side of humanity is to be our brother’s keeper,” Omotosho said. “It’s to offer help when it’s inconvenient, and stand against injustice and cruelty even when we have nothing to gain.”
The academic emphasized that the concept of humanity goes beyond mere words, lyrics, or slogans in Red Cross circles. “We say it, we sing it, but do we truly live it? If we do, why then do we still need to devote a whole week to discussing it?”
Omotosho further raised probing questions on individual commitment to Red Cross principles: “How many of us can leave our personal businesses to attend to emergencies like Sir Henry Dunant did? Do we respond to the call of our divisional coordinators even when there’s no reward?”
He warned against complacency in the face of growing humanitarian crises globally and locally, referencing the widespread kidnappings, killings, and injustices in Nigeria.
“We must not think we’re safe simply because it hasn’t reached us,” he said. “The fire in your neighbour’s house has the tendency of spreading to yours if you refuse to help.”
In a passionate conclusion, Omotosho called on volunteers to remember the invisible wounds around them, urging them to respond not only to physical injuries but also to emotional and psychological breakdowns in society.
“There are victims whose wounds cannot be seen. People are emotionally broken, crying for our first aid. They want us to transport them – not physically but with compassion – to a place of healing.”
He concluded with a strong appeal: “If you forget everything I’ve said, please remember this – we can still do more for the sake of humanity than what we are doing now. Kindly, be on the side of humanity!”
