First Lady Urges Youth Volunteerism, Becomes Red Cross Grand Matron

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for a shift in youth mindset through active participation in voluntary organisations, as she was formally decorated Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society at the State House, Abuja.

Speaking during the investiture on Thursday, First Lady said early exposure to humanitarian service would instill compassion and responsibility in young Nigerians. She stressed that engaging youths in volunteer work would make acts of service a lifelong habit, noting that “if they learn to help from an early age, it would not be hard on them to do it when they are old.”

Describing her new role as a call to greater national service, the First Lady said it offered her another platform to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian causes. She urged citizens to support one another within their capacity, emphasizing that collective responsibility remains key to national development.

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First Lady commended the Red Cross for its longstanding humanitarian efforts across Nigeria and expressed confidence that the country’s challenges could be overcome with strong political will and commitment to doing what is right. According to her, public service requires consistent dedication, describing it as a daily responsibility that must be approached with seriousness.

Highlighting ongoing interventions, she disclosed that her office has launched a National Food Bank Programme across the six geopolitical zones aimed at tackling child malnutrition and improving food access for vulnerable populations.

Earlier, President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, said the honour reflected Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of women, children, and vulnerable groups. He noted that her humanitarian efforts align with the core principles upon which the organisation was founded.

Adeaga revealed that the Society currently boasts over 1.5 million volunteers nationwide and has remained Nigeria’s foremost voluntary humanitarian agency since its establishment in 1960. He described the investiture as a celebration of compassion, service, and humility, especially at a time when humanitarian needs are increasing across the country.

He also announced plans to establish a Nigerian Academy for Humanitarian Studies to strengthen education, research, and professional development in the sector.

The event drew members of the International Red Cross network and key development partners, while the NRCS leadership used the occasion to acknowledge ongoing humanitarian challenges and express solidarity with affected communities across Nigeria.