First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, used her investiture as Grand Matron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society on Thursday to call for a shift in youth attitudes toward volunteerism, saying early exposure to humanitarian work will create lifelong habits of service.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa ceremony, Senator Tinubu described the honour as a mandate to deepen her public-service work and to expand youth participation in voluntary organizations.
“If they learn to help from an early age, it would not be hard on them to do it when they are old,” she said, urging Nigerians with the means to assist neighbors in need.
The First Lady outlined initiatives from her office, including a National Food Bank program launched across the country’s six geopolitical zones, which she said aims to reduce child malnutrition.
“There is no challenge that is unsurmountable if we have the right will,” she added, stressing the need for sustained political commitment.
Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, national President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, welcomed Senator Tinubu’s acceptance of the role and praised her Renewed Hope Initiative for its focus on women, children and vulnerable families.
He said the society — founded under an act in 1960 and supported by more than 1.5 million volunteers — remains Nigeria’s statutory auxiliary in public humanitarian services.
“Today is far more than an investiture; it is a celebration of compassion, service and humility,” Prince Adeaga said. He acknowledged the scale of humanitarian challenges across the country and paid tribute to those affected and to the volunteers, security agencies and community leaders who respond to crises.
Prince Adeaga also announced plans for a Nigeria Academy for Humanitarian Studies to provide education, research and professional development for the sector.
Representatives of the International Red Cross network and other partners attended the investiture.
