By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a significant move to combat abuse, exploitation, and neglect among the most vulnerable populations, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Plateau State Chapter, has launched an empowerment initiative aimed at supporting persons at risk across all 17 local government areas of the state.
The initiative, which is being rolled out through targeted capacity-building workshops and distribution of empowerment kits and funds, seeks to provide vulnerable individuals—particularly persons with disabilities and others facing systemic marginalization—with the tools and information they need to defend their rights and access support when abused.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Jos over the weekend, the Director of Protection, Gender, and Inclusion of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Fatima Ibrahim Nasir, emphasized the importance of reaching the “vulnerable among the vulnerable,” noting that many victims of abuse often have no idea where to channel their complaints or who to turn to in times of need.
“We realized that these individuals are the most vulnerable among the vulnerable,” she said. “They don’t really have platforms—or they don’t know where to channel their complaints when they are exploited or abused. People take advantage of their situation, especially those with disabilities, to harass or abuse them. Today, we are changing that narrative.”
Fatima made the remarks shortly after facilitating a sensitization workshop and empowerment session for dozens of vulnerable residents within the Jos metropolis. The program included a public lecture, direct distribution of empowerment kits, and sensitization on rights, abuse reporting mechanisms, and accessing support through the Red Cross platform.
According to her, the ongoing program has so far reached 68 individuals in Jos North Local Government Area, with plans to extend the same support to an additional 42 vulnerable persons in Jos South LGA, bringing the total target for Jos metropolis alone to 110 persons.
“Our target is to empower 110 vulnerable persons within the Jos metropolis. We’ve already reached out to 68 here in Jos North, and the remaining 42 will be reached in Jos South in the coming days,” she said.
She further assured that the initiative would not be limited to urban areas, as the organization is committed to extending similar support to rural communities across Plateau State.
“We are not stopping in the urban clusters alone. This is just the beginning. We are taking this empowerment and protection campaign to the rural communities. Everyone deserves to be protected, empowered, and heard—regardless of their location or condition,” she added.
The empowerment exercise comes at a critical time when reports of abuse and exploitation, particularly against persons with disabilities, women, and children, are on the rise. For many of the beneficiaries, this intervention by the Nigerian Red Cross offers not just temporary relief, but a lifeline of hope and dignity.
Several of the participants who spoke to journalists expressed gratitude for the support and the platform to voice their experiences.
“This is the first time someone is asking us how we feel or what we go through,” said one beneficiary, a visually impaired woman. “We’ve suffered in silence for so long, but now we know where to go when something happens.”
The Nigerian Red Cross Society, through its Protection, Gender, and Inclusion Department, has been actively working to integrate human rights principles into its humanitarian work, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis or in the ongoing fight for dignity, inclusion, and justice.
This latest effort in Plateau State reflects a growing recognition of the urgent need to safeguard the rights of marginalized populations, build resilience, and create inclusive systems that empower every citizen—regardless of their ability or background.
As the program moves into its next phase, rural communities await with hope, while observers and stakeholders commend the Red Cross for setting an inspiring example of inclusive humanitarian action.
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