The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a nationwide sensitisation campaign on the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims in Nigeria.
While receiving a team of delegates from the ICRC at the NOA Headquarters, the Director General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Social Mobilisation, Dr Ayoola Olufemi, said the partnership became necessary as Nigerians needed to be sensitised on the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots Act, signed into law in 2017.
According to him, the delay in getting the necessary medical attention by victims of gunshots could result in the loss of lives, adding that many Nigerians remain unaware of the law, which mandates that any hospital must treat gunshot victims first before any other administrative or financial requirements.
Dr Ayoola also noted that the Agency has a wide national presence with 818 offices across the country, a development he said will enable the Agency to reach a larger population of Nigerians.
In his address, the Deputy Head of the ICRC in Nigeria, Mr. James Matthew, commended the NOA for the collaboration, noting that many victims often experience delays in receiving urgent medical attention, particularly in cases involving gunshot injuries.
Mr Matthew said the ICRC will leverage the extensive nationwide reach of the NOA to ensure that Nigerians are well informed about the law, noting that this will go a long way in saving many lives, especially during unforeseen circumstances.
Members of the NOA team present at the signing of the MoU included the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr Ayoola Olufemi; the Director of Legal, Barrister Dogo Williams; and Barrister Meriam Yakubu, among others.
The ICRC team comprised the Nigeria Deputy Head, Mr James Mathew, and the Humanitarian Affairs Advisor, ICRC Nigeria, Mrs Juliet Kelechi Unudi, and representatives from Radio Nigeria (FRCN), Science Newspaper, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Armed Forces Radio and Daily Trust.
