The newly elected executive of the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), Ondo State Branch, led by its Chairman, Dr. Sola Adewale, has paid a courtesy visit to the Lord Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, as part of efforts to strengthen humanitarian partnerships and expand the organisation’s impact across the state.
The visit, which took place on September 2, 2026, provided an opportunity for the new Red Cross leadership to formally introduce itself to the Bishop, discuss the organisation’s humanitarian activities and seek support in addressing some of the challenges affecting its operations.
Speaking during the meeting, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade commended the Nigeria Red Cross Society for its dedication to humanitarian service and appreciated the organisation for its contributions to saving lives and supporting vulnerable people across Ondo State.
The Bishop said, “I thank you for what you are doing to serve humanity,” while stressing the importance of dignity, integrity and commitment in humanitarian service. He encouraged the Red Cross leadership and volunteers to maintain high ethical standards in all their activities, noting that public trust remains essential to the success of any humanitarian organisation.
The Red Cross delegation highlighted some of the major interventions and achievements of the Ondo State Branch, including its response to disasters and emergencies, first aid training, volunteer capacity building and promotion of voluntary blood donation.
The branch explained that its volunteers continue to play important roles in providing humanitarian assistance to communities during emergencies, while also equipping members of the public with basic life-saving skills through first aid training programmes.
The leadership, however, identified some challenges confronting the branch, particularly inadequate mobility, limited resources for motivating staff and volunteers, lack of an ambulance, and insufficient office furniture at the branch secretariat.
According to the leadership, addressing these challenges would significantly improve the branch’s ability to respond promptly to emergencies and provide effective humanitarian services to vulnerable individuals and communities across the state.
Dr. Sola Adewale expressed appreciation to the Bishop for receiving the delegation and for his words of encouragement and support. He reaffirmed the commitment of the new executive to reposition the Ondo State Branch and strengthen collaboration with relevant institutions, faith-based organisations, government agencies and other stakeholders.
The courtesy visit ended on a positive note, with both sides emphasising the need for stronger partnerships in promoting humanitarian services, emergency response, health interventions and community development.
The meeting further demonstrated the shared commitment of the Nigeria Red Cross Society and the Catholic Diocese of Ondo to the common goal of serving humanity, protecting lives and supporting people in times of need
