The newly inaugurated Ondo State Branch Executive Council of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA), Dr. Olayide Adelami, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the humanitarian organisation and the state government.
The delegation, led by the State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Dr. Abdulazeez Adewale, commended the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for its commitment to improving healthcare delivery and emergency response mechanisms across the state.
Dr. Adewale particularly appreciated the governor for employment opportunities created across different cadres of the health sector, as well as the government’s response to emergency situations and the provision of ambulances strategically located across the state.
The Red Cross chairman also used the occasion to brief the Deputy Governor on the history and statutory foundation of the organisation, noting that the Nigerian Red Cross Society was established through an Act of Parliament in 1960.
He explained that the Red Cross had over the years maintained effective collaboration with successive administrations in Ondo State, particularly in the areas of emergency response, humanitarian intervention, disaster management and community support.
According to him, the newly constituted state executive would build on the existing relationship and do more to advance humanitarian services and alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people across the state.
Dr. Adewale disclosed that the Red Cross was prepared to formally visit the Governor for his investiture as Patron of the organisation, while the Deputy Governor would serve as Associate Patron.
He also appealed to the state government to support the Ondo State Branch with utility vehicles to enhance its operations and emergency response capacity.
The chairman noted that, compared with other Red Cross branches in the South-West, Ondo State remains without a dedicated utility vehicle, a situation he said had continued to affect the organisation’s ability to effectively carry out some of its humanitarian responsibilities.
The delegation also visited the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kola Faloye, where the team was advised to make the activities of the Red Cross more visible across the state.
Dr. Faloye encouraged the organisation to increase its participation and visibility in state activities, particularly those relating to emergency management, community development and humanitarian intervention.
Responding, Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami congratulated the new Red Cross State Executive Council and commended the organisation for its longstanding humanitarian services and contributions to society.
He assured the delegation of the state government’s support and promised to communicate the requests and proposals presented by the Red Cross to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for consideration.
The Deputy Governor, who also chairs ODSEMA, acknowledged the importance of collaboration between government emergency agencies and humanitarian organisations, stressing the need for effective coordination in responding to emergencies and supporting vulnerable communities.
The courtesy visit was attended by Hon. Akin Aibinuomo, former Chairman of Isua Local Government, past State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and a national officer of the organisation; the State Vice Chairman, Laurel Ojo; Legal Adviser, Barrister Itote Ifedayo; Branch Secretary, Rasheed Oshonowo; Olaleye Oluwafemi; and Fadumila Sunday.
The visit underscored the commitment of the new Ondo State Red Cross leadership to deepening its partnership with government and other stakeholders in promoting humanitarian services, emergency preparedness and community resilience across the state.
