Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, has said the State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) will deepen its relationship with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to strengthen disaster management and humanitarian response across the state.
He stated this when he received the newly elected leadership of the Society’s Ondo State Branch, led by its State Chairman, Dr. Adewale Abdulaziz, on a courtesy visit to his office in Akure on Wednesday.
He commended the organisation for its sustained contributions to humanitarian services and its collaboration with government agencies during emergencies.
The deputy governor acknowledged the role of the Red Cross in complementing the activities of ODSEMA, noting that the organisation had consistently responded to disasters and provided support to affected communities. He said the society had demonstrated through its activities that it was a reliable partner of government in efforts to protect lives and alleviate the suffering of vulnerable people.
“Red Cross has really contributed to impacting lives. You are known to be partners of government and, in Ondo State too, anytime there is a disaster, you are always there. So, I want to commend you for all these activities. On our part at SEMA, we hope to do more to deepen this existing relationship for the betterment of the society” Adelami said.
He assured the society of the commitment of the state government to support them in carrying out their mandates effectively.
“I will convey your requests to my principal, whom I am very sure will give the needed support as to continue to play your parts in the society and collaborate effectively with government agencies and relevant stakeholders”. The deputy governor said.
Earlier, the Nigerian Red Cross Society State Chairman, Dr. Adewale Abdulaziz, said the organisation was ready to strengthen its partnership with the state government in disaster management, humanitarian services, first-aid education in secondary schools and blood donation.
He commended the Aiyedatiwa administration for its interventions in the health sector and its response to emergencies, while requesting government support, particularly utility vehicles, to facilitate the society’s operations across the state.
Abdulaziz also disclosed that the Red Cross had collaborated with ODSEMA in disaster assessment and distribution of relief materials, recalling the organisation’s intervention during the Owo attack, when volunteers donated blood for victims. He said the society was also planning to decorate Governor Aiyedatiwa as its Grand Patron and the Deputy Governor as patron in the state.
The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Adekola Falohun, Vice Chairman of the Red Cross in Ondo State, Mrs Laurel Ojo, Immediate Past Chairman of the society, Mr Akin Aibinuomo and other executives of the society.
