Benin City – Edo State Government is to collaborate with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Edo state chapter on emergency response and humanitarian services to promptly respond to accident and health emergencies of residents of the state.

The state deputy Governor Rt Hon Philip Shaibu gave the assurance yesterday when he hosted the executive members of the Nigerian Red Cross, Edo state Chapter, led by comrade Festus Alenkhe who were in government house on a courtesy visit.

The deputy governor who received the Red Cross Executives on behalf of the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki explained that the present administration was already working on a document that would see the complete turn around of the health sector in the state, to include functional emergency response department.

According to him, the emergency team will have Ambulances stationed at strategic places for faster responses.

Comrade Shaibu praised the Red Cross for the role they played in the release of 82 more kidnapped Chibok girls, describing it as the greatest humanitarian gift to celebrate the World Red Cross Day.

“With what you people have been doing, I think you can be trusted and you deserved government and the general public support. I congratulate you as you celebrate your day and achievements.”

Comrade Shaibu however called on Nigerians to emulate the humanitarian gesture of the Red Cross to help build a strong nation and described sabotage as the greatest disservice to the country, which will hurt generations to come.

Earlier, the Edo State Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Festus Alenkhe said they were in government house to intimate the government of their activities as they mark their day, as well as seek areas of collaboration with the government to improve first aid.

Comrade Alenkhe explained that the society had been rendering assistance to thousands of less privileged in Edo state, especially those at the Internally Displaced Persons IDP Camp.

The Red Cross Chairman urged the government to assist them with fully equipped Ambulances to aid their work for their response team to save lives.

He also urged the government to have toll free numbers for emergencies, to break the barrier of poverty especially at the rural communities.

The Red Cross Society allowed over the world celebrated their day and achievements yesterday.