BY BERNADETTE IDALU

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has pledged the full support and collaboration of the state government with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Edo State Branch in the organisation’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian service and its role in supporting vulnerable populations during crises and disasters.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership and members of the Red Cross Society at Government House, Benin City, Idahosa praised the society for its voluntary efforts in delivering aid to those in distress.

He described the group as a stabilising force for communities across the state during emergencies.

He affirmed that the state remains committed to alleviating the suffering of residents, in line with the promises made during the last electoral campaign, and will actively support the humanitarian activities of the Red Cross to enhance its reach and sustainability.

The deputy governor encouraged the members of the Red Cross Society to remain faithful to the vision of the society’s founder, Jean Henry Dunant, whose early dedication to disaster relief at the Battle of Solferino in 1859 inspired the creation of what has become a global humanitarian movement. 

He also acknowledged the enduring legacy of the Red Society in providing critical medical and psycho-social support during emergencies around the world.

In addition to affirming the state’s willingness to collaborate with the society, Idahosa appealed to affluent individuals and corporate organisations in Edo to support the work of the Red Cross, which he noted continues to deliver essential relief services to underserved communities. 

He assured the visiting delegation that their proposals and appeals would be conveyed to the State Governor, Senator Okpebholo for a thorough review and response.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Edo State Branch, Mr. Monday Edogiawerie, congratulated the governor and his deputy on their electoral success and judicial affirmation by the Governorship Election Tribunal. 

He noted that the high regard in which both leaders are held stems from their evident contributions to societal development and good governance.

Edogiawerie used the opportunity to brief the deputy governor on planned activities for the 2025 World Red Cross Week, an annual event observed on 8 May to commemorate the 162-year history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 

He recounted the society’s origins, crediting Jean Henry Dunant’s mobilisation of local volunteers to treat wounded soldiers at Solferino as the seed that blossomed into the international humanitarian network known today.

The chairman revealed that the theme for this year’s observance is “On the Side of Humanity,” underscoring the society’s unwavering commitment to human dignity. 

He disclosed that, in line with this theme, the Edo State branch had, within the last six months, provided livelihood support to over 1,500 residents affected by the 2024 flood disaster in Ogbesse (Ovia North-East), Ikpe (Ikpoba-Okha), and the communities of Iguoriakhi, Ofulama, and Siluko (Ovia South-West), among others.

He reiterated the society’s appeal for financial and logistical support from the government to expand its humanitarian impact across the state.