The Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) has committed to partnering with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to enhance disaster management and humanitarian response across the state.

The state deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, made the commitment on Wednesday in Akure.

He made the commitment when he received the newly elected executive members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ondo State Blbranch, led by its chairman, Adewale Abdulaziz.

Mr Adelami commended the humanitarian organisation for its consistent interventions during emergencies.

According to him, the society has proven to be a dependable partner to the state government in protecting lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

“The Red Cross has really contributed to impacting lives. You are known to be partners of government and, in Ondo State, anytime there is a disaster, you are always there.

“On our part at SEMA, we hope to do more to deepen this existing relationship for the betterment of the society,” Mr Adelami said.

He assured the delegation that the state government would continue to support the society, adding that its operational requests would be presented to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for consideration.

Earlier, Mr Abdulaziz expressed the society’s readiness to expand its collaboration with ODSEMA in emergency assessment, relief distribution, first-aid training in schools and voluntary blood donation.

Mr Abdulaziz recalled the organisation’s major interventions in the state, including volunteer blood donations for victims of the Owo terror attack.

He appealed to the government to support the society by providing operational vehicles to enhance its outreach across local communities.

The the meeting was attended by the deputy chief of staff to the governor, Adekola Falohun.

Others in attendance were the vice chairman of the state Red Cross, Laurel Ojo and the immediate past chairman of the society, Akin Aibinuomo.

 (NAN)