Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has charged the Red Cross for greater innovation and deployment of technology in humanitarian response in the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call while delivering his goodwill message at the 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State branch, on Saturday in Lagos.

The governor, represented by Sesan Ogundeko, the permanent secretary of the state’s ministry of special duties and intergovernmental relations, advised NRCS to leverage data and digital tools to strengthen emergency management in the state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, who described the AGM as more than a routine gathering, said it was a celebration of compassion, service and humanity spanning 58 years of Red Cross operations in the state.

He noted that with an estimated population of about 20 million people, the state faced increasing pressure from rapid urbanisation, climate change and infrastructural demands.

“In a city as large and fast-growing as Lagos, emergencies are sometimes unavoidable,” he said.

He said these realities made disaster preparedness and emergency response essential, adding that the work of the Red Cross aligned closely with the vision of building a resilient state.

Mr Sanwo-Olu further advised the branch leadership to continue to be innovative, remain transparent and accountable and make good use of technology and data to improve humanitarian response.

According to him, effective governance requires strong partnerships, as the government cannot single-handedly manage the scale of emergencies in a megacity like Lagos.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Red Cross, promoting voluntary blood donations and supporting vulnerable communities across the state.

The governor also made an appeal to residents to become active responders during emergencies rather than passive observers.

He decried a growing culture where some young people record accident scenes for broadcast instead of assisting victims, urging them to choose service over harmful or indifferent behaviour.

“Each one of us can make a difference through simple actions; checking on a neighbour, donating blood, volunteering your time, learning about first aid and supporting those in need,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu envisioned a state where more citizens were prepared to respond in emergencies, and compassion spread as quickly as information online.

He said humanitarian service was not the responsibility of organisations alone but a shared civic duty.

He added that history would not only remember roads and buildings constructed, but also how a society cared for the weak, displaced, sick and forgotten.

The governor commended Red Cross volunteers for their dedication, describing them as everyday heroes who often risk their personal safety to save others.

He praised both young and veteran members for their selfless service.

“When floods displace families, when road accidents occur or when emergencies strike unexpectedly, the Nigerian Red Cross volunteers are often among the first to respond,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu congratulated the Lagos State branch on its 58th AGM and assured members that the requests earlier submitted to the state government would receive a positive response.

Earlier, NRCS Lagos chairman, Adebola Kolawole, said the AGM was a pivotal moment for reflection, accountability and strategic renewal to reposition the branch for greater impact.

Ms Kolawole said the branch was committed to becoming financially self-reliant while setting the standard in humanitarian service delivery across Lagos State.

“Our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to repositioning the Lagos State Branch as a beacon of humanitarian excellence,” she said.

She identified sustainability, inclusivity, impact measurement, advocacy and collaboration as key pillars for the branch’s next phase, adding that innovation and strategic partnerships would drive improved service delivery.

While acknowledging financial constraints as a major challenge, Ms Kolawole appealed to government, corporate organisations and individuals for greater support.

She noted that additional resources were required for ambulances, disaster response equipment, personal protective gear for emergency teams and a solar power project to enhance operations at the branch’s facilities.

(NAN)