The traditional ruler of Ogere town of Ogun State, Oba James Obafemi Saliu has facilitated a partnership between Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Ogun State Branch and China Red Cross Society in a move to enhance humanitarian collaboration.
Speaking at a meeting between the two organisations at the Ogun State headquarters of the Red Cross in Abeokuta, Oba Saliu described the partnership as one that would ensure transparency, expediency, and accountability in humanitarian interventions.
He commended the Chinese delegation which include Commissioner Siang Liangjie from Zhejiang Province, Mr. Jack Wang and Miss Xiao May, and described the meeting as a positive development for the state.
Chairman of the Ogun State Red Cross chapter, Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello received the delegation in company of the Vice Chairman, Lookman Olatoye, Mr. Ajayi Taye, (Secretary) Pastor Gabriel Oyelami (Abeokuta Divisional Coordinator), Adeniyi Akinmade (Branch Training Officer Instructor) and Princess Adeolu Ibukunoluwa.
The Chinese delegation expressed a desire to support their Ogun counterparts with material and technical assistance, provision of educational and training resources, donation of medical equipment, and modern disaster preparedness training.
The Chinese team leader emphasized the China Red Cross Society’s dedication to providing impactful humanitarian aid, particularly in Ogere town, where several Chinese companies operate.
Liangjie stated that the organisation was keen to support disaster response, healthcare interventions, and training programs that will directly benefit communities in Ogun State.
Bello expressed appreciation to the China Red Cross Society’s willingness to collaborate and outlined the state Red Cross’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.
He said this includes support for displaced persons, response to disease outbreaks such as monkeypox and cholera, as well as disaster relief operations.
He added that additional support from the China Red Cross would significantly expand the impact of these interventions.
He appealed for assistance in securing a permanent office space, explaining that the branch currently operates from a rented facility, adding that the chapter will also need a utility vehicle and ambulances to enhance emergency response operations.
“With improved resources, the Ogun State Chapter of the society can better serve communities in need and respond swiftly to emergencies,” he said.
