By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (Edo State Branch) has decorated the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA), Hon. Jerry Idahosa, as a Fellow of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and presented him with a certificate of recognition for his outstanding dedication to humanitarian service in Edo State.
Hon. Idahosa’s Award coincided with the commemoration of the year 2025 World Humanitarian Day of 19th August, which was marked by the 25th Annual First Aid, Disaster Management and Leadership Training Camp at the Negbenebor International Primary School, First Ugbor in Benin City, with the theme, “Building a Resilient Volunteer Force for Sustainable Humanitarian Action.”
In his remarks, Hon. Idahosa emphasised the significance of the World Humanitarian Day as an opportunity to honour aid workers who have lost their lives or suffered injuries in the line of duty, and also to celebrate the courage and resilience of those who continue to serve. He commended the Edo State Government on consistently prioritising public safety by responding promptly to emergencies, and providing assistance to victims of disasters in the State.
Hon. Idahosa acknowledging the unwavering commitment of the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo to safety, noted that his administration has continued to support the Nigerian Red Cross Society through strong collaborations with EdoSEMA in order to build a safer and more resilient State. He urged aspiring humanitarian and aid workers to pursue professional training through Red Cross programmes in Disaster Management, First Aid, and Leadership Development. He cautioned against the increasing tendency of bystanders to film emergency incidents rather than assist victims, stressing the importance of immediate first aid and swift evacuation of victims to medical facilities.
A past leader of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (Edo State Branch) and current Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, congratulated the present leadership of the Red Cross Society for its commitment to service. He pledged continued support and described the current Executives as worthy successor.
The ceremony featured reflections from senior members of the Red Cross Society, who recounted decades of personal involvement in leadership and disaster camps. Participants were commended and prayed for, with wishes for safe return home at the end of camping.
The event underscored efforts aimed at strengthening Edo State’s humanitarian response capacity through volunteerism, skills training, and recognition of dedicated service.