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 Society and presented him with a certificate of recognition for his outstanding dedication to humanitarian service in Edo State.
The honour was conferred during the commemoration of the 2025 World Humanitarian Day, held at the 25th Annual First Aid, Disaster Management and Leadership Training Camp at Negbenebor International Primary School, First Ugbor, Benin City. The event was themed “Building a Resilient Volunteer Force for Sustainable Humanitarian Action.”
The award highlights the importance of humanitarian service in a time when Nigeria faces increasing natural disasters, communal clashes, and emergencies that demand coordinated responses. World Humanitarian Day provides a platform not only to celebrate aid workers but also to emphasize the urgent need for capacity building, disaster preparedness, and volunteer resilience.
In his remarks, Hon. Idahosa described World Humanitarian Day as a moment to honour aid workers who have lost their lives or sustained injuries in the line of duty, and to celebrate the courage of those still serving. He commended the Edo State Government under Governor Sen. Monday Okpebholo for its unwavering commitment to public safety and support for collaborations between EdoSEMA and the Red Cross Society.
He also urged aspiring aid workers to undergo professional training in Disaster Management, First Aid, and Leadership, stressing the dangers of bystanders merely filming emergencies instead of helping victims. According to him, immediate first aid and swift evacuation to medical facilities can be the difference between life and death.
Former leader of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (Edo State Branch) and current Chairman of the NUJ Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, congratulated the Society’s leadership, pledging support and commending their continued dedication to humanitarian service.
The event also featured reflections from senior Red Cross members, who shared their experiences in leadership and disaster response camps, encouraging younger volunteers to remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives.
Hon. Idahosa’s recognition underscores the growing role of local emergency agencies and volunteer networks in strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response system. With disasters and emergencies becoming more frequent due to urbanization, climate change, and insecurity, building a resilient volunteer force is no longer optional—it is essential for national survival.
For Edo State, this recognition also points to a broader model of government–civil society collaboration, where institutions like EdoSEMA and the Red Cross work hand-in-hand to protect communities, enhance disaster readiness, and train the next generation of humanitarians.
Hon. Jerry Idahosa’s decoration as a Fellow of the Nigerian Red Cross Society is not just a personal achievement—it is a reaffirmation of Edo State’s commitment to humanitarian values, resilience, and community safety.
Going forward, the task lies in sustaining this momentum: expanding training, deepening partnerships, and instilling a culture of active response rather than passive observation. In doing so, Edo State can serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria, showing that with the right leadership, volunteer spirit, and institutional support, communities can withstand and recover from crises more effectively.
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