By JOAN ODAFE

The Lagos State Government says it will look into processes to reinstate the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) in schools.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said this during the 56th Annual General Meeting of NRCS, Lagos State Branch, on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the branch had earlier requested for the reinstatement of Red Cross Society in schools.

Ogunlende told NAN at the sidelines of the event that the process would require the support of the state’s Ministry of Education.

“It is a conversation that I need to have with my colleague, the Commissioner for Education.

“I pledge that I will have that conversation to see how we can give the Red Cross soft landing.

“If we’re able to do this, the importance of it is that we’re able to imbibe in the little kids the act of voluntary service, the act of humanity.

“If we’re able to catch them young, at a very tender age, in turn it helps the community at large and the state also,” he said.

The commissioner, however, said that the Red Cross must be responsible for the task and not abuse the privilege.

Earlier, Ogunlende pledged the support of the state in helping the Red Cross function properly.

“The Red Cross is doing a lot. Here in the head office, I’ve witnessed four projects that are ongoing; the clinic, the laboratory, the orphanage and the school,” he said.

He further pledged about 100 personal protective equipment (PPE), through his foundation – Real Act of Kindness (RAK).

The Chairman, NRCS, Lagos branch, Mrs Adebola Kolawole, said reinstating Red Cross in schools would help train students in first aid, which helps to save lives during emergency response.

She said communities, not only schools, would benefit from students having the capacity to save lives.

Kolawole thanked the state government for its support to the Red Cross.

She further thanked partners and donors of the NRCS for their contributions in ensuring that the Society carries out its humanitarian services. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Adebola Kolawole, Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State Branch decorating The Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, during the 56th Annual General Meeting of the branch on Saturday in Lagos.

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