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 on Saturday during the 56th annual general meeting of NRCS, Lagos State Branch.
The branch had earlier requested for the reinstatement of the Red Cross Society in schools.
Mr Ogunlende told journalists at the sidelines of the event that the process would require the support of the state’s Ministry of Education.
“It is a conversation I must have with my colleague, the Commissioner for Education; I pledge to have that conversation to see how we can give the Red Cross a soft landing.
“If we’re able to do this, the importance of it is that we can 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, it will help the community at large and the state,” he said.
The commissioner said the Red Cross must be responsible for the task and not abuse the privilege.
Mr Ogunlende pledged support to 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 ongoing projects: 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 of NRCS, Lagos branch, Adebola Kolawole, said reinstating the Red Cross in schools would help train students in first aid, which helps to save lives during emergency response.
(NAN)
