Adejola Adeyemi Crown
Former Ogun State Governorship Candidate, Chief (Dr.) Jackie Adunni Kassim has emerged as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ogun State Branch, succeeding Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello after winning the branch election held during the 2026 Annual General Meeting in Abeokuta on Saturday.
The AGM brought together representatives of the National Headquarters, Electoral Committee members, branch executives, advisers, divisional coordinators, volunteers, partners and other stakeholders to review the branch’s activities over the last four years, deliberate on its future and elect a new executive to lead the humanitarian organisation.
In his opening address, the outgoing Branch Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello, described the gathering as a significant milestone for the branch, saying it offered members the opportunity to reflect on past achievements, assess challenges and prepare for another phase of purposeful leadership.
Bello appreciated members, volunteers, donors and partners for their support throughout his tenure, noting that the branch recorded progress in humanitarian interventions, volunteer development, stakeholder engagement, fundraising initiatives, youth empowerment programmes, disaster preparedness, first aid services and improved visibility across Ogun State.
He said, “As we proceed to elect new leaders today, I encourage every member to demonstrate the values that define our great Society, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Let us conduct ourselves peacefully, respectfully and with the understanding that whoever emerges will do so to serve the Society and humanity.”
The Branch Secretary, Mr. Taye Ajayi, in his welcome address, said the AGM provided an opportunity to evaluate the branch’s performance, strengthen its governance and chart a greater course for the future.
He urged delegates to participate actively in the deliberations, saying, “Let our discussions be guided by transparency, accountability, unity and our shared commitment to humanitarian service.”
Following the presentations, members proceeded to the election, which recorded a 100 per cent voter turnout as all 19 accredited delegate members cast their ballots.
While most offices were filled unopposed, three key positions witnessed keen contests.
Kassim defeated Ibrahim Oyedeji Bello by 13 votes to six to emerge Branch Chairman.
Quadri Olugbenga Abayomi was elected Vice Chairman after polling 12 votes against Oyedele Femi Olawole’s seven votes, while Suraju Kehinde Yahya emerged Disaster Management Adviser with 13 votes, defeating Soyemi Babajimi Olalekan, who secured six votes.
Other executive members elected unopposed include Solesi Abiodun Olufunso as Programme Planning Adviser, Adetonwa Festus Oluwale as Health and Care Adviser, Adeyanju Ibukunoluwa Temitope as Youth, Gender and Volunteer Adviser, Jagun Oluwafemi John as Division Development Adviser, Oyewunmi Aanuolu Ikemheizamhe as Communication and Advocacy Adviser, and Taiwo Hannah Olutayo as Capacity Development Adviser.
Speaking with journalists after her victory, Kassim described the outcome as a victory for the entire branch and pledged to lead an inclusive administration.
She said, “I feel good today being elected as the Chairman of Ogun State Red Cross Society and I am happy it went this way because Red Cross is supposed to be teamwork. We all won and it is only the battle that changed hands. We are all still going to continue working together.”
The new chairman said her administration would consult widely before unveiling its programmes but assured members that reviving inactive units across the state would be a priority.
“Apart from what I reeled out during my campaign agenda, I am still going to sit down with my team and have a layout plan on how we are going to go about it. What I know is that all the units and the 20 local governments will go together. Those that are not active, we are going to revive them and we are going to get more people in to serve humanity,” she said.
She also commended the outgoing executive committee for its contributions to the growth of the branch.
“I commend the immediate past executives for what they have done and it is my hope that we take it even higher to surpass what they achieved while in office,” Kassim added.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr. Oyelami Gabriel, congratulated the successful candidates and urged members to remain united irrespective of the outcome of the election.
He said, “To the winners, you were elected to serve, not to rule. The Red Cross is bigger than any of us. To those who didn’t win, you are still Red Cross. Your service is still needed. The next election is another chance.”
Also speaking, Ex-Officio, Barrister Bola Solarin, commended the AGM committee for successfully organising the event and stressed the need for the new leadership to be resourceful in generating funds to strengthen the branch.
He also urged the Capacity Development Adviser to remain proactive in initiating projects that would promote sustainable growth and expressed optimism about the future of the Ogun State Branch.
Delivering the address of the National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Prince Oluyemisi A. Adeaga, through the National Capacity Adviser, Comrade Chief Yinka Fashina, the national leadership congratulated the newly elected executive officers and praised the Ogun State Branch for conducting what it described as a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
The National President said, “Your election is not merely an honour but a call to selfless service. Leadership within the Red Cross demands integrity, humility, accountability, compassion and unwavering commitment to humanity.”
He urged the new executive to uphold the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, strengthen volunteer development, disaster preparedness and response, health promotion, first aid services, youth engagement and community resilience programmes.
He also appealed to members who were unsuccessful at the polls to continue supporting the organisation, commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a credible exercise, appreciated the outgoing executive officers for their service, and assured the Ogun State Branch of the National Headquarters’ continued support.
“Leadership is service, and every decision we make must ultimately promote humanity and alleviate suffering,” he added.
The AGM was attended by the Branch Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello; Vice Chairman, Instructor Olatoye Lookman; Ex-Officio members, Instructor Bayo Bola Solarin and Instructor Isaac Alade; Capacity Development Adviser, Instructor Soyemi Babajimi; Programme and Planning Adviser, Instructor Folarin Joseph; Communication and Advocacy Adviser, Dr. Christopher Omotosho; Finance and Property Management Adviser, Trainer Taiwo Olutayo; Coordinator, Ijebu Ode Division, Amore; Coordinator, Ifo Division, Trainer Rev. Salako Samuel Oluwole; Coordinator, Abeokuta North Division, Mr. Akinbode; Coordinator, Yewa South Division, Instructor Mrs. Balogun; Coordinator, Ado Odo/Ota Division, Instructor Suraj; Branch Training Officer, Instructor Adeniyi Akinmade; Branch Disaster Management Officer, Instructor Fatai Aliu; Volunteer Coordinator, Mrs. Dorcas; representatives of the National Headquarters, Electoral Committee members, branch advisers, divisional coordinators, volunteers, partners, invited guests and other stakeholders.
