The Olu of Agboyi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, has honoured two top officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) for their outstanding humanitarian interventions in the Agboyi community over the past four years.
The recognition, which took place during the monarch’s 5th Coronation Anniversary, was witnessed by royal fathers, community leaders, residents, Red Cross volunteers, and members of the media.
At the colourful ceremony, the NRCS Secretary General, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Kende, was conferred with the title of Aare Tadese of Agboyi Kingdom, while the Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Benson Davwe Agbro, received the title of Otunba Fiwagboye of Agboyi Kingdom, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Happy Efe Agbro.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Olakunle Lasisi (Branch Secretary), Mr. Olushola Tejuosho (Branch Communication Officer), Mr. Benjamin Aghoro (Kosofe Divisional Coordinator), and Mr. Austin Umude (Former Kosofe Divisional Chairman). Notably, Otunba Karsten Voigt, Country Manager of the British Red Cross, had earlier been honoured with the title Otunba Soludero of Agboyi Kingdom.
Oba Oladega described the honour as a gesture of appreciation for the Red Cross Society’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable, while urging the organization to scale up its efforts in delivering humanitarian relief.
In response, the Nigerian Red Cross reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering and pledged to continue upholding the Seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Alhaji Kende, a veteran public health and humanitarian specialist with more than 30 years of experience across government, UN agencies, and international organizations, has served in senior roles with FHI, DFID, Save the Children, and UNICEF, and currently leads the NRCS as Secretary General.
Similarly, Mr. Agbro, who boasts over two decades of experience in disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and early warning systems, previously served as an ICRC Delegate in Bangladesh and Uganda, supporting emergency response coordination and capacity development.
The Society described the royal recognition as both an honour and a call to action, pledging to intensify efforts to support vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience across Nigeria.