“The Red Cross Embodies Selfless and Voluntary Humanitarian Service” – Hon. Lomi Bedo
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) Oromia Regional Branch held its 6th General Assembly in Bishoftu Town, where delegates reviewed the branch’s performance and elected a new Board of Directors to lead the branch for the next four years.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Utkana Oda, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Oromia National Regional State, commended the branch for its remarkable achievements over the past four years. He stated that the regional government’s disaster preparedness and response efforts are rooted in the indigenous culture of communities supporting one another, a tradition that has played a significant role in strengthening the branch’s humanitarian work.
He also emphasized that behind every statistic presented in the performance report are lives saved, suffering alleviated, and hope restored.
Opening the General Assembly, Hon. Lomi Bedo, Deputy Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the ERCS Oromia Regional Branch Board, commended the Society for its humanitarian contributions in supporting vulnerable communities and fulfilling its auxiliary role by complementing government efforts where response capacities are limited.
She noted that the Red Cross is founded on voluntary service and humanitarian values that inspire people to serve others selflessly, while emphasizing the need to strengthen the Society’s institutional capacity further and expand access to humanitarian services.
Presenting the four-year performance report, Ato Kemal Abdela, Head of the Oromia Regional Branch, highlighted that strong community participation, effective coordination among zonal branches, and continuous support from the regional government were key factors behind the branch’s achievements.
The General Assembly also reviewed the branch’s audit report and held extensive discussions on its overall performance and future priorities.
Speaking at the Assembly, Ato Mohamed Jamal, ERCS Deputy Secretary General for Branch Affairs and Localization, acknowledged the outgoing Board’s significant contribution to advancing the branch’s humanitarian work over the past eight years. He expressed special appreciation to Hon. Lomi Bedo for her dedicated leadership and unwavering support to the Society.
At the conclusion of the Assembly, delegates elected a new Board of Directors to serve for the next four years. Hon. Sa’ada Abdulrahman, the Speaker of Chaffee Oromia,was elected Chairperson, Hon. Dr. Tola Beriso as Deputy Chairperson, and Dr. Yeshi Jima as Treasurer. Dr. Bokona Gutta, Mr. Ramadan Wario, Dr. Utkana Oda, and Ms. Jamila Sinbiro were elected as Board Members and took their oath of office before the Assembly.
The Assembly concluded with a special recognition award presented to Hon. Lomi Bedo in appreciation of her outstanding leadership and tireless service to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. Receiving the recognition, she reaffirmed her commitment to continue supporting the Society’s humanitarian mission.
We Live for Humanity!