Scores of youths under the Osun Youths Vanguard have declared its readiness to embark on a statewide protest over the continued non-release of their funds by the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group accused both the national and state leadership of the Red Cross of deliberate neglect, mismanagement, and financial opacity, threatening to shut down the State Secretariat if the situation is not addressed within seven days.
The statement, signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Tope Ayeni, alleged that the funds earmarked by the national body for Osun Red Cross operations had been withheld for over seven months.
According to the group, this delay has led to a significant decline in both project execution and the welfare of members, thereby eroding trust in the humanitarian organisation within the state.
The group particularly criticised the National President of Red Cross, Prince Oluyemisi Adetayo Adeaga, describing his leadership as inconsistent and riddled with mistrust. It also accused the Osun State Secretary, Mr Tolulope Ogunleye, of silencing concerned members and frustrating efforts to demand accountability.
The group’s resolve to stage a protest follows months of alleged disregard for earlier appeals and engagements.
“Prince Adeaga must act within the next seven days or face the full wrath of the youth,” the statement warned, adding that Osun youths would no longer tolerate what they described as “the syphoning of funds by a few at the expense of the majority.”
Meanwhile, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Mr Ogunleye confirmed that the payment delay had indeed lasted more than seven months, but clarified that the issue was from the national body and not the state.
Similarly, the publicity team of Prince Adeaga said that the matter had been escalated to their management team and a response would be communicated in due course.