In a bid to strengthen its emergency response, the Lagos State Command and Control Center, LSCCC, has held a multi-agency stakeholders engagement themed One Response, One Platform: Advancing Integrated Emergency Management in Lagos State.
Declaring the stakeholders meeting open at Ikeja, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter- governmental Relations, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, said the gathering represents a strategic institutional framework for strengthening interoperability, multi-agency coordination, and technology-driven emergency response management within the State.
The Commissioner noted that in today’s context, emergency management can no longer operate in silos, hence the need for integrated communication systems, synchronized operational protocols, real-time information sharing, unified command structures, and data-driven decision-making processes capable of supporting rapid deployment and coordinated response actions during emergencies and disasters.
“I reaffirm the commitment of the Lagos State Government to a continuous investment in emergency management infrastructure, capacity building, technology and inter-agency coordination. We will continue to strengthen systems and partnerships that enhance public safety and emergency preparedness across the State” Commissioner stated
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter- governmental Relations Mr Sesan Ogundeko, urged all stakeholders to embrace this initiative with professionalism, discipline, and a collective sense of responsibility, recognizing that the safety and resilience of our communities depend largely on the efficiency of our coordination systems and the competence of our responders.
“The success of LERMS and the broader emergency management architecture of Lagos State will depend on our ability to institutionalize collaboration, leverage technology effectively, and maintain a culture of continuous capacity development. Together, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and technologically advanced emergency response system capable of safeguarding lives, infrastructure, and the socio-economic stability of Lagos State”
Speaking with newsmen, General Manager LSCCC, Mr Femi Kennedy-Giwa, stated that the event was timely and highly significant as it seeks to reinforce operational synergy among first responders, security agencies, traffic management authorities, healthcare responders, fire services, environmental agencies, and other critical actors within the State’s emergency ecosystem.
According to him, the LSCCC remains committed to strengthening institutional capacity and advancing sustainable reforms that will improve public safety outcomes in the State.
“I sincerely appreciate the visionary leadership and support of the administration of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the guidance of the Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations for their commitment to a safer Lagos. I also commend all stakeholders and first responders for your dedication and sacrifice in protecting lives and property. I encourage every participant to engage actively and maximize the opportunities presented by this landmark programme as together we build a more responsive, resilient, and technology-driven emergency management system for Lagos State” Giwa said
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, harped on the need for synergy to avoid overlapping duties, noting that disaster and emergency response management is a team work.
Speaking on the technical training on LERMS, the Consultant Mr Iyanu Fakoya who is the Managing Director Softseer Ltd, said the participants underwent LERMS Technical Training which provide a strategic platform for harmonizing response protocols, enhancing inter-agency synergy, and improving emergency coordination through technology-driven solutions.
“LERMS brings together multiple layers of emergency response into a single, unified ecosystem, ensuring seamless coordination among first responders,” he said.
According to him, the platform integrates key services, including the EKO HELP distress system, which allows residents to report emergencies through mobile applications, USSD, SMS and other channels.
Participants at the LERMS Technical Training and Stakeholders Engagement on Emergency Management included LASEMA, LNSC, NEMA, LASTMA, Fire Service, NEMA, Police, NSCDC, DSVA, WAPA, MYSSD among others.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada