Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-olu, has saluted the resilience of all first responders in the state for handling emergency and disaster management in the outgoing year.
Dr Sanwo-olu gave the commendation at the Christmas Carol service organized by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, held at Alausa with the theme King of Kings.
The Lagos first lady who took the first Bible reading from the book of Isaiah chapter nine verses six to ten and later sang a special anthem with LASEMA choir, said the carol was to thank God for the successes recorded by the Agency in the outgoing year.
“We appreciate you for “fighting sleep” and “cheating nature” so that others may rest safely.
Your dedication brings hope, comfort, and protection to millions.
Tonight, we also honour your families, who share in your sacrifices.
To all emergency responders here, LASEMA staff, Response Units, Pre-Hospital Care Paramedics, fire-fighters, LASAMBUS, Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, Lagos State Fire & Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, LASTMA, and many more — your courage, skill, and compassion make a real difference.
In times of crisis, you are the first to act, saving lives, safeguarding property, and providing aid.
“You are our everyday heroes”.
“Lagos is a unique state with unique challenges.
Yet, your swift and decisive responses cut through crises big and small, bringing succour when it is needed most.
As a medical practitioner with over 25 years of experience, and an advocate for public health and social welfare, I have witnessed firsthand the growth of Lagos’ emergency systems.
I identify with you, our heroes, because I know the value of your work.
Despite its small size, Lagos is Nigeria’s economic heartbeat, home to major banks, insurance companies, and Africa’s thriving tech capital.
Our ports serve as gateways for international trade, and our economy attracts investment across West Africa.
With such prosperity comes responsibility, and Lagos has risen to the challenge with robust emergency preparedness” Ibijoke said
The Permanent Secretary LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who noted that though the year was challenging but fulfilling having built a fully functional emergency management system, advancing beyond response to prevention of emergencies through Disaster Risks Reduction.
Dr Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to be safety conscious as Christmas and New Year beacons, cautioning against use of fireworks, candles and naked electric wires.
“We have strengthened grassroots response through Local Emergency Management Committees, improved flood preparedness, and conducted regular simulation exercises.
Community engagement initiatives like First Response for All empower citizens with life-saving skills, ensuring resilience at every level.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember: safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Please commit the Lagos State toll-free emergency numbers 112/767 to memory. No matter the emergency, LASEMA and its relevant stakeholders is only one phone call away.
Stay safe, enjoy the celebrations” PS LASEMA stated
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental relations, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, gave LASEMA a pat on the back for living up to its task efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all residents.
“Looking at the nature of high volatile impact jobs they do, it is only of conscious mind to thank God after a whole year of attending to emergencies for keeping them alive, LASEMA has done well and Lagos is thanking them for handling emergency cases in good time”
Different Gospel Artistes including Yinka Alaseyori, Bisi Akewi, LASEMA choristers dressed in uniformed Ankara among others thrilled the audience to the many Christmas renditions.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada