The Lagos State Command and Control Agency has embarked on a road show to sensitize residents on the importance of using the state’s emergency toll-free lines 767 and 112, amid rising cases of disaster and emergencies across the state.
Speaking with newsmen during the awareness campaign in Ikeja, the General Manager of the agency, Mr. Femi Kennedy Giwa, said the exercise aims to educate Lagosians on the proper and responsible use of emergency lines.
He explained that the initiative is designed to enhance public safety, improve emergency response, and promote a culture of preparedness among residents.
“This campaign aims to address the misuse of emergency numbers and promote responsible behavior during emergencies,” Giwa stated.
Avoid Hoax Calls, LASEMA Warns
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, urged residents to avoid making hoax calls, stressing that such actions delay real emergency responses.
He noted that the Sanwo-Olu administration has made significant investments in technology and infrastructure to strengthen the state’s emergency management system.
“The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has invested significantly in technology to improve emergency response capabilities,” he said.
“The importance of effective communication in disaster management cannot be overstated. Residents must refrain from making false calls to emergency numbers,” he added.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that emergency management remains a collective responsibility, calling on residents to be safety-conscious, especially as the festive season approaches.
Public Engagement Drive
The sensitization walk began at the Alausa Secretariat and ended under the Ikeja Bridge, with participants singing safety songs and distributing information leaflets to motorists, traders, and passersby.
The exercise drew attention from residents who applauded the initiative, describing it as a timely reminder of the importance of safety and emergency preparedness in Lagos.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada