The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration and forging a strong partnership that will define the future of emergency management in the country.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu stated this at the opening of a three day maiden SEMA conference with the theme Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria held in Ikeja.
The Governor represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, acknowledged each State’s peculiar challenges to include floods, fires, epidemics, industrial accidents, and the unpredictable impacts of climate change.
He called on State agencies to collaborate rather than operate in isolation, where knowledge is shared, lessons are learned, and every citizen, from the North to the South, can have faith in a dependable, coordinated response system.
“Let me emphasize that the true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges.
As we engage in discussions throughout this conference, let us pledge to move beyond just policies on paper to taking real, tangible actions that will lead to a safer, more resilient Nigeria so that we can transform challenges into opportunities, and build a nation where resilience is not just a concept but a lived reality for every Nigerian” Governor stated.
“On behalf of the government and the wonderful people of Lagos State, I express my gratitude to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), and especially our own LASEMA, for their steadfast commitment to protecting lives”
On her part, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mrs Zunaida Umar, commended Lagos as the host of the maiden SEMA conference to inspire other states as a model of resilience, innovation and determination in emergency management.
Mrs Umar urged all first responders to embrace emergency management away from being reactive but predictive, participatory and preventive to prevent loss of lives and protection of properties.
“Under my leadership, NEMA remains committed to Working with every
SEMA, our international partners, andmost importantly-our communities.
We will Strengthen early warning systems, Improve data, forecasting, and information management, Expand grassroots capacity building, and I am confident that the outcomes of this conference will not only strengthen SEMAs, but also enhances the resilience of Nigeria itself. Let us therefore engage with open minds, share sincerely, and leave here with a renewed commitment to action.
Together, we can build a Nigeria that is not only able to respond to
emergencies but is also prepared, resilient, and confident in the face of any challenge”
In an address of welcome, Lagos Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Agencies, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, said the summit was an opportunity to learn, innovate and strengthen partnerships that save lives.
Over the next two days, you will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and even a city-scale simulation exercise that will test our coordination in real time. These are not just activities; they are opportunities to learn, to innovate, and to strengthen the partnerships that save lives.
“I commend our partners from the private sector, civil society, and international organisations for standing with us” he said
Permanent Secretary LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, expressed optimism that at the end of the SEMA summit which brought together SEMA leadership from the thirty six states and FCT, there would be resolutions on paper on the resolve to build safer communities, protect more lives, and create a Nigeria that is not just prepared for emergencies but one that can withstand them and emerge stronger.
The Guest Speakers, Mr Ade Ipaye, Mr Tayo Bamgbose-Martins and Dr Leke Pitan, who spoke extensively on Mitigation of Disaster across the country recommended
Empowerment of local authority, Modernized command system, Investment in cutting edge emergency technology and embed resilience in strategy as well as building a culture of safety, while urging government to prioritize funding for emergency management.
The Wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-olu, called on everyone, government and the private sector to collaborate for effective emergency management, while noting that empathy and courage remain the bedrock of safety hence the need to support emergency workers.
The highpoint of the SEMA Day one summit was a simulation exercise on rescue operations while Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, NEMA DG and LASEMA PS were decorated as honorary fellow of Risk Manager Association of Nigeria.
Reporting by Yemisi Dada