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LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reaffirmed its readiness to effectively handle any flood-related emergencies within the state.
The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, announced this on Friday during the launch of the 2025 Flood-Free Lagos Campaign.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the campaign involves strategic visits to both the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that the campaign is a response to early warnings from the Federal Government, which indicated that Lagos is among the states most at risk for flooding during the rainy season.
“We have identified all vulnerable areas, including Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Lekki, Apapa, and Amuwo-Odofin. We are fully prepared for any eventualities,” Oke-Osanyintolu stated.
He emphasized the significant advancements in the state’s emergency preparedness and infrastructure. “Under the leadership of the Governor, we have implemented a highly efficient response system.
Our Command and Control Centre now functions as a complete agency, overseen by a General Manager. The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring prompt communication during emergencies,” he added.
He mentioned that simulation exercises have been conducted involving all key stakeholders in emergency response, and the agency has performed risk analyses to identify and mitigate potential hotspots.
Lagos State has established three relief camps across the senatorial districts, and grassroots responders have been trained and equipped to respond rapidly during emergencies.
“Our goal is to create a resilient community, as the impact of disasters is most pronounced at the grassroots level, and our preparedness demonstrates this understanding,” he remarked
Oke-Osanyintolu also commended the Ministry of Environment for its proactive measures in clearing drainage systems, desilting gutters, and preventing construction that hinders water flow.
“All human-induced causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental regulations are being enforced, and structures obstructing drainage are being removed,” he stated.
He credited the improved outcomes in disaster response, including lower mortality and morbidity rates, to the governor’s commitment and strategic investments in emergency equipment and technology.
“We appreciate the Governor's dedication to ensuring the safety of lives and property, which remains a central focus of his administration,” he remarked.
The LASEMA head urged residents to support state efforts by consistently paying taxes, stressing that disaster management is a collective responsibility.
He also praised LASEPA's leadership, noting the agency's General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, as a skilled professional whose expertise in medicine and disaster management enhances inter-agency collaboration.
In his comments, Ajayi welcomed the LASEMA team and promised ongoing collaboration to ensure effective emergency response.
Additionally, a delegation from the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, led by Mr. Wellington Adebawo, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, visited LASEMA.
Adebawo explained that the visit aimed to learn from LASEMA’s operational model.
In turn, Oke-Osanyintolu assured the delegation of LASEMA’s willingness to share its strengths and experiences to enhance emergency preparedness in other states.
