The Lagos State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), is set to hold an advocacy programme for stakeholders and all first responders on prevention, mitigation and rescue of victims during emergency in the state.

The event is billed to be held at the Blue Roof LTV8 Agindingbi later this month with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as the Special Guest of Honour. It is expected to feature several presentations by resource persons on how to prevent fire outbreaks, reduce impact of accidents and improve response time to emergency situations.

Speaking to journalists in his Office at the Secretariat, Alausa, the General Manager, LASEMA, Mr. Michael Akindele, noted that the agency is committed to ensuring that fire disasters and other forms of tragedy are reduced to the barest minimum. This, he said, would be achieved through continuous public advocacy/campaign programmes to educate Lagosians as well as adequately train and equip first responders to deal with such incidents.

“All necessary precautionary measures are being implemented by the state government to minimize fire outbreaks, road accidents and other incidents that could have disastrous consequences on safety of lives and properties in the state,” Akindele said.

He explained that LASEMA will continue to organise periodic meetings and workshops among all the relevant stakeholders to access their level of preparedness, identify and assign roles and responsibilities to stakeholders and responders in the management of emergency situations in Lagos.

Akindele assured that the restructuring of the inaugurated Local Emergency Management Committee in all the 57 Local Government/Local Council Development Areas, the training of 750 Local Emergency Responders, the engagement of volunteers and the establishment of LASEMA Zonal Offices in the five divisions of the state would no doubt improve effectiveness and efficiency of the agency in the management of emergency/disaster in the state.

While imploring Lagosians to be safety conscious always and support the State Government in reducing accidents in the state, Akindele advised residents to strictly abide by all stipulated safety rules and regulations as advocated by the present administration.