The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Friday held a strategic retreat to appreciate emergency responders and strengthen preparedness for emergencies in 2026.
Speaking to journalists at the retreat, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the event was organized to thank first responders for their sacrifices since the current administration assumed office in 2019.
Oke-Osanyintolu noted that Lagos had faced several emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, fires and building collapses, all of which were effectively managed under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chief Incident Commander.
He said the agency was being repositioned to rebuild capacity, reorganize operations and rekindle efficiency to ensure Lagos remains resilient in the face of emergencies.
According to him, the state government has invested in modern emergency equipment, improved the welfare of responders and strengthened coordination among emergency agencies across the state.
He added that Lagos now has more than 20 strategically located fire service stations and enhanced ambulance services capable of responding to emergencies within 10 minutes.
The permanent secretary appealed to residents to adopt safe practices, warning against unsafe fuel storage and improper generator placement, which could trigger disasters.
He stressed that disaster management is a shared responsibility and announced stricter enforcement measures to deter actions that endanger lives and property.
Earlier, the Director of Operations at LASEMA, Mr Olatunde Akinsanya, described the retreat as timely for planning and restrategising emergency operations for the year.
Akinsanya said residents should expect a more proactive LASEMA, focused on predicting potential hazards and responding swiftly to emergencies.
He added that the agency is deploying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning to integrate Artificial Intelligence to further enhance emergency response efficiency.
The highlight of the retreat was the serving of food to first responders by the permanent secretary as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service.
