By Our Correspondent
Lagos, Nov. 12, ’25 (TNZ) The Lagos State Government says it is transitioning from emergency response to mitigation and sustainability in disaster management.
TheNewsZenith reports that thus is in a strategic move to strengthen preparedness, research, and training across the state.
The Permanent Secretary (PS), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, announced this, on Tuesday, in Lagos.
Oke-Osanyintolu also announced plans for the establishment of an Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies in the state.
According to him, the institute, will serve as a regional centre for research, capacity building, and practical training in emergency management.
“Today in Lagos State, we are moving from the response level to the mitigation level.
“We already have structures and equipment in place, but we must now ensure sustainability.
“Under the watch of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, we are establishing an Institute of Disaster Management and Migration Studies.
“This is in partnership with the United Nations, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and academic institutions including LASU and UNILAG,” TheNewsZenith quotes Oke-Osanyintolu as saying.
He explained that the initiative would provide a platform for research and empirical analysis to improve the effectiveness of emergency response systems across Nigeria.
The PS noted that Lagos, being both metropolitan and cosmopolitan, required a proactive approach to disaster management rather than reactive measures.
“Our governor has invested billions of naira to modernise our fire service stations, command-and-control centres, and other response structures.
Read Related News
“Now, we must build the knowledge base to sustain them,” he said.
He added that the proposed institute would not serve Lagos alone but the entire country and West Africa.
This, according to him, is part of broader efforts to standardise emergency management training and research.
He recalled that Lagos State recently to a capacity building and research training on disaster management.
“While some states offer postgraduate degrees in the field, they lack practical, hands-on components, which our institute will provide.”
On public preparedness ahead of the Yuletide season, the LASEMA boss appealed to residents to remain calm during emergencies.
He urged them to cooperate with the government by promptly reporting incidents through the state’s toll-free emergency numbers.
“Our emergency numbers, 112 and 767, are for early warning and effective communication.
“When you see something unusual in your area, say something, call us immediately, and we will be there before any situation escalates,” TheNewsZenith quotes the PS as saying.
Oke-Osanyintolu used the occasion to inform that the state government recently acquired new firefighting and rescue equipment to enhance rapid response capability.
Oke-Osanyintolu urged residents to adhere to safety codes, avoid unsafe storage of inflammable materials, and cooperate with local emergency committees, the Safety Commission, and the state fire service. (TNZ)
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of local happenings with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: +2348033668669. For more scintillating news, visit our website: www.thenewszenith.com. Also follow us on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thenewszenithOnline, Facebook: www.facebook.com/@thenewszenithonline & Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline
