The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has said that it will extend its surveillance to include responding to emergency incidences on Lagos Waterways alongside other relevant stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Seye Oladejo, who made this known at a Stakeholders’ Session, stated that the capacity of the state emergency responders has been improved to swiftly attend to emergency issues in the State.
He attributed the successes recorded in emergency issues in recent times by LASEMA to the government heavy investment in the procurement of needed equipment and heavy duty vehicles as well as the synergetic collaboration between LASEMA and other relevant stakeholders.
Oladejo described the theme for the forum: “A New Dawn in Emergency/Disaster Management in Lagos State” as apt, considering the need for effective collaboration and information sharing with all relevant stakeholders that are pivotal in the management of emergency/disaster.
The Commissioner emphasised that the unique features of Lagos State makes it vulnerable to emergency incidences, listing such features as localization and concentration of industries (about 70-80 percent of the Nation’s industries concerns), presence of Airports (International and Local), Sea Ports and high vehicular density.
Oladejo charged the officers on preparedness, reminding them that protection of lives and property should be seen as a collective responsibility and a 24-hour business since disasters do not give warning.
Also speaking, the General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu emphasised the need for increased surveillance on Lagos waterways, adding that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the establishment of Aquatic Unit for the Agency, specifically for rescue mission on the waterways to complement the efforts of existing responders on Lagos lagoon.
“Presently, we have Lagos Ferry Service, Lagos Waterways Management Agency, the Marine Police, and several others. All of these operatives are always on the waterways daily patrolling the waterways but very soon, what you will see is LASEMA branded boat, also joining forces with those who are on the waterways and this will improve the capacity to respond to any emergency on the waterways.
The LASEMA boss acknowledged effective collaboration with other emergency management agencies, saying that LASEMA does not, and cannot arrogate to itself the power of exclusive knowledge and capacity of responding to all emergencies without the active support of relevant stakeholders.