Lagos State government has said that it has put necessary steps to avert any emergency and disaster following an early warning signs it received from the Federal Government about some areas in the state being prone to flood.

    The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated this, when he led his agency’s management team on a sensitisation campaign to Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

  According to him, the state government has carried risk analysis and can tell residents that it is not only ready but well prepared to tackle any emergency if it occurs because the state has put machinery in place to prevent any incident.

  He said that the state government has identified sections of Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Apapa Alimosho and Amuwo Odofin as flood prone areas and emergency responders have moved in to these communities.

    He said that LASEMA wants to partner with LASEPA because it has been doing a lot in terms of environmental protection, which is one of the reasons that the state government is well prepared.

  According to him, the state government is also ready for effective communication with the well equipped and manned command centre.  He added that the three relief camps have been activated to take in displaced persons in case. 

  He further said that the state government has realised that emergency is at the grassroots and a collective responsibility reason it has set up and activated the local council emergency response team.

    Oke-Osanyintolu however appealed to residents to abide by the environment laws so as not to undermine government’s efforts  He maintained that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has provided ownership and the political will to managed emergency in the state.

  “We need to thank the Governor for providing the working tools and support for the different emergency responders to work effectively.” He said the governor’s efforts have helped to reduce mortality and morbidity from disasters 

The GM, LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, welcomed the partnership, saying his agenda will be more vigilant especially in the areas that have been identified. 

  “We will in turn reach out to these communities and let them understand that disaster management is every one’s responsibility.”