Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday unveiled the newly- built Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Fadeyi.
He pledged to deliver those of Badagry and Epe next year.
Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Oluseye Oladejo, reiterated his administrationโs value for lives, saying he was resolute to improve response time during emergencies.
He said: โDisasters do not give warning signals before occurring most times. So, we must prepare ourselves to manage emergency situations and alleviate the level of trauma or destruction that may arise.โ
The governor said his administration had devoted time, resources and energy to reposition safety and emergency management, to stimulate sustainable development values.
He said: โDuring the inauguration of the LRU, Lekki in June, we promised to deliver another ultramodern unit within Central Lagos. The promise has been fulfilled with this inauguration.
โThis new response unit, which is strategically located on Ikorodu Road, is equipped with emergency evacuation equipment of capacities and vehicles. It is expected to complement the existing despatch points in other parts of the state.
โBesides ensuring continued efficiency and aiding LASEMA in its operations, this unit will facilitate improved response time within Lagos Mainland and its environs.
โPlans are at advanced stage to establish two other emergency response units that will be located in Ikorodu and Badagry. All the units will have 24/7 operational interface with the major hub at Oshodi.
โOur administration remains committed to the protection of life and property of Lagosians. We have streamlined our security infrastructure with emergency response systems through a coordinated network of CCTV surveillance and synergy with other emergency response agencies. We shall continue with the training of more voluntary community emergency responders across the state.โ
Addressing reporters after the event, LASEMA General Manager Adesina Tiamiyu said the agency recorded 24,874 emergencies between January and June.
He said 1111 bodies were recovered within the period under review, which indicated a reduction in mortalities, compared to last year.
From accidents and medical emergencies, Tiamiyu said 7,110 were recorded, adding that fire outbreaks were 2,142.
He said the agency received 11, 578 calls for robbery and civil disturbances, 3,800 for traffic congestion and related matters, as well as 1,275 for flood, rape, suicide and social welfare issues.
Tiamiyu attributed the development to the sophisticated equipment acquired for LASEMA by the governor, the agencyโs improvement in response time as well as the awareness of the public.
He said the Fadeyi Despatch Unit would cover Ikorodu Road up to Mile 12 and eastward towards Yaba, Surulere and part of Mushin.
Tiamiyu said: โThis building also came with added value, as the governor has given approval for the building of the road directly behind it, which will ensure easy access to Mushin from behind.
โThis means that we will respond quickly to incidents around this neighbourhood. The possibility of saving more lives and property has increased because people will not wait for a despatch from Alausa or Oshodi to get here.
โThousands of incidents were recorded in Lagos this year. Some of them resulted in deaths, others in injuries. Those with minor injuries were treated by our paramedics and discharged on the spot.
โBut the good news is that we were able to reduce the number of calamities this year, compared to last year. This is as a result of the new equipment Governor Ambode acquired for LASEMA.
โIf you compare statistics of deaths this year to last year, you will see a massive reduction. There is commendable improvement and this is also thanks to the level of awareness of Lagosians.
