Akwa Ibom State emergency management team gains insight from Lagos success
In a proactive effort to enhance its emergency management capabilities, the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency Team embarked on a significant three-day study visit to Lagos.
The visit, initiated to foster inter-state knowledge-sharing, began today and is set to conclude on Wednesday, providing the Akwa Ibom team with a comprehensive understanding of the operations of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The delegation commenced their insightful journey with a tour of the LASEMA Control Centre in Alausa, where the Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, welcomed them.
Dr Oke-Osanyintolu highlighted the substantial reduction in casualty rates during emergencies in Lagos, attributing this success to the strategic investments made by Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu’s administration in rescue operations.
Emphasising the collaborative efforts of all first responders in the state, including LASTMA, Fire Service, RRS, and Ambulance Service, Dr Oke-Osanyintolu encouraged the Akwa Ibom team to replicate a robust local emergency response system at the grassroots level.
Providing an overview of LASEMA’s operations, Engr. Olatunde Akinsanya, the Director of Operations and Maintenance, outlined the agency’s dual strategic levels and its presence in three Senatorial Districts for swift and efficient response.
He underscored the importance of a well-organised emergency response system to handle diverse scenarios effectively.
Expressing admiration for Lagos’s achievements, Mr John Isangedighi, the lead of the Akwa Ibom Emergency Team, acknowledged that Akwa Ibom currently lacks a functional emergency management system. He affirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Eno’s administration to assimilate the knowledge gained from LASEMA and implement it in Akwa Ibom State.
As the study visit progresses, it marks a crucial step toward strengthening Akwa Ibom’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities, aligning with the best practices observed in Lagos, a recognised leader in effective emergency management nationwide.
