We are ready for flood emergencies in Lagos, Lasema boasts

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (Lasema) has reiterated its preparation to respond effectively to any emergency linked to floods in the state.

Dr. Oke-Osanyinintiluuu, permanent secretary of Lasema, made it known on Friday during the flag of the Lagos campaign without floods of 2025.

The Nigerian news agency (NAN) reports that the campaign included strategic visits to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (Lasepa) and the Ministry of Affairs of the local government and the community.

He said that the campaign was in response to the first warnings of the Federal Government indicating that Lagos was among the high risk of floods during the rainy season.

“We mapped all the vulnerable areas including Eti-ASA, Kosofe, Lekki, Apapa and Amuwo -odin.

“We are well prepared for any form of eventuality,” said Oke-Osanyinintil.

The permanent secretary has highlighted significant improvements in the preparation and state infrastructure of the state.

“Under the guidance of the governor of Mr., we have established an efficient and effective response system.

“Our command and control center now operates as an agency in all respects, led by a general manager.

“The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring rapid communication during emergencies,” he said.

According to him, simulation exercises were conducted with all the main parties involved in the response to emergencies and the agency has conducted risk analysis to identify and mitigate potential hotspots.

He said that the state of Lagos had established three rescue camps in the senatorial districts and that the basic rescuers were trained and authorized to act quickly during emergencies.

“We aim to build a resilient community. The impact of the disaster is more significant towards the basic and our preparation reflects that understanding,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintiluu also praised the Ministry of the Environment for its proactive efforts in cleaning drainage, in the desolation of gutters and in the prevention of construction that blocks the flow of water.

“All the artificial causes of floods are addressed. The environmental laws are applied and the structures that hinder drainage systems are removed,” he added.

He attributed the best response results to the state catastrophes, including reduced mortality and morbidity rates, to the political will of the governor and strategic investments in emergency and technology equipment.

“We thank Mr. Governor for his commitment to the security of life and property, which remains a fundamental pillar of his administration,” he observed.

The head of Lasema appealed to residents to support state efforts by paying taxes regularly, underlining that the management of catastrophes is a shared responsibility.

He also praised Lasepa’s leadership, describing the general manager of the agency, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, as a capable professional whose background in medicine and catastrophes management brings value to inter-agency collaboration.

In his observations, Ajayi welcomed the Lasema team and promised a continuous collaboration for an effective response to emergencies.

In the meantime, a delegation from the State Emergency Management Agency of Ondo, led by Mr. Wellington Adebawo, special consultant of the Governor of the State of Ondo in response to emergencies, made a courtesy visit to Lasema.

Adbawo explained that the visit was to learn from the operating model of Lasema.

In response, Oke-Osanyinintilu has ensured the delegation of the opening of Lasema to share both the strengths and the lessons learned to help improve the preparation for emergencies between states.

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