The Lagos State Government, through state Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has disclosed plans to establish an Emergency Trust Fund, LSETF, for more effective management as well as ensure disaster risk reduction in Lagos.
This came as Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, has challenged the management of LASEMA, to ensure the local emergency committees at the grassroots are up and running to reduce disasters.
On the setting up of LSETF, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the agency’s management retreat, held at Agidingbi, Ikeja on Saturday.
The two-day retreat which ended on Saturday, was themed: “Promoting Sustainable Development through Disaster Risk Reduction “
Oyerinde, recalled that the United Nations created the 17 Sustainable Development Goals with the purpose of peace and prosperity for the World, now and in the future. Goal 11- is sustainable cities and communities; which is expected to become achievable through effective Disaster Risk Reduction strategies.
According to him: “Lagos as we all know is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It is one of the largest economies in Africa and the most populous city in Nigeria, with the highest Human Development index, with so many developmental projects and human activities that takes place on a daily basis.
“The need to develop a strong Disaster risk reduction mechanism becomes very apt, considering so many factors which includes urban pressure, climate change and risk of disasters by natural hazards.”
“Again, you will recall that the Sendai framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted at the 3rd United Nations World conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai city, Japan in March 2015.
“It focuses on the adoption of measures which addresses exposure to hazards, vulnerability, capacity and hazard’s characteristics to prevent new risk and strengthen resilience.
“Therefore, let me reiterate the need for the management of LASEMA to ensure that the Local Emergency Management Committees in all the 57 LGA/LCDA becomes up and running, so that they can take the lead in preparing for response and recovery from any disaster and its effects.
“As we look forward to a prosperous new year 2024, let us uphold the core values of teamwork, prioritization, risk assessment, partnership, and critical response.”
Earlier Oke-Osanyintolu, stated that; “The Emergency Trust Fund, if all the legal frameworks are completed, will cater for the agency’s human capacity building and procurement of more sophisticated equipment to meet the emergency demands of residents in Lagos and its environs.”
The Permanent Secretary, also harped on the need for team spirit among staff and inter-agencies in the present administration.
Speaking on prioritizing mental health and achieving work life balance, a Consultant Medical Expert, Dr Oluwakemi Olayinka, urged the first responders to engage in regular medical check up due to the tedious nature of emergency work.
Olayinka, advocated a psycho-therapy unit in LASEMA to cater for the mental well being of staff as they are exposed to ugly sight during rescue operations.
