Lagos reiterates readiness to host maiden sub-national SEMA Summit
Lagos reiterates readiness to host maiden sub-national SEMA Summit
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment and readiness to host the maiden National States Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Summit, scheduled to hold from Oct. 2 to Oct. 4.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, made the announcement during a roadshow within the Alausa Secretariat.
The commissioner said that the roadshow aimed at creating awareness about the landmark summit.
Speaking on the importance of the SEMA summit, Oyerinde said: “This administration has invested heavily in emergency and disaster management to ensure the protection of lives and property of residents.
“We are inviting all stakeholders, professionals and the general public to join us for this three-day national conference to chart a new course for disaster management in Nigeria.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, underscored Lagos State’s trailblazing role.
“The success story of Lagos in emergency and disaster management makes the state a pacesetter for others to learn from.
“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has put everything in place to ensure a smooth summit that will build a more resilient Nigeria,” the LASEMA boss stressed.
He further assured Lagos residents that the state’s emergency response system remained strong and reliable, such that there should never be panic or anxiety during emergencies in Lagos State.
“With political will and leadership from Mr. Governor, and the national emergency number 112, Lagos residents can be assured of swift collaboration and response at all times,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of federal-state synergy, Oke-Osanyintolu recalled that President Bola Tinubu established LASEMA as Lagos State Governor, laying the foundation for today’s successes.
He said: “What was started in Lagos by President Tinubu has now been taken to the national level through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“This inaugural SEMA Summit is the right platform to fine-tune our collaboration and ensure emergency management becomes people-oriented across the Federation.”
The permanent secretary said that the summit which had the theme: “Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria”, was expected to bring together SEMAs from the 36 states and the FCT.
He added that professionals and stakeholders from critical sectors were also expected at the summit.
He listed the expected outcomes of the summit to include: “Strengthened coordination between federal and state emergency agencies with increased public confidence in emergency management systems.
Read Also: Special Report: FIFA faces global pressure after Trump’s World…
“We also expect to develop a unified national platform to address disasters and emergencies. Our ultimate goal is to ensure Nigerians never lose confidence in our emergency structures.
“We want people to remain calm, assured and confident that government at all levels are working for their safety.”
Also speaking, Mr. Femi Giwa, General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, emphasised inter-agency collaboration.
“LASEMA plays a pivotal role in ensuring all incident response activities are well-coordinated.
“This summit will bring together responders across the Federation—NEMA, fire service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and more -galvanizing ideas for stronger national coordination,” Giwa said.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that a highlight of the roadshow was the decoration of popular Comedian, Mr Seyi Aletile (Seyi Law), as SEMA Ambassador for the summit.
This is a move aimed at deepening public awareness and advocacy for emergency preparedness across Nigeria.
