The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reaffirmed its preparedness to respond effectively to any flood-related emergency in the state.
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, made this known on Friday during the flag-off of the 2025 Flood-Free Lagos Campaign.
The campaign included strategic visits to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, today paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to seek collaboration and strengthen institutional partnership on disaster… pic.twitter.com/w4D75M8JAa
— LASEPA (@LasepaOfficial) June 13, 2025
He stated that the campaign was in response to early warnings from the federal government indicating that Lagos was among the states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.
“We have mapped out all vulnerable areas, including Eti-Osa, Kosofe, Lekki, Apapa and Amuwo-Odofin.
“We are well prepared for any form of eventuality,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.
The permanent secretary highlighted significant improvements in the state’s emergency preparedness and infrastructure.
“Under the leadership of Mr Governor, we have established an efficient and effective response system.
“Our Command and Control Centre now operates as a full-fledged agency, headed by a general manager.
“The state emergency number remains 112, ensuring swift communication during emergencies,” he said.
According to him, simulation exercises have been conducted with all key stakeholders involved in emergency response, and the agency has performed risk analyses to identify and mitigate potential hotspots.
He stated that Lagos State had established three relief camps across the senatorial districts, and grassroots responders have been trained and empowered to act swiftly during emergencies.
“We aim to build a resilient community. Disaster impact is most significant at the grassroots and our preparedness reflects that understanding,” he said.
Oke-Osanyintolu also praised the Ministry of Environment for its proactive efforts in clearing drainages, desilting gutters and preventing construction that blocks water flow. “All man-made causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental laws are being enforced and structures that obstruct drainage systems are being removed,” he added.
He attributed the state’s improved disaster response outcomes, including reduced mortality and morbidity rates, to the governor’s political will and strategic investments in emergency equipment and technology.
“We thank Mr Governor for his commitment to the safety of lives and property, which remains a core pillar of his administration,” he noted.
The LASEMA boss appealed to residents to support the state’s efforts by paying taxes regularly, emphasising that disaster management is a shared responsibility.
He also commended the leadership of LASEPA, describing the agency’s General Manager, Dr Tunde Ajayi, as a capable professional whose background in medicine and disaster management brings value to inter-agency collaboration.
In his remarks, Ajayi welcomed the LASEMA team and pledged continued collaboration for effective emergency response.