Lagos invests in disaster management with new institute for professionals

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Lagos State Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and response by inaugurating the Institute of Disaster Management at the Igando Relief Camp.

Supervised by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the institute aims to equip professionals and responders across the country as symbols of growth, knowledge and resilience, with the skills needed to manage and respond to disasters effectively.

The Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the successes recorded at the three days National SEMA Conference hosted in Lagos

Oke-Osanyintolu said the Institute would equip responders with the skills needed to manage and respond to disasters effectively as the first cohorts will be admitted in December 2025 .

He commended the resilience of the leadership of SEMA in all the thirty six states of the country and FCT, for attending the maiden conference to chart a new course for emergency management in shaping a safer future for all Nigerians.

“Over the past days, we have shared knowledge, strengthened partnerships, and built a stronger network of emergency managers across Nigeria,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

He noted that the highpoint of the closing of the maiden National SEMA conference was the presentation of portrait frames to each State Emergency Management as a gesture of unity and shared purpose.

LASEMA Permanent Secretary, who personally signed the frames, said his signature was a reminder of true collaboration and teamwork.

“That signature is more than ink; it is a personal reminder that you carry a part of me, one that cannot be replicated or made by anyone else.

“It symbolises my respect, my gratitude, and my unwavering commitment to our collective mission of saving lives and property in a communities”

The PS LASEMA appreciated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu for his investment in emergency management in the state.

He also expressed gratitude to all first responders in Lagos for their sacrifice and selflessness and other partners who supported for the success of the three days national conference.

“We thank our partners NEMA, IOM, Eight Medical and others for believing in the vision in supporting us every step of the way. Your contributions made all the difference.

“And finally, to my entire LASEMA family, from management to field officers, logistics teams, drivers, and every staff member who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, I am deeply grateful.

“Your commitment and teamwork were the backbone of this success.

Together, we have once again shown what true collaboration and resilience look like,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

Newsmen reports that the maiden National SEMA conference was held in Lagos from October 2nd to 4th.