.As LASEMA rolls out safety tips, holds carol

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on citizens, particular residents as they join rest of the world to celebrate the Yuletide season, to make safety paramount in their activities as emergency and disaster management is everyone’s business.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu also, urged citizens to embrace peaceful coexistence as a panacea for greater Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general.

The wife of the Governor, made the remarks on Tuesday evening, at the “Christmas Carol and End of Year Thanksgiving Service,” organized by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, held at Alausa, Ikeja with the theme: “King of Kings.”

She saluted the resilience of all first responders in the state for handling emergency and disaster management in the outgoing year.

The Lagos first lady who read the first Bible readings from the book of Isaiah chapter nine verses six to 10 and later sang a special anthem with LASEMA choirs, said the carol was to thank God for the successes recorded by the Agency in the outgoing year.

According to Mrs. Sanwo-Olu: “We gather not only to celebrate the season of joy and peace, but also to honour the men and women who keep our communities safe.

“Lagos is a unique state with unique challenges. Yet, your swift and decisive responses cut through crises big and small, bringing succour when it is needed most.

“Despite its small size, Lagos is Nigeria’s economic heartbeat — home to major banks, insurance companies, and Africa’s thriving tech capital.

“Our ports serve as gateways for international trade, and our economy attracts investment across West Africa. With such prosperity comes responsibility, and Lagos has risen to the challenge with robust emergency preparedness.

“This year alone, the LASHMA-AID Emergency Services Programme has provided care before payment, covering up to 48 hours of stabilization and handling over 5,000 emergency cases. LASAMBUS continues to expand medical evacuation services with ambulance bikes and Mobile Intensive Care Units.

“The Institute of Disaster Management & Migration Studies now trains professionals using a state-of-the-art Simulation Centre.

“We have strengthened grassroots response through Local Emergency Management Committees, improved flood preparedness, and conducted regular simulation exercises.

“Community engagement initiatives like First Response for All empower citizens with life-saving skills, ensuring resilience at every level.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember: safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please commit the Lagos State toll-free emergency numbers 112/767 to memory.

“No matter the emergency—LASEMA and its relevant stakeholders is only one phone call away. Stay safe, enjoy the celebrations, and may the joy of Christmas continue to strengthen our unity and kind-heartedness.”

The Permanent Secretary LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who noted that though, the 2025 year was challenging but fulfilling having built a fully functional emergency management system, advancing beyond response to prevention of emergencies through Disaster Risks Reduction.

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for investing heavily in emergency preparedness and management.

Oke-Osanyintolu, therefore, urged residents to be safety conscious as Christmas and New Year beacons, cautioning against use of fireworks, candles and naked electric wires.

According to LASEMA boss, “Christmas reminds us of the power of listening, of showing love through acts of kindness, and of building stronger bonds that make our families and communities more resilient.

“When we embrace these values daily, each gesture creates a ripple of positivity that spreads far and wide.

“Even as we respect differences, we find common ground in compassion and unity — working together with trust, sharing strengths, and lifting one another, especially in critical times.

“Lagos, though covering only 0.39% of Nigeria’s land mass, is the nation’s most populous state, with over 23.5 million residents.

“Its rapid urbanization and economic significance place it alongside global cities such as Cairo. With highly populated local government areas like Alimosho, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, and Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos is firmly established as a key trade hub and is set to host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

“As Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, Lagos contributes more than 20% of national GDP and over 50% of non-oil GDP.

“In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Lagos recorded a GDP of $259 billion (PPP), making it Africa’s second-largest city economy after Cairo.

“Yet, this prosperity also brings challenges. A thriving 24-hour economy exposes Lagos to emergencies and disasters — both man-made and natural. But Lagos is a state of many firsts.

“We have built a fully functional emergency management system, advancing beyond response to prevention of emergencies through Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

“Our revitalization of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) ensures grassroots readiness, reducing incident rates and enabling faster responses.

“At the national level, Lagos has launched the Institute of Emergency/Disaster Management and Migration Studies, the first of its kind in West Africa, and recently hosted the 2025 3-Day SEMA Conference to strengthen sub-national emergency management for a resilient Nigeria.

“As we celebrate this season, let us remember: Emergency and disaster management is everyone’s business. Safety must remain paramount.

LASEMA gives safety tips.

“Simple Safety Tips for the Season:Be cautious with candles, fireworks, and Christmas lights; keep flammable materials away from heat.Drive responsibly: avoid distractions, obey traffic rules, and designate a sober driver if drinking.Practice home safety:

“Use LED lights, avoid overloading sockets, install surge protectors, and supervise children around decorations.Handle food properly: keep hot dishes hot, cold dishes cold, and prevent foodborne illnesses.

“At the beach: obey warning signs, avoid swimming alone, stay within designated areas, and respect the power of the ocean.Finally, keep the Lagos State toll-free emergency numbers 112/767 handy. Wherever emergencies occur — on land, water, air, or rail-LASEMA will be there, day or night.Stay safe, enjoy the celebrations, and may the spirit of Christmas continue to strengthen our unity.”

On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental relations, Mr Sesan Ogundeko, gave LASEMA a pat on the back for living up to its task efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all residents.

Some of the highlights of the event include: Different gospel Artistes including Yinka Alaseyori, Bisi Akewi, LASEMA choristers dressed in uniform Ankara among others thrilled the audience to the many Christmas renditions.