The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reaffirmed its preparedness to respond effectively to any flood related emergency in the state.

Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, 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.

He stated that the campaign was in response to early warnings from the Federal Government indicating that Lagos was among states at high risk of flooding during the rainy season.

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said, “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.’’

The permanent secretary highlighted significant improvements in the state’s emergency preparedness and infrastructure.

He said that under the leadership of the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the agency established an efficient and effective response system.

He added, “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.’’

According to him, simulation exercises have been carried out with key stakeholders involved in emergency response and the agency conducted risk analyses to identify and mitigate potential hotspots.

He noted that the Lagos State established three relief camps across the senatorial districts and grassroots responders had been trained and empowered to act swiftly during emergencies.

He stated, “We aim to build a resilient community. Disaster impact is most significant at the grassroots and our preparedness reflects that understanding.’’

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu also praised the ministry of environment for its proactive efforts in clearing drainages, desilting gutters and preventing construction blocking water flow.

He said, “All man-made causes of flooding are being addressed. Environmental laws are being enforced and structures that obstruct drainage systems are being removed.’’

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, emphasizing 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, Mr Ajayi welcomed the LASEMA team and pledged continued collaboration for effective emergency response.

Meanwhile, a delegation from the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, led by the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, Wellington Adebawo, paid a courtesy visit to LASEMA.

Mr Adebawo explained that the visit was to learn from LASEMA’s operational model.

In response, Mr Oke-Osanyintolu assured the delegation of LASEMA’s openness to share both strengths and lessons learnt to help improve emergency preparedness across states.

(NAN)