LASEMA urges collaboration with education sector to reduce disaster risks for youth

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, has called on stakeholders to collaborate with the education sector to reduce disaster risks for school-aged children.

Oke-Osanyintolu made this appeal during a walk to commemorate World Disaster Risk Reduction Day.

He highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme, ‘The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future.’

He stated: “We also recognise the tireless efforts of emergency responders and humanitarian workers, while emphasising the need for inclusive, proactive disaster risk reduction strategies.”

Speaking at the event, LASEMA’s Director of Operations, Olatunde Akinsanya, noted that public awareness is critical to disaster risk reduction policies. “When people are informed, it helps them develop strategies and take preventive measures. In the long run, we aim to align with every pivotal plan of the state government,” he said.

Akinsanya also pointed out that youth comprise a large portion of the population and must be actively involved in these efforts.

Azeez Afunku, a representative of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), added that the agency has been involved in training young people on what to watch out for before disasters occur, helping them to be better prepared.

Similarly, Ige Oladimeji, a Red Cross Lagos Branch representative, stressed the importance of equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to respond to disasters, insisting that it is crucial for disaster preparedness and response efforts.