Lagos State Government has planned to convert the state’s Emergency Relief/Resettlement Camp in Igando, Alimosho Local Council, into an Institute of Disaster Management.
 
Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osayntolu, disclosed this in Igando during the opening of the 60th yearly youth leadership training and camp of the Red Cross in Igando, Lagos, themd “On the Side of Humanity.” 
 
Oke-Osanyintolu, who was honoured with the Platinum Member of the Red Cross, said that the governor had enhanced the capacity of stakeholders and volunteers in emergency management in the state. 

“The governor is committed to transforming this building (Emergency Relief/Resettlement Camp, Igando, Alimosho) into an institute of disaster management, the first of its kind in Africa. We have engaged key stakeholders, with our fire services leading the way, our ambulance service recognised as one of the best, and the governor procuring sophisticated multi-purpose, multi-billion-naira equipment for LASEMA. By October, we will host a conference involving all 36 states to celebrate disaster risk reduction.
 
Also, the Branch Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross, Lagos State branch, Dr Victoria Adebola Kolawole, said: “The theme of this year’s camp serves as a powerful reminder of our shared values. It urges us to remain steadfast in our mission to uphold human dignity, extend compassion, and serve those in crisis, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
 
“Our youth volunteers are not just future leaders; they are the lifeblood of our movement today. This is why we convene, year after year, to train and empower them, enhance their knowledge, and inspire innovative ideas that will enable them fulfil the sacred mission of this humanitarian society.
 
“We are commemorating the 60th year of the youth leadership and training camp. Over 500 youths have gathered for this year’s programme, which includes empowerment, training, social activities, and more.
 
Reflecting on the programme’s impact, she added: “This programme has empowered our youths and shaped their lives. Nigeria is grappling with leadership challenges and this programme, embraced by various organisations, can address these challenges. We are moulding our youths to become ambassadors of our society and the Nigerian Red Cross.
 
“LASEMA and the Nigerian Red Cross are partners in various initiatives, including disaster management. Without LASEMA in Lagos, we will not achieve as much, and the synergy we have created has enabled us to reach common objectives.”