Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for collaborative efforts in combating fire disasters in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who made the call on Tuesday during the opening of a three-day International Fire Safety Conference, themed: “Stakeholders’ Collaboration: A Panacea to Incessant Fire Disasters in Lagos,” held in, Lagos, stressed the need for improved public enlightenment initiatives across sectors of the economy.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We can reduce all of these things if we work collaboratively, if we see ourselves as our brothers’ keeper. Fire disaster knows no boundaries, if you’re careful, the other person may not be careful, we need to educate everyone around us.
“We must ensure that we’re keeping a safe environment among ourselves. I need someone with the recommendation that will come out of this conference convinced that you’d bring solutions and ideas that will enhance and improve the quality of our responses and our ability to ensure that fire is removed completely.
“Sadly, our government cannot do this alone and we still have a lot more to do. Community involvement is equally very vital and educating our commission and essential component that will create a culture of safety.”
He also called on religious organisations, educational institutions and traditional institutions to play a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge sharing and fostering responsibility.
He said: “We want a Lagos where fire is significantly reduced and build resilience where every stakeholder is actively involved in creating a safer and more informed environment.”
Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Ibrahim Liman, said the government was committed to collaborating with states in saving the lives and property of the people, urging Lagos residents to continue to embrace advanced and cutting-edge solutions in ensuring genuine fire extinguishers are imported to the country.
Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye,
harped on the need for public private partnership to develop a cutting-edge technology in prevention of fire incidents in the state.
Also at the event, the state Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the state government had been proactive in its response to fire and emergencies with the provision fire equipment to mitigate disasters.
According to Oyerinde: “A conference on fire disasters prevention and effective emergency management system could not have come at a better time than now, when there is the need for increased public awareness, campaigns and knowledge on fire disaster prevention and emergency management system in a fast-growing population in a state such as Lagos.
“You will recall that one of the pillars of the Six-Point Development Agenda of this administration dwells on security and governance.
“This is not a coincidence; rather, it underscores our administration’s preparedness and commitment to safety, security, resilience, and disaster management even from the first term of our administration.”
Oyerinde stated: “It is a pointer to the need for our collective collaboration and partnership in fire disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation and efficiency in our emergency management efforts for the safety of lives and property of the residents.”