In a bid to bolster flood resilience in Lagos, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) convened a one-day Stakeholders Technical Working Committee Workshop on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The event, themed “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Vulnerable Communities,” was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Nurudeen Olowopopo Avenue, Alausa-Ikeja.
The workshop, titled “FLOOD FREE LAGOS 2024,” brought together key stakeholders, including delegates from the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency and representatives from flood-prone communities. The aim was to strategize and reinforce efforts towards mitigating flood risks in Lagos State.
During the event, NEMA’s Director General, Zubaida Umar, represented by the head of operations, Ibitayo Adenike, issued a stark reminder that several local government areas in Lagos are still at high risk of flooding.
Areas specifically mentioned included Lagos Island, Ibeju-Lekki, Eti-Osa, and Kosofe. Umar emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts to disseminate early warning messages and implement risk mitigation strategies at the grassroots level.
“As we always emphasize, disaster management is everyone’s business. We must work together to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure, and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence for this event,” stated Umar.
Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, highlighted the agency’s proactive measures and readiness to tackle flood-related emergencies.
“LASEMA is on red alert to provide safety and assist flood victims. We continue our holistic advocacy across all local governments. At the grassroots level, we are well prepared. Channelization and cleaning of drainages—primary, secondary, and tertiary—are ongoing,” Oke-Osanyintolu assured attendees.
The workshop underscored the importance of comprehensive community engagement and infrastructure maintenance to mitigate the impact of flooding. By fostering cooperation among various stakeholders, including local government officials and community members, the agencies aim to enhance the resilience of vulnerable areas and ensure a flood-free Lagos in 2024.
