The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, has been decorated as the Red Cross Humanitarian Ambassador in recognition of his exceptional contributions to emergency and disaster management in the state.
The honour includes a full Red Cross regalia and a certificate of patronship as a Platinum Member.
Oke-Osanyintolu was decorated by the Lagos Branch Chairperson of the Red Cross, Dr. Victoria Kolawole, during a special ceremony held at the LASEMA Resettlement Camp, Igando, Lagos, on Tuesday.
While expressing gratitude for the recognition, Oke-Osanyintolu dedicated the award to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauding his unwavering political will and investments in emergency response infrastructure across the state.
“His Excellency has ensured the provision of heavy-duty equipment and upgraded facilities for all emergency responders.
“This decoration by the Red Cross marks a new dawn for emergency response in Lagos.
“It is a testament to our collective commitment to building resilience and protecting lives.
“The Command and Control Centre is now a fully-fledged agency under this administration, and simulation exercises are being planned across the nation as part of our preparations for the upcoming conference,” Oke-Osanyintolu added.
On future plans, Oke-Osanyintolu disclosed that Lagos State would be the first to establish the Institute of Disaster Management in Nigeria.
He added that the 36 State Emergency Management Agencies would converge on Lagos in October to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Also speaking, the Red Cross Chairperson, Kolawole, praised LASEMA’s longstanding collaboration with the Red Cross.
Kolawole expressed gratitude to LASEMA, especially for hosting over 500 youth participants in the Red Cross Boot Camp during the holiday as part of the organisation’s Diamond Anniversary celebrations.
She commended the Lagos State Government for being a pacesetter in emergency preparedness and response.
“The Red Cross is proud to identify with LASEMA and the visionary leadership that continues to drive progress in Lagos,” she said.