Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has highlighted the urgent need for increased funding to improve the agency’s effectiveness.

During a working visit by the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations to LASEMA in Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, Oke-Osanyintolu outlined several significant challenges faced by the agency.

“Our equipment are aging, having been in use since 2007, and sourcing parts is becoming increasingly difficult. We need substantial funding to function optimally,” he stated.

He emphasized the necessity of acquiring new equipment and funds to handle emergencies and disasters, mentioning a recent wind disaster in Epe where the lack of funds was a significant impediment. Additionally, he stressed the need for financial support to train personnel and adequately care for disaster victims.

Oke-Osanyintolu also appealed for residents’ cooperation with first responders during rescue operations to minimize casualties.

Dr. Rauf Age-Sulaimon, Chairman of the committee, praised LASEMA for its prompt emergency responses and advocated for greater public awareness of the agency’s activities. He assured that the committee would prioritize addressing the challenges hindering emergency operations in the state to ensure better service delivery.

“Increasing public awareness of your activities is crucial. There is evident collaboration between LASEMA, the fire service, and the safety commission,” Age-Sulaimon noted.