The Lagos state government has called on security and emergency response agencies in the state to come together to ensure a safe waterway and quick response time of emergencies such as boat mishaps in inland waters within the state.The Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who called for cooperation between the agencies, said emergencies and disasters know no boundaries and a unified well-coordinated response to emergencies is paramount.
He spoke through the commissioner for transport, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi explaining that in a world where global challenges demand global solutions the importance of joint efforts in search and rescue cannot be over emphasized.
The governor said that the interconnectivity of Lagosians in times of emergency underscores the need for seamless co-operations among organizations and communities in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during a joint search and rescue simulation at the waterfront on Oyinkan Abayomi drive in Lagos, noting that the joint simulation marks a crucial step in fostering the unity and inter-operability, require to face the unpredictable challenges in inland waterways in the state.
He said that the exercise is a commitment of the security agencies and the government preparedness to emergency response and recovery, by bringing together diverse expertise, resources and perspectives which strengthens the government capabilities and creates a formidable force capable of tackling complex and demanding scenarios the state faces.
He said: “Collaboration is not just an option, but a necessities in search and rescue, the joint simulation allows us the simulate scenarios that mirrors the reality of cross border emergencies requiring us to navigate language barrier, cultural differences and logistical challenges.
“Through these processes, we identify areas for improvement and build a foundation for trust and understanding that transcends our diversity and functions.”
He urged the services to embrace the opportunity to learn from one another through this joint simulation, share best practices and build lasting partnerships that will ensure that the responses are effective, swift and harmonious, leaving no room for vulnerabilities for expectations.
Earlier the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command Rear Admiral Muhammed Hassan, said that the objective of the joint search and rescue initiative, resonates nicely with Nigeria’s current drive for sustainable development of its blue economy.
He said that the collaboration also works well for the holistic national security of the country which inter agencies cooperation is capable of fast tracking.
Admiral Hassan said that prosperity could not be possible without credible collaboration, adding that a key point in the Chief of Naval Staff strategic directive is to partner with relevant agencies and stakeholders within the maritime sector towards effective safety and security within the nation’s maritime domain.
He said that the Nigerian Navy has sustained its collaborative efforts which undoubtedly resulted in much achievement the force has achieved, particularly in Lagos for enhanced national security.
He applauded the NIMASA and Lagos Inland Waterways Authority for their support, adding that coming together to simulate search and rescue is a step in the right direction, adding that the exercise will build confidence of mariners working and improve the economic prosperity of the state.
The FOC proposed that the next edition of the search and rescue simulation should be carried out at sea to build confidence of foreign partners.
The simulation exercise showcased the joint capabilities of diverse agencies such as LASAMBUS, LASEMA, Marine Police, and Lagos State Fire Service. The Flag Officer, Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, highlighted the broader goal of promoting water-friendly alternatives to reduce road traffic.
The Commander Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft and Maritime Component Commander Operation AWATSE, Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga, expressed satisfaction with the exercise’s success. Plans for deployment at critical spots in the inland waters of Lagos were unveiled, aiming to enhance economic activities and reduce response time to accident spots.
Commodore Oguntuga whhile giving the vote of thanks acknowledged the contributions of key personalities, including Mr. Oluwadamila Emmanuel, GM LASWA, and Mr. Ibrahim Famuyiwa, Head of Operations LASWA, in ensuring the event’s success. The collaborative spirit exhibited during the simulation underscores the commitment to preparedness, response, and recovery in the face of maritime challenges.
Credit: The Sun Newspaper
