The Lagos State Government has inaugurated an Emergency and Security Regional Dispatch Centre in Epe to enhance the response to emergency situations.
The State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Oil, inaugurated the centre on Monday in Lagos. Sanwo-Olu said the delivery of the centre was to reinforce government’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient safety, security and emergency management approach in the state.
He said it was also a demonstration of the premium the government placed on the safety of lives and property, irrespective of where residents chose to live within the state.
Sanwo-Olu said the centre would serve as a hub and one-stop facility for the efficient and rapid deployment of first responders to emergencies within Epe Local Government Area and its immediate vicinity.
According to him, the facility has been staffed with well-trained personnel and furnished with the necessary equipment required for effective response to emergencies.
“It is designed to accommodate all relevant safety and security agencies including the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
“It is to accommodate the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services Agency, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Lagos State Ambulance Services.
“The facility is also designed to accommodate the Lagos State Environmental & Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad and the Ministry of Justice.
“The synergised efforts of all these agencies within the centre will enhance efficiency in terms of the ability of our officers to effectively tackle emergencies and improve response time,” he said.
The governor said his administration would continue to invest in human and capital resources to guarantee the safety and security of all residents.
He urged all officers and staff deployed to the centre to work in harmony, considering they were all bound by the same goals and mission.
According to him, the people of Epe and its environs have a role to play in ensuring that the centre functions optimally.
“I appeal to you to support the first responders in this facility by providing prompt information on emergency situations for effective and timely response.
“Our emergency numbers 112 and 767 are always available (24/7) for the public to report emergencies,” he said.
In his welcome address, Mr Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, said the population for Lagos State in 2021 was estimated to be about 14.8 million.
Bamgbose-Martins said mapping a strategy to enhance effective security and timely response to emergencies was a priority for the state.
