LASEMA PS, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Honoured as Red Cross Humanitarian Ambassador

 

The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, has been officially decorated as a Red Cross Humanitarian Ambassador in recognition of his outstanding contributions to emergency and disaster management in Lagos State.

 

The honour, which confers on him Platinum Membership and full regalia of the Red Cross, was bestowed by the Chairperson of the Nigerian Red Cross, Lagos Branch, Dr. Victoria Kolawole, at a special decoration ceremony held today at the LASEMA Resettlement Camp, Igando.

 

While receiving the award, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu expressed deep gratitude and dedicated the honour to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, citing the Governor’s visionary leadership and continued investment in emergency response infrastructure across the state.

 

“His Excellency has ensured the provision of heavy-duty equipment and upgraded facilities for all emergency responders in Lagos. This recognition is a testament to the success of that political will,” he said.

 

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu also revealed upcoming plans for the sector, including the establishment of Nigeria’s first Institute of Disaster Management in Lagos, aimed at enhancing professional training and disaster preparedness nationwide.

 

He further announced that Lagos will host all 36 State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) in October 2025 to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, adding that simulation exercises are also being planned in preparation for the conference.

 

“This decoration by the Red Cross marks a new dawn for emergency response in Lagos. It affirms our collective commitment to resilience, proactive disaster risk reduction, and the protection of lives and livelihoods.”

 

In her remarks, Dr. Victoria Kolawole commended LASEMA for its enduring collaboration with the Red Cross and highlighted the Agency’s recent hosting of over 500 youths during the Red Cross Boot Camp as part of its Diamond Anniversary celebrations.

 

“Lagos continues to serve as a pacesetter in emergency preparedness and disaster response. We are proud to identify with LASEMA and the leadership of Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, who has set a high standard for emergency management in Nigeria,” she said.

 

The ceremony brought together stakeholders from the humanitarian, public safety, and disaster management sectors, reinforcing the shared mission of saving lives and reducing risks across communities.

 

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