NaijAidUK Moves To Strengthen Nigeria’s Emergency Response Capacity, Trains 8,000 Nigerians

NaijAidUK, through its HealthAid Charity, has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s emergency preparedness and response capacity, having trained more than 8,000 healthcare professionals and members of the public in first aid and emergency response over the past decade.

The organisation disclosed this as it marked its 10th anniversary with a series of specialised first aid, clinical and mental health training programmes held in Lagos from October 27 to 30, 2026.

The four-day programme brought together healthcare professionals, students and members of the public from different parts of the country, equipping them with practical skills to recognise emergencies, administer appropriate first response and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

The initiative, according to the organisation, is designed to extend emergency response knowledge beyond hospitals and healthcare facilities by building a wider network of trained individuals capable of taking appropriate action before professional medical assistance arrives.

The programme commenced with Immediate Life Support (ILS) training for clinicians, including doctors, nurses, midwives, community health workers and other healthcare professionals.

This was followed by a Mental Health Awareness Day, which engaged students and members of the public on mental health awareness, early identification of challenges and appropriate support for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.

The programme concluded with two days of General First Emergency Response Training, during which participants received practical guidance on recognising emergencies and administering first-response assistance while awaiting professional medical support.

Speaking on the programme and the organisation’s 10th anniversary, the Chief Executive Officer and Founding Trustee of NaijAidUK, Dr Lanre Nehan-Babalola, said the organisation’s approach was centred on creating a multiplier effect through training and knowledge sharing.

She said the Train-the-Trainer initiative was designed to equip participants with life-saving skills and empower them to transfer the knowledge to other members of their communities.

“The essence of our Train-the-Trainer programme is to empower people with the skills to save lives and, more importantly, equip them to pass that knowledge on to others. We believe in training one and saving many.

“Emergency response is not just an activity; it is a culture of knowing the right things to do at the right time. By engaging young people and other members of the public, we are building a network of trained first aiders who can extend this knowledge to their families, schools and communities,” she said.

Nehan-Babalola further stressed the importance of integrating physical and mental health into emergency preparedness, noting that the training was designed to help participants recognise when individuals require support, respond appropriately and seek professional assistance before situations escalate.

The programme received commendation from health sector stakeholders, including the Director of Nursing, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Omowunmi Folashade Ekong, who described the Mental Health First Aid training as a timely intervention towards improving mental health awareness and community support.

According to her, the training had equipped participants with the knowledge to recognise stressors, identify early signs of emotional and mental health challenges, provide appropriate support and direct individuals requiring further attention to professional care.

She noted that the knowledge acquired would extend beyond the training environment into homes, schools, workplaces and the wider society.

Similarly, the Director of Ogun State Ambulance and Emergency Services, Dr Festus Adetonwa, who represented the state’s Commissioner for Health, commended NaijAidUK for addressing two critical areas of healthcare that require greater attention: mental health and first aid.

He observed that the first few minutes following an accident, collapse or other medical emergency could significantly determine the outcome, stressing the need to equip ordinary citizens with life-saving skills to provide immediate assistance before an ambulance arrives.

He also called for concerted efforts to address mental health stigma and encourage individuals experiencing mental health challenges to seek appropriate support.

“These initiatives align with the government’s commitment to strengthening emergency medical services and promoting preventive, people-centred healthcare. The Ministry of Health fully identifies with this effort and encourages its sustainability,” he said.

Established in 2015, NaijAidUK has, over the past decade, trained more than 3,000 healthcare professionals and 5,000 non-medical citizens in first aid and emergency response.

Its interventions have also included donations of medical equipment, professional development programmes for healthcare workers and community-focused health initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and capacity in Nigeria.

The organisation’s clinical and emergency response courses include UK-certified programmes delivered by qualified clinical experts based in and trained in the United Kingdom, with alignment to World Health Organisation guidelines and recognised international best practices.

NaijAidUK has also extended its interventions to underserved communities through initiatives such as Project ACT, which adapts first aid education to improve access for people with hearing and speech impairments.

The anniversary programme also featured the participation of the Executive Chairman of Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State, Barr. Clement Kolapo Ojo, highlighting the importance of government and community-level involvement in strengthening emergency preparedness and expanding access to life-saving knowledge.

As it marks its 10th anniversary, the organisation has called for stronger collaboration with government institutions, healthcare organisations, schools, businesses and community stakeholders to expand access to first aid and mental health education across Nigeria.

It reaffirmed its commitment to building a society where emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility and more Nigerians possess the knowledge and practical skills required to respond appropriately when lives are at risk.