Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Abisogun II on Wednesday stressed the need to protect the lives and property of the residents in all parts of the state.
The duo spoke at the commissioning and handing over of the newly constructed three fire stations at Ebute Elefun, Oniru, Ajegunle and the newly upgraded Fire Service Headquarters, Alausa.
In his address at the commissioning of the fire stations, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the essence of the new fire stations is to enable fire responders to reduce the distance and overcome other unplanned encumbrances on the way to the fire scene.
He said: “Therefore, to enable fire responders to reduce the distance and overcome other unplanned encumbrances on the way to the fire scene, the idea of having at least one fire station in each of the 20 local government areas of the state was conceived.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled that two years ago, a performance assessment study of all first responders was carried out where gaps responsible for limiting the effectiveness of their response to emergencies were identified.
According to the governor, one of the challenges identified, “Was the inadequate fire stations for a growing state such as ours.
“As we all know, a fire outbreak is an emergency that can only be prepared for, but the time, speed and scale at which it will happen cannot be pre-determined. This is where response time is critical as it can make a lot of difference between life and death.’’
He said that the government awarded the contract for the construction of six new fire stations in different parts of the state, adding that “Three out of these six fire stations that have been completed along with their headquarters are being commissioned and handed over today.
The remaining three stations at Ijede, Kosofe and Ijegun will be completed and delivered before May 2023.”
He noted: “Lagos State as an emerging smart city, with diverse opportunities such as highly mobile and productive population that is still increasing; growing economy with multi-billion naira businesses and investments; enchanting places and many public assets; require protection through deliberate disaster mitigation and emergency management strategies that are realistic and comprehensive.”
