The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to transform the Emergency Relief and Resettlement Camp in Igando, Alimosho Local Government Area, into a pioneering Institute of Disaster Management, a first of its kind on the African continent.
EpeInsights reports that the announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, during the opening ceremony of the 60th annual Youth Leadership Training Camp organized by the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Igando.
Themed “On the Side of Humanity,” the event brought together hundreds of youth participants committed to humanitarian service and community resilience.
Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu, who was honoured as a Platinum Member of the Red Cross, revealed that the initiative is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader agenda to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities in Lagos State.
“The governor is committed to converting this facility into the first Institute of Disaster Management in Africa,” he said.
“Significant investments have already been made in modern equipment, and key agencies such as the fire service and ambulance services have been empowered with state-of-the-art tools to improve response times and save lives.”
He also disclosed that the state will host a national conference in October involving emergency management stakeholders from all 36 states of Nigeria to promote a unified strategy for disaster risk reduction.
Dr. Victoria Adebola Kolawole, Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, emphasized the critical role of humanitarian values and leadership in crisis response.
She described the youth training camp as a transformative programme that instills compassion, discipline, and responsibility among future leaders.
“Our youth volunteers are not only the future, they are central to our present humanitarian work,” Dr. Kolawole said.
“Through leadership training and empowerment sessions, we are preparing them to act with courage and empathy during emergencies.”
She noted that more than 500 young people were participating in this year’s programme, which includes mentorship, community engagement exercises, and social development activities.
Reflecting on the legacy of the Red Cross youth camps, Kolawole said the initiative has helped shape generations of socially conscious and resilient young Nigerians.
She also praised the strong collaboration between the Red Cross and LASEMA, particularly in areas of emergency response and community sensitization.
“This partnership has enhanced the quality of our interventions and expanded our reach in times of crisis,” she said.
The proposed disaster management institute is expected to serve as a centre for research, training, and policy development in emergency preparedness—not only for Lagos but for the entire West African region.
