Category: City Beats

The Lagos Island Local Government has partnered with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State Branch, to intensify fire safety awareness across the council area, as part of efforts to curb recurring fire disasters that have led to loss of lives and properties.

Vice Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Mr. Arulai Folami, disclosed that the fire safety sensitisation exercise is one of the council’s cardinal programmes aimed at proactive disaster management.

According to Folami, the local government resolved not to wait for disasters to occur before responding, hence the decision to organise a Fire Safety Walk to educate residents, traders, and market women on preventive measures.

“We don’t want to wait until disaster happens before we come in. That is why we are taking a bold initiative to sensitise residents and market women on the do’s and don’ts of fire safety to avoid fire outbreaks on Lagos Island,” he said.

He recalled past fire incidents on Lagos Island that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties, stressing that the council has adopted community sensitisation as a key emergency management strategy.

“One of our strategies is to go out there and educate the people on the importance of having fire extinguishers in their homes, shops, and even fire boards. These can serve as the first line of response before the fire service arrives,” Folami added.

The vice chairman expressed optimism that the campaign would significantly reduce losses, noting that many market women have already begun purchasing fire extinguishers for their shops.

“Our chairman is very proactive, and we already have the cooperation of market women. We want other markets on Lagos Island to take a cue from this so that the huge losses to fire disasters can be avoided,” he said.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch, Mrs. Adebola Kolawole, said fire outbreaks have become frequent on Lagos Island, often caused by carelessness, heat, and other human factors.

She described the local government as a critical stakeholder in disaster management, noting that Red Cross officials often encounter council representatives at disaster sites.

“This partnership has been ongoing for eight years, and successive chairmen and executives have supported us. This year, the local government has shown even stronger commitment by supporting us financially and physically,” Kolawole said.

She urged other local governments in Lagos State to emulate Lagos Island’s example by identifying disaster-prone areas within their jurisdictions and working with the Red Cross to prevent emergencies.

“Beyond fire outbreaks, we have building collapses, explosions, and pipeline vandalism in other areas. If all local governments take responsibility, it will help Lagos State as a whole,” she added.

The Branch Communication Officer of the NRCS, Lagos State Branch, Mr. Olushola Tejuosho, noted that fire disasters remain a global threat, citing major incidents in Nigeria and abroad.

“In December 2017, over 1,000 shops were destroyed by fire in Kaduna State, displacing more than 1,000 families. Globally, fires have claimed lives in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and more recently, Hong Kong,” he said.

Tejuosho added that in Lagos State alone, a fire outbreak last year destroyed 14 buildings at the popular Tom Jones Market on Lagos Island, underscoring the urgent need for prevention through education.

He further called on traders, community members, youth groups, and civil society organisations to support the campaign.

“Fire disasters are preventable. Through education, preparedness, and collective action, we can save lives and protect livelihoods,” he said.