Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal has called on all stakeholders involved in emergency and disaster management to ensure synergy to achieve a better result.
This is as he disclosed plans of governor Seyi Makinde to activate dynamic innovations and technologically driven strategies in the management of emergencies in the state.
Lawal spoke on Wednesday while delivering an address during the quarterly stakeholders platform on Emergency Management organised by the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA).
He was represented at the event by the Executive Assistant (Administration) to Governor Seyi Makinde, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe.
Speaking, Lawal who is the Chairman, OYSEMA said the state is endowed with resourceful human capital that could be deployed in case of any emergency or disaster but that if result must be achieved, the stakeholders and emergency workers must learn to work together as a team.
He said “Today, let me state unequivocally that the state is apparently endowed with resourceful human capital that could be deployed in case of any emergency or disaster.
“Indeed, the array of attendees at the meeting speaks volume of the potential of the state stakeholders platform, formidable enough to respond and pull the strings of disaster risk reduction appropriately.
“At this junction, let me charge you to always fill your professional cum espirit de corp with untainted spirit of teamwork whenever duty beckons.
“I am cocksure, without any iota of doubt, that the platform can only achieve more with a very strong synergy of purpose. No man is an island as far as disaster risk management is concerned.
“Your cooperation and collaboration is highly essential in the onerous task of making the state less vulnerable to disaster events. Consequently, it is very imperative to plan and work together at all levels (strategic, tactical and operational).
“I want to assure you that the state government under governor Seyi Makinde is poised to activate dynamic innovations and technologically driven strategies into the management of emergencies in the state. This will take the form of policies and programs under the magic wand of Omi-Titun 2. 0 which is positioned to take the state to an enviable heights.”
He added “Today’s meeting will be very historic as another giants stride in the annals of OYSEMA and the Oyo state government at large. This assertion is premised upon our determination and collective responsibilities to brainstorm on prospects and challenges in the wheel of our progress to building a resilient state.
“Distinguished stakeholders; we are not oblivious of the vulnerability of our state to disasters such as flooding, rainstorms, fire among others. Notwithstanding, the state government has been proactively engaging in mitigation measures both structurally and non-structurally to strengthen its preparedness against such hydro-meteorological hazards.”
Speaking earlier, OYSEMA Administrative Secretary, Mrs Ojuolape Busari commended the deputy governor as well as the other stakeholders for the efforts at seeing to the prompt management of disaster and the likes in the state.
She said “The recent disaster events in the state and across the globe calls for concerted efforts for all and sundry. The meeting provides us an ample opportunity to discuss emergency and emerging issues affecting the state. Without mincing words, this singular gathering will enhance the resilience capacity of the state towards effective disaster risk management.”
She assures that the agency, saddled with the mandate of coordinating emergencies, will not rest on its oars to promote resilience capacity of the state towards effective disaster risk management.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event also called for better understanding and collaboration among emergency workers especially security operatives when the need arises.
Security personnel at the stakeholders platform includes: Police, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria Security, Department of State Service and Civil Defence Corps.
Paramilitary organisations that attended include: Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, Man O’War, Amotekun Opertaives among others.
Other government agencies at the meeting include: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Meterological Agency (NiMet), traders, religious leaders, Non governmental organisations, relevant Ministry, Department and Agencies and others.
