Sanwo-Olu, stakeholders hail first responders as ‘silent heroes’ at inaugural health conference
The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has described first responders across health and safety agencies as “silent heroes,” acknowledging their critical role in emergency response and public safety.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has described first responders across health and safety agencies as “silent heroes,” acknowledging their critical role in emergency response and public safety.
She spoke at the inaugural two-day Lagos State Health Professionals Development Conference organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, with the theme: “Excellence, Resilience and Readiness: Best Practices in Health Support for First Responders.”
Represented by Mrs. Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the First Lady said first responders routinely put their lives at risk to safeguard others, stressing the need for sustained investment in their welfare and capacity development.
“First responders are indeed the silent heroes of our society. They are the first to arrive in emergencies, often placing themselves in harm’s way to save lives, preserve property, and restore hope,” she said.
She added that the conference was a strategic step towards strengthening their professional competence and ensuring they are equipped physically, mentally, and emotionally for the demands of their duties.
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Sanwo-Olu noted that with Lagos’ growing population, continuous training, capacity building, and improved welfare for first responders must remain a priority.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the conference was convened to enhance clinical capacity, preparedness, and resilience among emergency personnel.
He emphasised the need to improve medical support systems for responders operating in high-risk and unpredictable environments, noting that effective emergency management requires strong institutional frameworks, clear protocols, and inter-agency collaboration.
“Effective emergency response requires more than individual competence; it demands strong systems, efficient communication, and sustained cooperation,” he said, assuring the government’s continued support for initiatives that promote workforce safety and effectiveness.
Medical Director of Lagos State First Responders Medical Clinics, Funmi Shokunbi, described first responders as the backbone of the state’s emergency health system.
“They are the human face of comfort. Where others see danger, they run toward lifelines. They care for the caregivers,” she said, adding that the conference would help build a more resilient and sustainable emergency response system.
