Sanwo-Olu to Red Cross: Use technology to strengthen emergency response in Lagos

The governor noted that in a rapidly growing city like Lagos, with a population of more than 20 million people, emergencies are sometimes unavoidable due to pressures from rapid urbanisation, climate change, and infrastructure demands.

“These realities make disaster preparedness and emergency response extremely essential. This is why the work of the Nigerian Red Cross aligns closely with our vision of building a resilient Lagos,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu praised the organisation’s volunteers, describing them as everyday heroes who dedicate their time and sometimes risk their personal safety to assist others.

“You give your time, your energy, and sometimes risk your personal safety to help others. You may never meet those you assist again, but your impact stays with them for life,” he said.

The governor also urged citizens, particularly young people, to cultivate a spirit of service by learning first aid, volunteering their time, and supporting those in need instead of merely recording accident scenes during emergencies.

He emphasised that effective emergency response requires strong collaboration between government and humanitarian organisations.

“Government cannot do this work alone. Organisations like the Red Cross are vital to our emergency response efforts, and we remain committed to strengthening this partnership and supporting vulnerable communities across the state,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu further encouraged the leadership of the Lagos branch to remain transparent, innovative, and accountable while embracing technology and data-driven strategies to enhance humanitarian response.

The Lagos State Red Cross branch Chairman, Mrs. Victoria Kolawole, appealed for greater financial and logistical support to enable the organisation to expand its operations.

She noted that one of the major challenges facing the branch was limited resources, which hindered the full implementation of its programmes.

She disclosed that the organisation currently lacks ambulances for disaster operations and appealed to the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders to assist in providing ambulances and other disaster-response equipment.

According to her, other priority needs include personal protective equipment for emergency teams and a solar power system to ensure a stable electricity supply at the Red Cross orphanage, administrative block, and other facilities.

Also speaking, the National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Oluyemise Adeaga, emphasised the need for improved ambulance services and broader training in first aid to strengthen disaster response across the country.

Adeaga stressed that the protection of vulnerable persons must remain a national priority, noting that communities should be equipped with the skills and resources needed to respond quickly during emergencies.

He also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies and Red Cross volunteers to ensure effective disaster preparedness and response.