The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday hailed First Responders in the health and safety agencies in the state as ‘silent heroes ‘ for their roles in quick response to emergencies in the state.
Sanwo-Olu represented by Mrs Olayemi Oke-Osanyintolu spoke alongside others at the inaugural two-day Lagos State Health Professionals Development Conference organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations held in Lagos with the theme ‘ Excellence, Resilience and Readiness: Best Practices in Health Support for First Responders.
The First Lady noted that emergency first responders: put their lives at risk for the safety and wellbeing of others adding that there is need for the government to strengthen their capacity and improve their welfare.
“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. Your role transcends professional duty; it is deeply humanitarian and essential to the fabric of our society.
This conference is a strategic step towards enhancing your professional competence and ensuring that you are adequately equipped, physically, mentally, and emotionally, to carry out your responsibilities effectively,” sgs said.
She further said with the rising population of Lagos, there is need for continuous investment in training, capacity building, and the overall welfare of first responders.
Sanwo-Olu commended the Ministry for organizing the conference noting that it aligns with the vision of the Lagos State government to prioritise health, safety, and resilience across all sectors.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, said the conference was organised to strengthen the clinical capacity, preparedness, and resilience of the first responders.
He also noted that the government should enhance the quality of medical support provided to those engaged in disaster response, and other emergency operations across the State through improved health support systems as they often operate in high-risk, unpredictable environments.
Effective emergency response requires more than individual competence; it demands strong systems, clear protocols, efficient communication channels, and sustained inter-agency cooperation.
He assured of government support to initiatives that enhance the welfare, safety, and effectiveness of its workforce.
In her address, the Medical Director, Lagos State First Responders Medical Clinics, Dr. Funmi Shokunbi said first responders are the backbone of the state’s health workforce.
“ They are the human face of comfort, where others see safety, they run to lifeline. They care for the caregivers,” she said.
She said the conference would help to build a ‘resilient and sustainable emergency system as strong as the health of those who depend on it.’
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi said the government will pay attention to the mental health of first responders while the Chairman,Lagos House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Rauf Age-Sulaimon assured them that government is ready to provide for their needs with ‘laws and finance ‘
The Lagos Head of Service, Olabode Agoro represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, Abdulwasiu Fashola noted that the role of first responders remains critical to the effectiveness of the state’s emergency system.’