In line with its public safety strategy, the Lagos State Government has trained students in Agege on emergency communication protocols, emphasising the life-saving importance of timely and accurate distress calls.
The training, organised by the Lagos State Command and Control Centre (LSCCC), saw over 1,000 students of State Junior High School, Oyewole, Agege, sensitised on the proper use of the State’s toll-free emergency lines, 767 and 112.
Speaking during the session, the General Manager of LSCCC, Mr. Femi Giwa, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Mrs. Adeyinka Adeeso, described the initiative as a critical step toward building a safety-conscious society.
“This programme is designed to equip you with life-saving knowledge. Knowing when and how to use the emergency lines 767 and 112 can make a significant difference in saving lives and protecting property,” she said.
Adeeso noted that the State Government remains committed to ensuring that all residents, including young people, are well-informed on how to respond appropriately during emergencies.
“We believe students are important ambassadors of safety awareness. What you learn here today should not end with you; share it with your families and communities,” she added.
She stressed that while the emergency lines are toll-free and available round the clock, they must be used responsibly.
“These lines are meant strictly for real emergencies. Making false or prank calls can delay response to people who are in genuine danger and may also attract penalties,” she warned.
Advising the students on best practices during emergencies, she said, “Stay calm, speak clearly, and provide accurate information about your location and the situation. This helps emergency responders act quickly and effectively.”
The students were taken through practical steps to follow in emergency situations, including how to communicate distress, give precise location details, and avoid panic.
Some of the students, including Awoseyin Tobiloba Emmanuel and Alamu Eniola Rebecca, expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as impactful.
“We have learnt how to stay calm and give clear information during emergencies. We now understand that panic can make situations worse,” they said.
“We will also share what we’ve learnt with our parents, siblings, and neighbours so that more people can benefit from this knowledge,” they added.
The Principal of the school, Mrs. Olabimpe Balogun, commended the Lagos State Government for the initiative, noting that it would have lasting benefits for the students and the wider community.
“This programme is timely and very important. It has not only educated the students but also strengthened our school’s safety culture,” she said.
Balogun added that the school has basic safety facilities, including fire extinguishers and sand buckets, to manage emergencies, while urging continued collaboration with government agencies.
To reinforce the lessons, educational materials such as exercise books with safety tips, branded water bottles, and pens were distributed to the students.
The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding safety awareness campaigns across schools and communities, in line with its T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly in the areas of security, emergency response, and citizen engagement.
“This initiative reflects our resolve to build a responsive and safety-aware society where every resident understands their role in emergency situations,” Adeeso said.
