Aiyedatiwa’s Aide, Wellington Adebawo, Leads Strategic Visit to LASEMA, LASEPA to Bolster Emergency Preparedness
In a major step toward inter-state cooperation in disaster management, the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, Hon. (Prince) Wellington Oriade Adebawo, on Friday, June 13, 2025, led a high-powered delegation on a strategic visit to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), as part of efforts to build synergy, share expertise, and strengthen institutional partnerships between the two states.
The visit, held at LASEMA’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, also included engagements with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.
The Ondo delegation was warmly received by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, who emphasized Lagos State’s openness to collaboration and experience sharing.
“LASEMA is committed to sharing knowledge and best practices with other states. We believe collaboration is essential to building a stronger, more resilient Nigeria,” Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu said.
He highlighted Lagos’s position as a leader in emergency preparedness:
“Lagos State has continued to lead in emergency management, and this is due to deliberate investment in human capacity and infrastructure. We appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to this agency.”
The Permanent Secretary also reassured the delegation of the agency’s high level of readiness:
“Lagos State is fully prepared to respond to any emergency, thanks to our robust command-and-control center, upgraded emergency response models, and regular simulation exercises. We are ready to work closely with Ondo State and others to elevate emergency management across Nigeria.”
In his remarks, Hon. Wellington Adebawo expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and praised the Lagos State Government’s strategic leadership.
“This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (ODSEMA) and LASEMA,” he said.
“I sincerely appreciate the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Idowu Ojo, and the Director of Finance and Administration at ODSEMA, Mr. Fredrick Orunkan, for their efforts in improving our state’s emergency response mechanisms.”
Hon. Adebawo said the Lagos visit would serve as a catalyst for transformation in Ondo State’s emergency strategies:
“This engagement with LASEMA will yield valuable insights and best practices that we can adapt to enhance Ondo State’s emergency response capabilities.”
“Our state is committed to mitigating disasters—especially flooding—and this visit aligns with the Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s dedication to prioritizing the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
He also lauded the innovative strategies he observed during the visit:
“LASEMA’s approach to emergency management is impressive. We are ready to explore ways to adapt and implement these best practices in Ondo State.”
Following the main session, the delegation participated in an intensive brainstorming session led by Mr. Nosa Okunbor, LASEMA’s Public Relations Officer. The session covered the agency’s structure, operations, achievements, and public communication strategies.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu led the delegation to LASEPA, where they were welcomed by the General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi. Discussions centered around cross-agency collaboration on disaster prevention, environmental safety, and resilience strategies.
The visit concluded with an official stop at the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, where the team met with Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary. Discussions focused on enhancing grassroots preparedness and rural resilience in both states.
This high-level inter-state engagement is expected to set the stage for formal partnerships, exchange programs, and shared policy frameworks aimed at improving disaster response and environmental management across Southwest Nigeria.
