Disaster preparedness is everyone's responsibility -Hon. Emiola Fakeye

By Segilola Babalola

The Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Emergency Management, Hon. Emiola Fakeye, has stressed that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility that must be embraced by every resident, not just the government.

Hon. Fakeye disclosed this during a sensitization programme organized by the staff of the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) on a radio station in Osogbo, held in commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening safety practices, enhancing preparedness, and building resilient communities.

She highlighted several proactive measures already implemented by OSEMA and its partners to curb disaster risks across the state. According to her, the agency responds promptly to emergency reports and continues to reinforce community vigilance through its Neighborhood Watch system, which enables residents to detect and report suspicious or potentially dangerous activities in their environment.

Expressing concern over the rising trend of building on floodplains and the indiscriminate excavation of sand from such areas, Hon. Fakeye warned that these harmful practices weaken the environment and significantly increase the risk of flooding. She urged residents to desist from activities that could endanger their communities.

She further explained that although the issuance of building approvals is handled by the Ministry of Lands, OSEMA works closely with the ministry to ensure compliance with safety standards. Members of the public were encouraged to report unsafe construction, particularly in flood-prone areas.

Hon. Fakeye commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for deploying fire trucks to critical locations across the state, saying the initiative has enhanced emergency preparedness and improved response time during crises. She also described the Osun O’Ambulance service as a crucial component of the state’s emergency response system, equipped with trained professionals and essential facilities for effective rescue operations. She assured residents that ambulance numbers are readily available and that firefighters remain on standby for emergency calls.

She added that the OSEMA office remains open for complaints and reports from the public, urging residents to report illegal digging, blocked drainages, and improper waste disposal. Such seemingly minor negligence, she noted, could escalate into major disasters if left unchecked.

“Disaster management is a collective responsibility, not something left to the government alone. Every one of us—no matter where we are or what we do—has a role in keeping our communities safe. As we always say, disaster risk reduction is everyone’s business,” she said.

In his remarks, the General Manager of OSEMA, Mr. Abiola Oni, appealed to residents to avoid actions that could trigger disasters as the dry season approaches. He cautioned against indiscriminate bush burning, advised households to regularly check gas cylinders for leaks, and encouraged the unplugging of electrical appliances when not in use. He also reminded motorists to ensure that their vehicles are equipped with functional fire extinguishers at all times.