The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to achieving zero fire incidents in markets across the state with the inauguration of Safety and Emergency Marshals. The initiative, led by the Lagos State Safety Commission, aims to enhance emergency preparedness in markets to curb fire outbreaks and ensure safety.
Speaking at Obanikoro Market, Lagos Island, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, stated that the training of market representatives focuses on hazard identification, prevention, and effective response strategies. Mojola emphasized the high cost of past fire incidents in terms of compensation and insurance, noting that the initiative is a proactive approach to avert future disasters.
“Safety is a collective responsibility. Today, we trained 50 market men and women as the first set of safety fire wardens for this market. They’ve been educated on fire causes, like leaving electrical sockets on, improper generator placement, and the importance of fire extinguishers. Beyond fire risks, we’re also addressing hazards such as running cables to ensure a safer and sustainable market environment in Lagos State,” Mojola said.
Technical Adviser to the Safety Commission, Seun Awojobi, highlighted the economic significance of markets and the need to protect them from hazards like fires and accidents. Facilitator Adeyinka Adebiyi trained participants on identifying and mitigating market hazards, emphasizing safety principles for a safer business environment.
Eviction of Traders in Drainage Setbacks on Lagos Island
In a related development, the Lagos State Government issued a 48-hour quit notice to traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and on drainage setbacks across Lagos Island. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the directive after inspecting the Savage/Elegbata Bombata Drainage channel in the Olowogbowo-Apongbon area.
Wahab stated that human activities, such as converting drainage channels into shops, have exacerbated flooding and threatened lives and property. He warned traders and developers against blocking drainage channels with materials and emphasized that all infractions would be cleared to ensure free water flow and maintain urban regeneration efforts.
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