Kaduna: The family of two deceased brothers, Micheal Alao, 48, and David Alao, 44, has launched an emergency response education NGO following their tragic deaths from armed robbery and cardiac arrest, respectively. The NGO, named ‘Michael and David Alao Memorial Emergency Preparedness (M and DAMEP)’, was established to honor the siblings.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, during a training session on basic life support and emergency preparedness held on Saturday in Kaduna, Mrs. Bosede Arogunjo, a family member, recounted the tragic incident involving David Alao. In November 2022, David was shot during a failed armed robbery in Lagos. Arogunjo expressed her sorrow over the absence of trained medical personnel or first responders for nearly an hour, which ultimately led to his death before hospital surgery could be performed.
In a similar unfortunate event, Arogunjo described how Michael Alao suffered a heart attack on May 25, 2025, at a recreational club. In a desperate attempt to assist, a bystander poured cold water on him, inadvertently causing shock. Michael also lost his life before receiving the necessary medical care.
Arogunjo emphasized that these tragic deaths underscored the urgent need for effective emergency response education in Nigeria. She highlighted that both lives might have been saved with timely and appropriate care, pointing to a critical and preventable gap in emergency response.
The NGO aims to equip individuals and communities with essential knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergencies such as accidents, fire outbreaks, gunshots, and medical crises. Arogunjo stated that the NGO would teach the public Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), basic life support, and other life-saving techniques. The goal is to create a network of trained individuals who can respond promptly and efficiently in times of crisis, thereby reducing the impact of emergencies on the community.
Arogunjo further explained that the NGO plans to provide emergency response training to individuals, schools, businesses, community groups, corporate organizations, and the public through coordinated and organized programs and activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event’s high point was a practical CPR demonstration using a mannequin by Dr. Yakubu Dodo and Dr. Ifeanyi Aghadi, an anesthesiologist and an emergency medical expert. Additionally, Dr. Peter Enesi, a consultant surgeon, delivered a health talk on common health conditions in middle age.