Lagos: Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has described the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a strategic and indispensable partner in disaster management and public advocacy. Oke-Osanyintolu stated this on Wednesday in Lagos when he paid a courtesy visit to NAN. He noted that the agency’s role in information dissemination had strengthened emergency preparedness and response in Lagos State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that NAN had consistently provided positive, factual, and timely reportage, helping Nigerians understand disaster management activities and reducing misinformation, false alarms, and negative narratives. He highlighted that NAN’s sustained advocacy and sensitization efforts significantly contribute to reducing mortality and morbidity associated with emergencies in the state.
He added that the agency played a key role in projecting emergency management initiatives at a time when such efforts were largely unknown to the public. Expressing pride in NAN’s professionalism, he described the organization as ‘home’ to disaster management stakeholders. He expressed appreciation for NAN’s continued support in strengthening public awareness and accountability.
He reaffirmed LASEMA’s commitment to deepening collaboration with NAN to further enhance effective disaster management and public communication. Earlier, NAN acting Head of Lagos Operations, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, expressed gratitude to Oke-Osanyintolu for the visit. She noted that NAN was committed to objectivity, professionalism, and inclusivity in emergency reportage. Omowole assured the permanent secretary of a robust partnership with LASEMA in ensuring the protection of the lives and property of Lagos residents and the sustainability of the environment.