In a significant move to tackle fire incidents in Lagos marketplaces, The Lagos State Government has initiated the training and launch of Safety and Emergency Marshals equipped to prevent further fire disasters in the state.
The government, through the Safety Commission, stated the increasing need for having market representatives whose sole responsibility would be to enhance emergency preparedness in markets across Lagos.
The initiative aims to devise strategies to halt fire disasters, which have posed unimaginable risks to both life and property in the state, by positioning trained persons in the strategic market places, that will ensure that proper safety measures are in place and that vendors and shoppers are well-informed about fire prevention techniques and emergency response plans.
The Director of Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, while speaking at the Obanikoro Market, Lagos Island, on Thursday, said that the training was designed to avail the participants with knowledge of hazard identification, prevention, recovery, and response around markets.
He said, “Today, we have brought together a team of 50 people that were being trained in market safety and they will be the first set of market safety fire wardens in this market.
“We are trying to enlighten them so that we do not have any fire disaster. We are taking them on the causes of fire. The idea of leaving the electric sockets on after work, placement of the generator inside the shops and lack of fire extinguishers are improper.”
During a recent discussion, Seun Awojobi, the commission’s Technical Adviser, explained the role markets play in the state’s economic development. He pointed out that these markets are the heart of commerce and must be safeguarded against potential hazards like fires and accidents.
Sunday Ogunlana, the Chairman of the Community Development Association in the area, along with Lateef Iyaniwura, the leader of Obanikoro Market, praised the commission for this commendable initiative.
