Lagos, Help Station Partner on Emergency Response, Food Safety Training for Events and Hospitality Sectors

 

By Kayode Olopade 

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to public health and safety with the launch of a two-day training programme focused on emergency response and food safety essentials for stakeholders in the events and hospitality industries.

Organized by the Lagos State Safety Commission in collaboration with Help Station, the capacity-building initiative kicked off on Tuesday in Lagos, drawing enthusiastic participation from industry professionals, health experts, and regulatory stakeholders.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola—represented by the Head of Events and Hospitality at the Commission, Mrs. Olubunmi Jegede—commended participants for their impressive turnout and urged them to take the training seriously.

She emphasized the critical role the events and hospitality sectors play in economic stability and public well-being, stressing the need for continuous capacity building to uphold food safety and emergency readiness.

“Our collective health is a cornerstone of economic productivity. The Lagos State Government is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe environment for all. This training is part of that effort—geared towards preventing foodborne illnesses and improving on-the-ground emergency response,” Jegede said.

She further encouraged participants to take full advantage of the facilitators’ wealth of knowledge, noting that the training aligns with the State's broader strategy for public safety and sustainable tourism.

In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Help Station, Dr. Deji Faborode, praised the Lagos State Government for prioritizing safety and health education for key sectors of the economy.

“Food safety is non-negotiable. We are happy to partner with a government that understands that safety is everybody’s business. This training equips participants with practical knowledge that can save lives and promote a healthier society,” Dr. Faborode stated.

Dr. Yewande Alebiosu, Chief Operating Officer,  Help Station, also highlighted the importance of personal preparedness in emergency situations. She advocated for wider public awareness around basic first aid and emergency techniques, noting that such knowledge can make the difference between life and death before professional help arrives.

“Everyone should know how to respond during an emergency, especially in the absence of immediate medical help. This training is designed to empower citizens and frontline workers to act decisively,” she said.

One of the facilitators, Ms. Dorothy Obianuju Nzekwe, delivered a detailed session on emergency medical procedures, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and management of common medical emergencies.

Participants described the training as timely and impactful, especially in light of recent incidents that highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness in public spaces.

The two-day training is part of an ongoing series of initiatives under the Lagos State Safety Commission’s mandate to promote safety awareness, reduce risks, and support a resilient service industry