L-R: Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Sesan Tunde Ogundeko(Mini); Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Rauf Olawale Age-Suleiman; and Technical Adviser, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Seun Awojobi, during the 2025 World Drowning Prevention Day event organized by the Lagos State Safety Commission, held at Festival Hotel, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.
By Kayode Olopade
In commemoration of the 2025 World Drowning Prevention Day, the Lagos State Safety Commission over the weekend hosted a comprehensive awareness programme aimed at curbing incidents of drowning across the state.
The event, organized and sponsored by the Commission, drew a diverse audience including students, boat owners, marine engineers, boat operators, fishermen, politicians, community leaders, religious figures, market traders, civil servants, and members of the public.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stated that the programme aligns with the objectives of World Drowning Prevention Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2021 and observed annually on July 25. He emphasized the urgent need for collective acton to tackle the global drowning crisis.
Quoting data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Mojola revealed that over 236,000 lives are lost to drowning annually, with 82,000 of the victims being children aged between one and 14 years. He noted that drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide, accounting for about 7% of such fatalities.
“The statistics are alarming and call for urgent and continuous sensitization,” Mojola said. “We must equip Lagosians with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent drowning, especially in communities located near water bodies.”
He added that Lagos has made significant progress with the enactment of the 2021 Safety Commission Law and accompanying regulations on swimming pool safety, which have since been implemented. As part of continued efforts, Mojola announced the forthcoming launch of the “Community Safety Lifeguard Initiative,” which will train community members and students on lifesaving techniques and water safety protocols.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Agencies, Hon. Olugbenga Oyerinde—represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Sesan Tunde Ogundeko(Mni)—affirmed the government’s commitment to making Lagos a zero-drowning zone.
“Anyone can drown, but no one should drown in Lagos,” Oyerinde declared. He called for the inclusion of compulsory swimming lessons in the state’s primary and secondary schools curriculum, stressing the importance of early education in water safety. He further recommended the installation of awareness billboards and the provision of life jackets in high-risk areas.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Olawale Age-Sulaimon, urged residents to be cautious around water, especially those without swimming abilities.
“Those who cannot swim should avoid water activities without proper training or protective gear,” Age-Sulaimon warned. “We must all prioritize learning how to swim and adhere to safety guidelines.”
The event also featured expert presentations, including a technical session led by marine engineer Dr. Wilson Arikpo, who discussed safe water-entry techniques and emergency response strategies.
The Lagos State Safety Commission reiterated its commitment to building a culture of safety through continuous public education and policy enforcement as the state grapples with the challenges of urbanization and climate-related risks along its coastlines and inland waterways.
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