Stakeholders, UNICEF Moves to Tackle Flooding, Cholera

Ayodeji Ake

The Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, , kicked-off a three-day workshop on the preparation and response to flooding and cholera epidemic in the southwest states and Edo.

The workshop titled, “A-3 Day Multi-Sectoral Emergency Preparedness Workshop for States Under Lagos Field Office; Strengthening Readiness for Flooding and Cholera Response” and being held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, drew participants from relevant government agencies, stakeholders in disaster management and the media.

Welcoming participants to the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Rotimi Babalola, explained that the workshop was organized to bring together key stakeholders from states under Lagos Field Office – Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Edo states – to strengthen their collective readiness to prevent, prepare for, and effectively respond to emergencies particularly flooding and cholera outbreaks.

He noted that the natural disaster and cholera epidemic has continued to pose significant threats to public health and safety in the southwest  region. 

The Permanent Secretary stressed that as emergencies do not give prior notice, they demand timely, coordinated and multi-sectoral action, pointing out the workshop would serve as a unique platform to share knowledge, review strategies, and build stronger collaboration across sectors and  states. 

While thanking UNICEF for its continuous support and technical guidance, Babalola, expressed optimism that the skills, partnerships, and action plans developed at the workshop will go a long way in saving lives, reducing risks, and safeguarding communities in states under the Lagos Field Office.

He further commended the  participants for making out time to be part of the 3-day workshop, noting that their attendance has demonstrated their concerns for the development of the well-being of the people. 

“Your commitment is a testament to our shared vision of a safer and healthier society. I encourage us all to actively engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and translate the outcomes of this workshop into actionable measures within our respective states and Institutions”, Babalola stated.

In his remarks, the Planning, Monitoring and Reporting Specialist, UNICEF, Oluwasola Olanipekun, highlighted the objectives of the workshop to include effective and efficient coordination of emergency in southwest states; prioritization of children and women and most vulnerable during emergencies; adherence to agreed standards operation procedures and quick and effective responses to emergencies.