LAGOS STATE MARKS 2025 WORLD DROWING PREVENTION DAY WITH PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
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| 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. |
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.
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| Director General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola |
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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