Lagos campaign aims to improve emergency response skills

A new campaign, “Safety on the Streets”, was launched in Lagos by the QHSES Leadership Alumni to teach residents emergency response skills. The campaign responds to the high rate of traffic accidents, which the World Health Organization (WHO) says result in 1.35 million deaths annually.

Nigeria, as part of low- and middle-income countries, faces 93% of these fatalities, with pedestrians and motorcyclists particularly at risk. Traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death for those aged 5–29.

Mebawondu Taiwo Samson, Project coordinator stated, “Our goal is to empower individuals with the skills they need to respond effectively in critical situations.” He noted that first aid can stabilise a person’s condition and improve their chances of survival before professional help arrives.

The event attracted many residents and passersby who learned skills such as CPR and the use of fire extinguishers. Volunteers led hands-on demonstrations, showing how basic actions can make a significant difference in emergencies. Samson said, “It was heartening to see so many people eager to learn,” highlighting the community’s interest in life-saving knowledge.

The Lagos Fire Service and Nigerian Police Force supported the event to ensure safety, while sponsors such as CWay and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency contributed resources. Habeeb Salaudeen, Governor SustainablePEOPLE commented, “We believe we have made a significant impact in our community,” acknowledging how the partnership promoted a culture of safety in Lagos.

The QHSES Leadership Alumni plans to make “Safety on the Streets” an annual event, expanding it to more communities. “We want to continue raising awareness about safety and emergency preparedness,” Samson said. The campaign aims to build a safety-conscious culture across Nigeria, equipping residents with the skills needed to respond in emergencies.