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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, in conjunction with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF, has kicked-off a three-day workshop on the preparation and response to flooding and cholera epidemic in the South West 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 (PS), Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Rotimi Babalola, explained that the workshop was organised to bring together key stakeholders from states under Lagos Field Office, comprising 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 had continued to pose significant threats to public health and safety in the South West region.
The PS stressed that as emergencies do not give prior notice, they demand timely, coordinated and multi-sectoral action, pointing out that 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 would 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 three-day workshop, noting that their attendance had 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 South West states; prioritisation of children and women and most vulnerable during emergencies; adherence to agreed standards operation procedures and quick and effective responses to emergencies.
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In his presentation, Mr Olayinka Afolabi, Emergency Specialist, UNICEF Abuja, blamed flooding and cholera outbreak in many South West states to poor sanitation and open defecation.
Giving the overview of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) risk analysis, Afolabi added that Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states remain highly prone to cholera outbreak due to poor sanitation.
According to the UNICEF specialist, citing NEMA’s countrywide risk analysis, as of July (week 30), there were 64 suspected cases reported, with no fatalities, resulting in a 0.0 percent case fatality rate.
He said the figure indicated that there was a 74 percent decrease in cases compared to week 29.
“Cumulatively, from week one to 30, 113 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 2.4 percent from 4,708 suspected cases.
“In total for 2025, 35 states have recorded at least one suspected case across 199 local government areas,” he said.
Afolabi, however, identified four planning processes for emergency preparedness, including risk analysis, scenarios, anticipated response, and preparedness.
He noted that emergencies were part of human existence but lack of preparedness and response continued to exacerbate the impact on communities and hinder recovery efforts.
While emphasising that focus must be on reducing disaster risk and improving preparedness, Afolabi urged governments at all levels to equip agencies that manage disasters and support emergency preparedness.
