Lagos, NIS move to strengthen sports sector safety

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has initiated discussions with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) to bolster safety and disaster risk reduction within Nigeria's sports sector. A recent courtesy visit by a LASEMA team to the NIS office in Lagos explored potential collaborations on safety awareness, emergency response, and capacity building for sporting environments.

LASEMA's Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized the goal of establishing a partnership that integrates emergency preparedness into the core of sports administration. He highlighted the unique risks present in sporting venues, which often host large gatherings and high-intensity activities. "By working together, we can embed preparedness, early warning, and rapid response into sports administration nationwide," Oke-Osanyintolu stated.

Oke-Osanyintolu also acknowledged the NIS Director-General, Philip Shaibu's, prior experience in emergency management from his time at the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, suggesting his expertise would be valuable. Shaibu, in turn, addressed the sports sector's challenges, including a significant manpower deficit. He outlined reforms at NIS, such as reviving infrastructure, updating curricula, and introducing new programs, to reposition the institute as a center of excellence. Athlete and spectator safety remains a key priority for NIS, which is also expanding its partnerships with national and international sporting bodies.

“

The purpose of this visit is to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with NIS. Sporting environments host large gatherings and high-intensity activities, which create unique emergency risks. By working together, we can embed preparedness, early warning, and rapid response into sports administration nationwide.