….. Abbas, Okonokhua, Sani, calls for synergy at HERF Summit
Stakeholders in accident, disaster, and Emergency Management have stressed the need for stronger collaboration and synergy among Emergency Response Agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) to enhance quick and coordinated responses to all emergencies.
The multi -sector stakeholders spoke during the 2026 Summit, with the theme: “Strengthening Multi-Agency Collaboration for Effective Emergency Response and Road Safety in the FCT”, organised by the Hospital Emergency Response Foundation (HERF) in Utako, Abuja.
The summit brought together key players in disaster management, risk mitigation, and Emergency Response Agencies to brainstorm on strategies for an effective emergency response system in order to save lives.
Speaking at the occasion, President, Risk Managers Society of Nigeria who was the pioneer Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency, Dr Abbas Idris Garba, said only an effective and strong collaboration among Emergency Response Agencies in Nigeria can reduce the deaths associated with road crashes and other emergencies.
He stated that there is a need for all Emergency Response Agencies to be prepared to respond promptly in accident situations to minimise casualties and save valuable lives.
According to the pioneer Director General of FCT Emergency Management Agency, this year’s Summit is aimed at building synergy and developing strategy among Emergency Response Agencies with the hope that roles and responsibilities are clearly articulated.
Garba commended HERF for organising the event, which he said is crucial for all Emergency respondents in the FCT.
Also speakig, the Programme Manager, FCT Medical Service and Ambulance System, Dr Ozy Okonokhua, said Strengthing synergy with all emergency respondents in the FCT would reduce the time it takes before victims arrive at the hospital.
According to him, the summit is expected to identify the gaps, abilities of each other and come up with a resolution that each agency would be committed to to avoid the suffering on the part of victims.
”We must be committed to what we do. All experts in the various organisations must bring their knowledge and experiences together to manage accidents and ensure that victims survive,” he emphasized.
Okonokhua noted that the summit is important because it is aimed at removing gaps that hinder effective management of emergencies in the Territory.
In his remarks, Chairman of the HERF governing board, Rev. Fr. Sabastine Sani, said the organisation was formed basically to bridge the gap in emergency response situations, foster collaboration and professionalism to ensure that no life is lost because help did not arrive.
He said no agency can work in silo to deliver emergency services; hence the need for building synergy to reduce casualties and prevent deaths.
Fr. Sani urged participants at the summit to adopt a practical approach that will ensure that lives are saved in any emergency in the FCT.
Participants at the summit included representatives from NEMA, FEMA, FRSC, Nigeria Police, Fire Service, NSCDC, Red Cross Society, and health practitioners, among others.
