Non-governmental organisations in Abuja have trained first responders and desk officers on emergency response and basic life-saving techniques aimed at reducing preventable deaths during emergencies.
The training programme, organised by Smile Network International, the HAVIDS Centre for Environment and Development, and the Fountain Heritage Network for Social Development, brought together participants from different institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps.
The initiative focused on strengthening community-level emergency response by equipping participants with practical first aid knowledge and skills needed to provide immediate assistance before medical professionals arrive.
Speaking during the training, retired Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said many lives could be saved if more Nigerians were equipped with basic emergency response knowledge.
According to him, delays in emergency support often contribute to avoidable deaths, especially in situations where bystanders are unable to provide immediate help.
“The first few minutes during an emergency can determine whether a person survives or not. Many people lose their lives simply because there was nobody around who knew what to do,” he said.
He explained that the programme was designed to build a network of trained community responders capable of taking quick and safe action during accidents, health emergencies, and crisis situations.
Participants received training on basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emergency communication, and safe emergency response practices.
The organisers noted that improving emergency response at the community level is especially important in areas where access to healthcare services and emergency support may be limited or delayed.
They also stressed the importance of training young people, educators, desk officers, and community members who are often among the first people present during emergencies.
Some participants described the training as practical and eye-opening, saying it improved their confidence in responding to emergency situations.
One participant said the programme helped her understand how small actions taken quickly could save lives before professional help arrives.
The organisers called for stronger partnerships between government agencies, schools, healthcare institutions, and civil society groups to expand emergency preparedness and improve public awareness around life-saving response skills across Nigeria.
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