The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, advised residents to stop linking mysterious deaths to “ember months”, saying accidents occur due to non- adherence to safety tips.
The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Mr Adeshina Tiamiyu, gave the advice during a road show and awareness campaign on the state’s emergency toll free lines 767 and 112.
Tiamiyu said that there was no difference in the months of the year, rather people should be safety conscious and do the right things.
“There is nothing mysterious about death during ember time.
“What we are telling Nigerians is to follow the rules, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, do not drink and drive.
“There is no difference between January and December, it is just the mad rush for people to do things quickly and get better returns.
“You cannot say people do not die in other months too apart from the ember months,” he said.
Tiamiyu expressed worries over the rate at which people jump into the Lagoon to commit suicide and advised Lagosians and Nigerians in general to be courageous and seek help whenever they are depressed.
“I want to advise Nigerians; the economy may be a bit harsh, but people are still making it.
“Within this same bad economic climate, companies are rising up, things are getting better.
“Talk to people, seek for help, there is nothing to be ashamed of.
“It is nothing good for anybody to take his life, no matter the condition you are going through; please talk to people, do not allow depression to force you into committing suicide,” he said.
According to the general manager, the road show is an annual programme to enlighten the public about the use of the emergency short code numbers – 112 and 767.
“The significance of the programme is to go round Lagos and tell them again that the numbers we have been advertising for years truly work and the benefits in knowing these numbers are enormous.
He urged residents not to take risks and resort to self-help, saying emergency work in the state was free from the point of call to the point responders render help.
“There is nothing disturbing anybody from calling, even when you do not have money on your phone; it is as free as that, and that is the message we are taking to Lagosians today.
“We know a lot of people, when they are in trouble, they lose sense and do not even remember numbers.
“However, at least there is this number that is so short, just three digits, that people can easily call and we will solve their problem,” Tiamiyu said.
He, however, said that the toll free lines were for serious emergency calls.
Tiamiyu said that about 90,000 calls are received on a daily basis, of which some are hoax calls.
“Do not test the numbers; we have assured you that it works, and if you do not have any emergency, do not call the number.
“If you send us on a wild goose chase, when those who actually need our help call, you would have taken us away from when help should get to them on time.
“Emergency call is a serious call; when it comes to that call centre, be prepared that people will come and help you,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was taken to Ojota, Ikorodu, Lagos-Island and Ojuelegba areas of the state.
The fire service, emergency responders, ambulance team, task force, the Red Cross, the National Emergency Management Agency, among other stakeholders, were part of the road show.
Recall that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also cautioned people recently to stop linking the Ember months to evil.
The FRSC advised road users to always adhere to the road rules and regulations for safety. (NAN)