By Lukman Olabiyi
A new community safety initiative, First Response for All, has been launched in Lagos to equip residents with essential life-saving emergency response skills.
The campaign is a collaborative effort among the Nigerian Red Cross Society (Lagos chapter), Betway, the Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority, and the Ojuse Foundation.
Designed to bridge a critical gap in public safety awareness, the initiative aims to train everyday Lagosians including market traders, transport workers, and young athletes in basic life support, trauma care, fire safety, and first aid.
According to the organisers, the programme will be delivered by the Nigerian Red Cross Society, leveraging its internationally recognised expertise in emergency preparedness and humanitarian response.
Training sessions will be held in high-traffic community areas across Lagos, with instruction available in both English and local languages to ensure broad accessibility.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Anu Anibaba-Amusan, Co-founder and Trustee of the Ojuse Foundation, highlighted the urgent need for basic emergency knowledge at the grassroots level.
“Many lives are lost not because help is unavailable, but because bystanders don’t know what to do. This campaign aims to change that by bringing life-saving knowledge directly to our communities,” she said.
Corporate sponsor Betway expressed pride in supporting a project with direct social impact. “This is a rare opportunity to back an initiative with real, measurable outcomes. We are proud to help give everyday Nigerians the skills and confidence to act in critical moments,” the company stated.
The Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority also reaffirmed its commitment to social investment through its involvement in the project.
“We believe in supporting initiatives that uplift and protect our people. Partnering with Ojuse Foundation’s safety mission aligns perfectly with our core values,” the agency noted.
For the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the campaign is part of a broader mission to strengthen community resilience.
“This is more than a campaign it’s a movement. When individuals are equipped with the right skills, they save lives, reduce suffering, and create stronger, more prepared communities,” the organisation stated.
