A new campaign, “Safe Streets”, has been launched in Lagos by QHSES leadership alumni to teach residents emergency response skills. The campaign is in response to the high rate of road accidents, which the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates lead to 1.35 million deaths per year.

Nigeria, a low- and middle-income country, experiences 93% of these deaths, with pedestrians and motorcyclists at particular risk. Road accidents remain the leading cause of death among people aged 5 to 29.

Mebawondu Taiwo Samson, project coordinator, said: “Our aim is to equip individuals with the skills they need to respond effectively in critical situations. » He stressed that first aid can stabilize a person’s condition and improve their chances of survival before professional help arrives.

The event attracted many residents and passersby who learned skills such as CPR and using fire extinguishers. Volunteers conducted practical demonstrations, showing how simple actions can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Samson said, “It was heartwarming to see so many people eager to learn,” highlighting the community’s interest in life-saving knowledge.

The Lagos Fire Brigade and the Nigeria Police supported the event to provide security, while sponsors such as CWay and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency contributed resources. Habeeb Salaudeen, Governor of SustainablePEOPLE, commented: “We believe we have made a significant impact on our community,” recognizing how the partnership has promoted a culture of safety in Lagos.

QHSES leadership alumni plan to make “Safe Streets” an annual event, expanding it to more communities. “We want to continue to raise awareness about safety and emergency preparedness,” Samson said. The campaign aims to build a safety-conscious culture across Nigeria, equipping residents with the skills to respond to emergency situations.