Kwara moves to launch centralised emergency toll line

The Kwara State Government says it is at an advanced stage of launching a centralised emergency toll line to improve rapid response to emergencies across the state.

 

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Abeeb Oredunni.

 

Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, made this known while receiving officials of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), North Central Zone, led by its Zonal Coordinator, Priscilla Gondoalour, during a courtesy visit to her office.

 

Olukoju said the proposed toll line would integrate key first responder agencies to ensure prompt and coordinated emergency interventions.

 

“The toll line will integrate key first responder agencies, including the State Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Police, State Ambulance Services, and the State Emergency Management Agency,” she said.

 

She added that the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen public awareness and improve communication between the government and residents.

 

Olukoju also emphasised the need for effective communication strategies that go beyond information dissemination to ensure public understanding and acceptance of government programmes.

 

“We have continued to adopt inclusive communication strategies, including the use of indigenous languages, to ensure that government messages resonate with citizens, particularly at the grassroots,” she said.

 

The commissioner expressed support for a proposed joint committee with the NOA to sensitise residents on the roles of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and how to access their services.

 

She noted that the ministry is also advancing initiatives aimed at social re-engineering, especially among young people, to promote positive values and responsible citizenship.

 

Earlier, Gondoalour said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the ministry and enhancing public sensitisation across the state.

 

She disclosed that the NOA is proposing a joint working committee to create awareness about the activities, locations, and benefits of Federal MDAs in Kwara.

 

According to her, the initiative is designed to promote transparency, build public trust, and encourage citizens’ participation in governance.

 

Emergency toll lines are widely used across Nigeria to provide residents with quick access to security and rescue services during crises such as accidents, fires, medical emergencies, and security threats, although coordination among agencies has often remained a challenge.