News
LEGASI Call Stakeholders to Revitalize 112 Emergency Number in Plateau to Boost Emergency Response
Ladies Empowerment Goals And Support Initiative (LEGASI) has rallied important stakeholders to lead the revitalization of the 112 emergency numbers, aiming to enhance public awareness and streamline emergency response.
Since its inception in 2013, the 112 emergency number, backed by over 10 billion Naira in federal government investments, has remained underutilized. The primary culprit behind this underutilization is the general lack of public awareness.
Timothy Lawrence, the Program Manager of the LEGASI initiative, spoke fervently about the paramount importance of the 112 emergency number and why it has not gained widespread adoption.
“Revitalizing the 112 number is pivotal in establishing a robust response mechanism,” Lawrence asserted.
“This system has been operational since 2013, with the federal government investing over 10 billion Naira to establish it. It currently serves approximately 18 states, including Plateau State. The need for revitalization stems from the proliferation of emergency contact numbers from various agencies, which often perplexes Nigerians during crises.”
He continued, “Our objective is to establish a single, easily memorable number that resonates with people during emergencies. Unfortunately, the system has not been adequately promoted in Nigeria, resulting in its low usage.”
“We implore Nigerians to acquaint themselves with the 112 number, and we call on the government to ensure its full functionality and efficiency. We anticipate robust support from both federal and state governments to minimize daily casualties.”
Lawrence underscored the importance of garnering support from pertinent stakeholders, community members, and the media to effectively disseminate the message.
Discussing the concept of Early Warning Early Response (EWER), Lawrence elucidated, “EWER stands for Early Warning Early Response. It’s a concept within the humanitarian sector that has evolved into a conflict mitigation initiative. The idea empowers community members with the skills to identify triggers or early indicators of conflicts or attacks and promptly report them to security agencies to prevent such incidents.”
The Ladies Empowerment Goals And Support Initiative (LEGASI) is a women-led organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by women, particularly those affected by conflicts in various parts of the country. Presently, the initiative is more active in Plateau State and Kaduna State.
Nigerian FIFA referee John Tope Ojeleye will depart for Morocco later today after earning selection for the Confederation of African Football’s Futsal Pre-Tournament Course, marking another significant step in his rapidly growing international officiating career.
Ojeleye is one of only two Nigerian referees named among 30 officials from across Africa for the programme, with fellow Nigerian Bello Al Hassan Zuru also making the list.
The invitation continues an impressive rise for Ojeleye, who only received his first FIFA badge in 2025 after being elevated to the international list as a futsal referee. He was among three Nigerian match officials awarded FIFA status for the first time that year.
His progress did not stop with the badge.
Ojeleye subsequently received international assignments in the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, including officiating duties during Cape Verde’s encounter with Senegal in Praia, providing valuable experience outside Nigeria.
His performances and development earned him another place on Nigeria’s FIFA international referees list for 2026, keeping him among the country’s recognised futsal officials.
The Morocco invitation now provides another opportunity for Ojeleye to work alongside some of Africa’s leading futsal referees and CAF instructors in an environment designed to prepare officials for the demands of elite continental competition.
Ojeleye has also remained active in conventional football at home. He was recently appointed to officiate the Nigeria Premier Football League fixture between Niger Tornadoes and Kun Khalifat, highlighting his continued involvement in domestic football alongside his growing futsal career.
His contribution to grassroots football was equally recognised recently with a Special Recognition Award at the Holiday Gold Cup.
For Nigerian refereeing, Ojeleye’s latest continental opportunity represents another encouraging development at a time when producing officials capable of earning major CAF assignments remains an important objective.
And for Ojeleye personally, Morocco represents another rung on the ladder.
From earning the FIFA badge to handling continental assignments and now joining Africa’s selected futsal referees in Morocco, Ojeleye’s whistle is travelling farther — and Nigeria’s flag is going with him.
-
Health3 days agoPlateau: Medical Women Association of Nigeria Marks Older Persons Day with Free Outreach
-
News4 days ago
PLASU Opens Doors to Global Investors at 2nd Inaugural Lecture
-
News4 days ago
Nigeria At 66: Rotjimwa Yilyok Salutes President Tinubu, APC Leadership and Plateau Government
-
News4 days ago
Plateau Specialist Hospital Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Salutes Mutfwang’s Health Initiatives
