By Ehinome Agbon and Osehise Agbon, Kaduna, Nigeria, 31 May 2025.
The Michael and David Memorial Emergency Preparedness (M&DAMEP) Initiative has held a public sensitization workshop on emergency response at the Catholic Social Centre, Kaduna. The event, which is part of the #Ongoing emergency preparedness program, is dedicated to promoting public awareness and empowering communities with vital skills for emergency response before professional assistance arrives.
The initiative was founded in memory of Bidemi Michael Alao and Dare David Alao, two young Nigerians whose tragic and preventable deaths highlighted the urgent need for emergency response education in the country. David was fatally shot during a failed armed robbery and died due to the absence of timely medical intervention, while Michael suffered a fatal heart attack at a recreational facility, where a lack of proper first aid knowledge among bystanders contributed to his death.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of M&DAMEP, Mr. Alao Adedotun, emphasized the organization’s mission to bridge the critical gap in emergency response in Nigeria. “Too many lives have been lost because people simply didn’t know what to do in an emergency. Our goal is to empower ordinary citizens with the knowledge and confidence to save lives during the crucial moments before professional help arrives,” he said.
The workshop featured practical demonstrations on CPR, basic life support, and techniques for responding to gunshot wounds, accidents, and other medical emergencies. Participants included students, teachers, community leaders, and members of the public, all eager to acquire lifesaving skills.
The initiative has outlined an ambitious plan to provide regular training workshops, community outreach programs, and corporate partnerships aimed at promoting a culture of emergency preparedness across Nigeria. These programs will target schools, businesses, and community groups, ensuring that a broad spectrum of the society is equipped with essential first aid and emergency response knowledge.
The Michael & David Memorial Emergency Preparedness Initiative also advocates for the integration of emergency response education into school curricula and workplace safety protocols. By fostering a network of trained individuals capable of responding swiftly to emergencies, the organization hopes to reduce the impact of tragedies on families and communities.
The workshop was attended by key stakeholders in Kaduna’s public health and emergency services sectors, including representatives of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and community leaders.
For more information and to support the initiative, visit the M&DAMEP platform via their official social media handles or contact their office in Kaduna.
Background:
The M&DAMEP initiative was founded following the untimely deaths of the Alao brothers, whose cases underscore the critical gaps in emergency preparedness in Nigeria. According to their family, David was shot twice during a robbery incident and died after an hour of waiting for emergency care, while Michael’s death from a heart attack at a club could have been prevented with appropriate first aid.
The NGO is working to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated by training individuals in CPR, basic life support, and other emergency response techniques. The goal is to create a safer and more resilient Nigerian society, where everyone is prepared to act in the face of emergencies.
Watch on Procyon TV here https://www.youtube.com/live/2qytdg05NaM?si=ohlPNTC-bhwmO8ps
