The Lagos State emergency response team has been commended for saving the life of a critically ill seven-month-old baby girl following a swift response to a distress call from Badagry.
The baby’s father, Muhammad Armayau, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for establishing an efficient emergency response system that came to his family’s aid at a critical moment.
Speaking with Newsmem, Armayau recounted that his daughter suddenly became seriously ill in the middle of the night. With no available means of transportation and heavy rainfall making movement difficult, he dialed the Lagos State emergency number, 112, for assistance.
According to him, the emergency call operator immediately requested his address and a nearby landmark after hearing the baby’s cries over the phone. About 20 minutes later, the Lagos Emergency Response Call Centre contacted him again to confirm that an ambulance had been dispatched. Since it was still dark, the operator also guided the ambulance crew on the best route to locate the family’s residence.
Less than an hour after the initial call, the ambulance team arrived at the closest accessible point, as the poor condition of the Ibiye–Checkpoint–Magbon Road, worsened by heavy rainfall, prevented the vehicle from reaching the house.
After assessing the baby’s condition, the emergency medical personnel recommended immediate transfer to the General Hospital, Badagry, explaining that the family’s nearest Primary Health Centre in Ilepo does not operate on a 24-hour basis.
Armayau described the response as exceptional, noting that the ambulance travelled approximately 24 kilometres from General Hospital, Badagry, to attend to the emergency.
He said his daughter received prompt medical attention upon arrival at the hospital. He added that while the treatment cost about ₦14,000, the bill would have been reduced to ₦1,400 if his Lagos State Health Insurance coverage had still been active.
While expressing appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State emergency responders, and healthcare workers for their dedication to saving lives, Armayau appealed to the government to upgrade the Ilepo Primary Health Centre into a 24-hour facility and improve electricity supply in the community to enhance access to healthcare services.
