In August 2019, Oyo State joined the lists of other states in Nigeria that have adopted the use of Emergency toll free line. The initiative was at the instance of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is aimed at implementing the Emergency Communication Centres in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1We found out from our findings that the line would link one with the offices of the Police, the FRSC, NSCDC, Fire and Ambulance services, NEMA and other agencies by dialling 615 from any mobile network.
When our correspondent dialled the number in order to ascertain it’s effectiveness, the Customer Care Representative stated that, the line is always available all year round for the good people of Oyo state. According to him, “whenever people are in danger situations such as robbery, natural disasters, fire accidents among others. They can call the line and their role is to contact any government agency that should address the challenge.”
However, it was gathered that not all the local government within the state is covered by the service in the state, for instance, the Oke-ogun region, has three (3) fire stations located in three (3) local government out of ten (10) local government area in the region. Unfortunately, some of the services rendered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) which covers the likes of flooding, building collapse, rainstorms happen periodically in this region.
Recently, there was a torrential rain which happened in the region, communities affected includes, Okeho, Iseyin, Itasa, Elekokan, Iganna, Idiko, Oke-Amu, Ilero, Isemi, Ayetoro and Ilua.
The rainstorm damaged family compunds schools, local government quarters and electric poles which has disrupted power supply to these communities. Up till now, nothing yet has been done concerning those affected areas asides from the promises of the Caretaker Chairmen who visited the site of the occurrence.
Although, the issue of fire accidents is not a reoccurring scenario in Oke-Ogun part of Oyo state, but yet, drastic steps most be taken concerning the fire stations in Kishi, Iseyin and Saki part of the region in order for them to be up and running.
It is equally important for the government to think about the distance that this fire service would cover to assuage any outbreak as the roads are not motorable and this would affect the effectiveness of their emergency services delivery whenever the need arises.
It would nice if the state government can create more fire stations, ambulance services amongst others spread across the region for adequate emergency services during any unforseen situations.
Recently, the Oyo State Government inaugurated Police Mobile Force 72 Squadron at Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government part of Oke-ogun, in order to provide adequate security for the people of the region. We therefore call on the state government to locate more outlets of the various categories of Emergency services being render to the good people of the state across the region.
The Customer Care Representative also enjoined the general public to make judicious use of this line as it is one of the dividends of democracy which was established for the people of Oyo state so that they can call the toll free number whenever the need arises. He urged residents of the state to desist from toying with the number, as some people, particular children, are fond of calling the emergency service number for fun.
We hope that the Government will rise up to the occasion by remembering to extend this novel service to all parts of the state and Oyo State will return to its Pacesetter status in the country.
