Ogun Empowers Health Workers, Emergency Drivers With Life-Saving Skills Through 3-Day CFAR Training

By Adesakin Adefemi

The Ogun State Ministry of Health, through its Emergency Medical Services & Ambulance System (OGSEMSAS) department, in collaboration with National Emergency Medical Services & Ambulance System (NEMSAS), has successfully concluded a three-day comprehensive Community First Aid Response (CFAR) training programme aimed at bolstering emergency care services in rural areas.

The training programme, held from December 4 to 6, 2025, at the Micron Suites, Abeokuta, Ogun State, brought together participants from across the state.

The programme encompassed critical topics such as basic First Aid, Wound Management, Obstetrics Emergency, CPR, AED, Choking, Emergency Patients Care, Sudden Illness and Medical Emergency

Participants were trained on assessing emergency situations, providing basic life support, and stabilizing patients prior to referral to higher healthcare facilitielife

he training also emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in emergency response situations.

Dr. Hassan Adelakun, Director of OGSEMSAS, emphasized that the training was designed to address the existing gap in emergency care services in rural areas. “The programme was a crucial step towards improving healthcare outcomes in the state,” he said.

The training programme was well-received by participants, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. Many participants noted that the training would enable them to provide better services to their communities.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker, the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde commended the OGSEMSAS team for their efforts in enhancing the capacity of health workers and emergency drivers.

He stressed the need for continuous training and capacity building to improve emergency care services in the state.

Dr. Oladehinde also expressed gratitude to the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his tireless efforts to improve the health sector in the state, particularly in rural areas. “His Excellency’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that the people of Ogun State, especially those in rural areas, have access to quality healthcare services,” he said.

Mr. Dickson Herkins Nwachukwu, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of NEMSAS and National Supervisor of OGSEMSAS, highlighted the importance of the training, stated that saving lives is a critical task that requires dedication and expertise.

He encouraged participants to apply their newfound knowledge to provide optimal services to their communities.

The Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) Programme, a World Bank-funded initiative, is being implemented by the Ogun State Government through Ogun State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with NEMSAS and other stakeholders, with the objective of improving emergency care services in rural areas of Ogun State.

The CFAR training is a key component of the programme’s efforts to empower communities with life-saving skills and enhance health outcomes in rural areas.