Adewole: Road Accident, 2nd Highest Source of Violent Deaths after B’ Haram  

Furthermore, he said the ministry under his leadership had developed a comprehensive guideline for effective coordination of ambulance services among all first responders such as Federal Hospitals, SMOHs, NEMA, FRSC, FFS, NPF, NSCDC, NCC, Nigeria Armed Forces, Private and Voluntary organisations in the country. 

Expressing sincere gratitude to the Japanese Government, Adewole said the donation was an outcome of the note-verbal agreement signed by the federal government, represented by the National Planning Commission now Ministry of Budget & National Planning and the Japanese Government, represented by the Japanese Embassy on the 30th September 2014.

“Though the process started over four years ago, I am glad that it is being concluded in my time. I am aware that the 31 Ambulances that are being handed is the first phase, as an additional 12 ambulances will be handed over to us by 2018, as the second phase. We are highly appreciative of the Japanese Government for its benevolent gesture to the Federal Ministry of Health and indeed, the health sector in Nigeria.

“This move by the Japanese government has provided the opportunity to strengthen greater collaboration and partnership between our two countries. With this kind gesture, our bilateral tie is further deepened. 

This gesture will contribute immensely in supporting the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening the National Emergency Response Programme (NERP) of the Federal Ministry of Health.

“I understand that the Japanese Government will be providing not only the ambulances but also the training on the effective management of the ambulances. We are optimistic that the knowledge gained from the exercise will enhance the performance of the trained nurses and drivers for effective emergency service delivery,” he added. 

The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Sadanobu Kusaoke said the ambulances were the latest example of a series of Japanese Government’s aid projects in the health sector, which he said was a follow-up to the TICAD VI declaration last year.