NEMA moves to strengthen disaster management at sub-national level

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday said engagement of stakeholders was part of moves to strengthening disaster coordination at subnational levels and improve risk reduction management.

The director general of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, stated this in Akure during a workshop on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) organised by the agency in collaboration with the World Bank group and Ondo State Government.

Umar, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Mr Bandele Onimode, said Ondo State was part of the seven states selected for the first phase of the programme.

“Ondo State is prone to flooding, particularly during the rainy season. Current predictions indicate potential flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall and water release from upstream dams.

“NEMA is actively working to mitigate these risks through early warning systems, issuing timely alerts to communities at risk and community engagement.

“Also, by collaborating with local governments and communities for evacuation drills and preparedness, infrastructure assessments, and working with stakeholders to identify and mitigate flood risks,” she said.

Umar said that the objectives of the project were multifaceted, including
establishing a robust EPR structures in every local government and building their capacities by developing a comprehensive database of volunteers.

The director-general, while advocating for the adoption and inauguration of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), commended the state government for establishing the local committees.

In his remarks, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, who is also the Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said the government focused on building resilience through proactive measures and inter-agency collaboration.

Adelami, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Kola Falohun, called for more inclusive collaboration from relevant agencies to reduce the impacts of natural disasters in communities.

The Zonal Director of NEMA in the South-West, Saheed Akiode, appreciated the efforts of the state government at educating the people on how to respond to natural disasters.

Akiode said the Federal Government could not do it alone, and would work hand in hand with the stakeholders in the states and local governments.

He said the local emergency management committees would drive the message because disaster happened mostly at the community and local level.

Speaking, Mr Francis Nkoka, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, World Bank,
appreciated the Ondo State Government for its commitment to build a safer future for the citizens.

Nkoka, who said Ondo State was prone to flooding amongst other disasters, expressed happiness that the state government was addressing these challenges and acknowledged its efforts at dredging rivers.

“Effective disasters management is not a responsibility of one agency or body, but a collective effort for a major preparedness, and together, we can lay a solid foundation for disaster management,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Idowu Ojo, said the government placed premium on emergency responses, urging participants to embrace the project for effective disaster management.

Also present at the event were the representatives of Ondo State House of Assembly, local emergency managers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and ministry of health among others.