The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has continued to raise the bar on disaster preparedness and mitigation through continuous human capacity development of staff and stakeholders in Borno and Yobe states, respectively.
Abdullahi Garba Surajo, Northeast Zonal Coordinator of Borno and Yobe states, stated in an interview with BusinessDay in Maiduguri at the weekend that a total of 21 local government areas are expected to experience flooding in the two states.
According to him, Surajo said the concerted effort by NEMA is aimed at bolstering inter-agency collaboration and enhancing the capacity of grassroots-level human resources in emergency response.
He said the initiative aim to enhance synergy and collaboration among stakeholders with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective disaster managements.
Surajo hinted that the agency now activated the emergency operation center to ensure effective planning and preparation in case of flooding emergency.
He said, “As I mentioned, we carried out downscaling of the information in that downscaling almost all areas where representatives of the people were invited, traditional rulers, faith based organization, response agencies, and other critical stakeholders both at the state level and in the local government areas.
He added, “We shared advisories to them and ask them to get them translated into local languages and inform their own people. It’s going to be continuous, because sensitization and education does not end.
He said, “We have received information that I think about 21 LGAs would experience in two states; 11 in Yobe , and 10 in Borno state will be affected by floods we have local governments like Nguru Barde, Jakusko, Gusari, Gaidam, Gujba, and others, while in Borno we have Maiduguri Metropolitan, Jere, Damboa, Bama, Gwoza, Monguno, Konduga, Chibok, Dikwa, Shani and Mobbar.
Surajo reiterated that, “So we’re going to continue to monitor based on their predictions and also to advise areas to be on high alert. That is why the collaboration is very essential, and that is why the preparedness plan.”he said.
He stressed the importance of continuously enhancing the knowledge and skills of disaster managers to ensure sustainable and efficient disaster management in the region.
Surajo stated that “training of personnel is a critical component for effective and efficient disaster management” and affirmed NEMA’s commitment to exploring avenues for ongoing capacity development among its staff and stakeholders.
