NEMA Solicits Support On Disaster Reduction

[TGD]

 AGAINST the backdrop of increasing man-made and natural disaster in the country, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is soliciting support from relevant ministries, departments and agencies to curb the menace.

Its Director General, Mohammad Sani-Sidi, also harp on the need for establishing a virile Emergency Management Agency at state and local government levels.

Sani-Sidi, who spoke, Saturday, in Abuja during a study and strategic visit by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), to the agency stressed the need for a sustained inter-agency cooperation and exchange of ideas between NEMA and its stakeholders including specialised institutions.

He said, "you are aware that our country is faced with wide ranging natural and human induced hazards, which require continuous support and collaboration on emergency preparedness, mitigation and response.

"It is the collaboration between ties of governments, institutions, individuals and all critical stakeholders that will safeguard lives, properties and vital infrastructure and ensure sustainable development of the country" he maintained.

The DG pointed out that disasters, as experienced in the recent past, could impede growth including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He called on the NIPSS to work to incorporate in its curriculum disaster risk reduction, so as to bridge the humanitarian development gaps.

Also, in an effort to provide permanent accommodation for victims who were displaced by the 2012 flooding in Borno State, NEMA has delivered building materials to the Borno State Government for the construction of 250 houses in the affected communities.

Sani Sidi, who delivered the items in Maiduguri, said the gesture was in response to request from the Borno State government and in line with the mandates of the agency to provide necessary assistance for distressed citizens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The DG, who was represented by NEMA's Director of Administration and Supplies, Dr. Zanna Muhammad, said, the agency had initially intervened with relief supplies to the affected communities immediately after the flood and has now provided supports to permanently rehabilitate the people.

A press release by the agency's spokes person, Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, also disclosed that the agency has provided relief materials for the affected victims of the recent insecurity challenge in Baga and Bama area of the State.

Sani-Sidi advised the State governments to immediately relocate communities in flood plains to safety ahead of the predicted 2013 floods, to avoid the experience of last year.

He assured that NEMA would support state governments in managing disasters in their areas.



The Guardian