The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in partnership with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), recently engaged key stakeholders to strengthen coordination and improve emergency response efforts.
Dr. Nura Abdullahi, Coordinator of NEMA’s Kano Territorial Office, shared this during a one-day Stakeholders’ Coordination Meeting held on Tuesday in Kano.
He highlighted that the meeting provided a crucial platform for exchanging ideas, especially given the escalating threats disasters pose to economic and social stability.
“Bringing stakeholders together has reinforced our commitment to disaster risk reduction and preparedness,” Abdullahi stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “This meeting is essential for enhancing our collective ability to manage emergencies effectively. We continue to witness frequent and severe incidents, including floods, building collapses, and transportation accidents.”
Abdullahi further underscored the necessity of cooperation with stakeholders to reduce community vulnerability to various hazards, warning that delayed or inadequate actions could often worsen emergency situations.
He reaffirmed NEMA’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate by engaging critical stakeholders in disaster response and mitigation efforts.
Alhaji Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, Executive Secretary of SEMA, also spoke at the event, describing the meeting as timely.
“Preparedness saves lives, livelihoods, money, and property,” he stated. “It is a fact that we cannot stop disasters, especially natural ones, but through careful planning and preparedness, we can significantly reduce their impact on our communities and even avert man-made disasters.”
He noted the formation of a high-powered committee, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam, tasked with clearing drainages across all 44 local government areas to prevent flooding in the upcoming rainy season.
Mr. Abdulhadi Tukur, Head of Research and Rescue at NEMA’s Kano office, presented a paper titled “Overview of Coordination in Disaster Waste Management,” providing insights into effective waste management during disasters.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was attended by representatives from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Nigerian Red Cross, Kano State Fire Service, Media, NiMet, Nigeria Army, NEMA, SEMA, and Kano State Ministry of Health, among others.