Flooding: NEMA engages stakeholders in A’Ibom on mitigation

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) held a stakeholders’ engagement in Akwa Ibom. The purpose was to raise awareness. They aimed to prepare communities to mitigate flood disasters.

This is part of the strategies by NEMA. They aim to boost the readiness of the state. This is in preparation for this year’s flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, spoke on Wednesday in Uyo. She said that the move became necessary to save lives. It is also essential to protect livelihoods during the 2025 rainy season.

Mr Ugwu Chudi, Deputy Director, Department of Audit, NEMA Headquarters, represented Umar. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. This collaboration is crucial in carrying out early warnings.

The director general sympathised with the recent flood victims in Mokwa in Niger state.

“Disaster management across the world requires community participation. It gives due consideration to the diversity of persons. This approach ensures no one is left behind.

“We must work together to take the right early warning to specific groups to safeguard communities at risk.

“Protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in our various communities,” Umar said.

In her remarks, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, said that the State Government has been consistent in sensitisation campaigns. The routine desilting of gutters is done to prevent flooding.

Eyakenyi commended NEMA for the sensitisation campaigns, adding that the state government has chosen disaster prevention over casualty management.

“The most effective way of managing disaster is preventing its occurrence.

“We must be serious about everything discussed here and commit ourselves to diligent implementation,” Eyakenyi said.

The event brought together representatives from various federal agencies and representatives from the 31 local government areas and other stakeholders.