The head of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has urged State Emergency Management Agencies throughout the nation to enhance cooperation and coordination for improved disaster management at both the state and local levels.
A message posted by NEMA's official account on X on Thursday indicated that Umar issued the statement during the inauguration of the National SEMA Conference 2025, which took place at the Balmoral Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event was organized by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency in partnership with NEMA, and was attended by leaders of SEMAs from all 36 states of the country as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
In her speech, Mrs. Umar emphasized that disaster management should transition from reactive actions to forward-looking approaches.
Emergency management can no longer be about responding after the fact—it needs to be forward-looking, proactive, and inclusive," she stated. "Our residents should not only come across us when a crisis occurs; they should recognize our presence daily, working towards safer neighborhoods, promoting knowledge, and fostering readiness.
The NEMA DG characterized the conference as "a call to action" and encouraged all involved parties to focus on safeguarding lives, assets, and the development of strong, adaptable communities.
She praised LASEMA for its creativity in decentralizing response teams, utilizing technology, and engaging local communities, noting that "Lagos has demonstrated that with foresight and dedication, substantial advancements can be achieved in disaster management."
Umar also emphasized NEMA's dedication to enhancing early warning mechanisms, upgrading data collection and predictions, increasing community-level training, and advocating for openness and responsibility in every initiative.
On behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Hamzat emphasized the government's dedication to disaster readiness and handling. He praised NEMA and LASEMA for organizing the event and promised ongoing backing for joint efforts in reducing disaster risks.
In acknowledgment of her leadership and role in disaster risk reduction, Mrs. Zubaida Umar was honored as an Honorary Member of the Risk Managers Society of Nigeria, as announced by its President, Dr. Idris Abbas.
The opening day of the conference included talks from specialists such as Dr. Adeleke Olusegun Pitan, who presented on "From Risk to Readiness: Enhancing Disaster Preparedness at the Sub-National Level," Mr. Ade Ipaye, who addressed "Legal, Policy, and Revenue Reforms as Facilitators of Emergency Management," and Mr. Bamgbose Martin, who gave a presentation titled "Emergency Services: A Urgent Appeal."
Their speeches highlighted the significance of forward-thinking preparation, robust legal systems, and long-term financial support in successful disaster response.
The head of LASEMA, Dr Femi Oke-Osayintolu, stated that the conference aimed to create an organized forum for interested parties to discuss methods of enhancing readiness, reaction, recovery, and endurance throughout Nigeria.
NEMA conducted a strategic planning sessionworkshopIn June 2025, it will develop its operational framework for disaster preparedness, reduction, response, and recovery throughout Nigeria. The strategy emphasizes enhancing organizational capabilities, reinforcing collaborations, and facilitating a swift reaction to emergencies.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Posting Komentar