Prioritising Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction: FEMA’s Call in Nigeria’s Capital
The Federal Capital Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the purview of the FCT Administration, has underscored the imperative for an all-inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction, response, and management in the capital territory.
During a sensitization campaign commemorating the 2023 Internal Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) in Gwagwalada on Thursday, October 5, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, Director of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMA, articulated this pivotal message.
Wenegieme elucidated that this holistic approach to disaster management aligns seamlessly with the IDDRR theme: “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future for All”.
While previous emphasis centred on governance, early warning systems, and economic assessments, this year’s campaign shifts its focus squarely onto humanity. The paramount aim is to ensure that no individual is left behind in the face of emergencies. This particularly applies to vulnerable demographics such as children, expectant mothers, the visually impaired, the elderly, and residents in disaster-prone locales.
In the dire moments of crises, individuals often find themselves fending for their own survival, leaving the vulnerable to navigate peril alone. This status quo must be transformed. Let us embrace the ethos of being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers by extending a helping hand to the vulnerable during emergencies, guiding them to safety, and safeguarding their belongings where possible.
Hence, this year’s campaign places a spotlight on us, as human beings, arming us with the knowledge of how to navigate our surroundings and preempt hazards before they escalate into disasters. The outreach aims to engage traditional and religious leaders, women’s and youth groups, local safeguarding teams, divers, disaster marshals, as well as children and individuals with disabilities. Subsequently, it is anticipated that participants will disseminate this knowledge to their respective communities, fostering a collective understanding.
Over the course of a week, the sensitization drive will span the six Area Councils of the FCT, empowering residents to recognize prevalent hazards within their environments and grasp preventive or mitigative measures.
Commencing on October 4 with Abaji Area Council, today we are in Gwagwalada Council, and tomorrow we will address another area council until comprehensive coverage is achieved. Notably, in the previous year, the country witnessed approximately 600 lives lost to disasters. Encouragingly, due to sustained awareness campaigns on disaster risk reduction, the FCT recorded zero casualties.
Among the catalogued disasters are floods, fire outbreaks, building collapses, epidemic flare-ups, and other forms of human-induced crises.
In response, Mr. Abubakar Giri, Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, pledged to collaborate closely with FEMA to curtail disaster risks in the area. Giri, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Mohammed Kassimu, affirmed that the council would spearhead extensive awareness initiatives, educating residents on disaster avoidance strategies.
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