By Salihu Ali and Hudu Yakubu, Abuja
The Administration of the Federal Capital Territory has embarked on a massive sensitization campaign to raise awareness among communities about the importance of disaster risk reduction. This effort comes as Nigeria prepares to join the global community in commemorating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13th.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FCT FEMA) has taken its advocacy campaigns to the Bwari Area Council, where they engaged with traditional rulers, youth and women groups, as well as the council’s leadership.
Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, the Director of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMA, emphasized the significance of disaster risk reduction in communities, highlighting the need to save lives and protect properties. She reminded community leaders that disasters have the most severe impact at the local level, causing loss of life and significant social and economic disruptions.
In her address, she stated, “Villages and hamlets suffer greatly when disasters occur, so there is a need to create awareness at the grassroots level for prompt disaster response.”
During the campaign, Mrs. Wenegieme identified common hazards such as floods, fire outbreaks, earth tremors, epidemics, and communal conflicts. She urged community members to refrain from building on waterways and under electric high voltage lines, as well as to avoid obstructing waterways.
Mrs. Wenegieme informed the audience that FEMA has established rescue teams, including fire services, local divers, and volunteer guards, to respond to emergencies. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the council area and traditional leaders, encouraging the creation of a local emergency committee to enhance synergy with FEMA in disaster mitigation.
The Director of Forecasting and Response Mitigation at FEMA assured the audience that the agency is prepared to respond to distress calls within three minutes through the toll-free line, 112.
In their response, the Chairman of the Bwari Area Council, Mr. John Gabaya, represented by the Secretary, Mr. Eli Peter, and Etsu Bwari Ibrahim Yaro JP, both committed to supporting the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in building disaster-responsive communities.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, which commenced in 1989, is celebrated annually on October 13th by the United Nations General Assembly. Its aim is to foster a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction. This year’s theme is “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future.”
