By Mohammed Danlami
The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has called on Nigerians to take precautionary measures with a view to reducing the impact of both flooding and drought in their communities as this year’s raining season begins.
Director General of the Agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar disclosed the position in Yola on Wednesday while paying courtesy call on the Adamawa state Deputy Governor, professor Kaletapwa Farauta in Yola saying that people living at flood front areas should adhere to advices given by the government and experts for their safety.
Represented by the team leader of National Preparedness and Response Campaign,(NPRC) 2025 team on flood disaster, Abbani Imam Garki.Umar said that, mitigation strategies were resolved at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, aimed at reducing the impact of both flooding and drought across Nigeria.
She stressed the need for early warning systems, early action, continuous drainage desilting, and coordinated emergency responses, especially in high-risk areas like Numan, Demsa, and Yola South.
“We must ensure that these sensitisation campaigns reach the grassroots through ADSEMA and other local structures,” adding that, 2024’s challenges have been carefully reviewed to ensure a more effective 2025 response to mitigate reoccurrence.
Responding on behalf of the state government, the Deputy Governor,Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to intensifying public sensitisation on the dangers associated with flooding so as to protect lives and promote hygiene and safety across communities.
Farauta reiterated Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration dedication to disaster preparedness,stating that, the state government remains proactive in sensitising residents on flood-related risks and diseases.
“We are building the Adamawa of tomorrow and do not want a repeat of what happened last year.
“Our sanitation exercises are yielding results, especially in keeping our drainages desilted, and we are committed to doing more.”She said
She announced that, following early warning alerts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the state government has already set up a special committee with the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) playing a key role to engage and educate vulnerable communities listed in flood-prone areas.
She appeal to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to go beyond relief distribution by helping educate local farmers on the importance of using drought-resistant seedlings, urging the agency to make provisions for them just as they do for food and non-food relief materials.
“I sincerely appreciate your continued support and collaboration,” she said, thanking the delegation for their efforts.
Our Correspondent reported that the NPRC team was led by Abbani Imam Garki, being team Lead for Adamawa and Taraba States, accompanied by the Head of Operations, NEMA-Yola, Ladan Ayuba and the permanent secretary of Adamawa state Emergency Management Agency,ADSEMA.Dr. Celine Kwamoti Laori among others.
