The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has officially flagged off its 2025 Disaster Preparedness Campaign in Ebonyi State, aimed at strengthening grassroots response capacity and minimizing the impact of natural and human-induced disasters.
The campaign, which was launched in Abakaliki, the state capital, brought together stakeholders from local government authorities, traditional institutions, community-based organisations, and first responders. It focused on raising awareness, enhancing early warning systems, and training residents on best practices for emergency response, particularly ahead of the annual rainy season which is often associated with flooding and other climate-related risks.
Speaking at the event, NEMA’s Director-General, Zubaida Umar, represented by the South-East Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, emphasized the agency’s commitment to proactive disaster management through public enlightenment and community engagement. She noted that the 2025 campaign is anchored on the theme: “Preparedness Saves Lives”, reflecting the urgent need for preventive action rather than reactive measures.
Mrs. Echeazu highlighted Ebonyi State’s vulnerability to seasonal flooding and erosion, pointing out that many communities lie within high-risk zones. She urged residents to adhere strictly to environmental safety guidelines, including proper waste disposal, avoidance of flood-prone areas, and timely evacuation in the face of warnings.
The campaign also featured simulation exercises, distribution of safety materials, and interactive sessions with local leaders to foster better coordination during emergencies.
Officials from the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (EBSEMA), representatives of the Nigerian Red Cross, and other partners expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly boost the state’s disaster readiness and reduce casualties in the event of an emergency.
NEMA’s preparedness campaign is being rolled out nationwide, as the agency intensifies efforts to build a resilient Nigeria in the face of increasing climate variability and urban development challenges.
