FLOOD PREPAREDNESS CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF IN IKERE-EKITI AS NEMA, SEMA, RED CROSS, AND FIRE SERVICES JOIN FORCES

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has launched a flood sensitization campaign in Ikere-Ekiti under the National Preparedness and Response Strategy (NPRS). The campaign, which held at the palace of Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, brought together key emergency stakeholders including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Federal and State Fire Services.

The General Manager of SEMA, Mr. Oludare Asaolu, stated that the campaign aimed at raising awareness on flood preparedness and ensuring communities are equipped to handle emergencies, citing the recent tragic flooding in Mokwa and Niger State, which Governor Biodun Oyebanji is determined to prevent in Ekiti. The representative of NEMA, Mr. Evans Ugoh, explained that the campaign was a nationwide initiative spanning all 36 states, with Ikere strategically selected to serve as a model for local emergency response due to its vulnerability to flooding.

The event featured live demonstrations by the Red Cross and the Fire Services, showcasing vital techniques for disaster response, including emergency first aid, evacuation methods, and triage procedures during floods. The Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Laka Kemisola, urged residents to refrain from dumping refuse in drainage systems and flood-prone areas, advocating for the planting of trees to reduce erosion and regular gutter clearing to prevent blockages.

The monarch, Oba Adejimi Adu, commended both the Federal and State Governments for their proactive approach and urged the authorities to arrest individuals who dump waste in waterways. He also extended his condolences to victims of the Mokwa flooding incident and urged his people to take the campaign seriously and follow the safety guidelines shared to protect their lives and property.

The campaign highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and provided safety tips for residents during floods, including avoiding walking or driving through flooded areas, evacuating early when warned by authorities, and keeping emergency supplies ready. The agencies remain committed to equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed for survival and resilience in the face of increasing disaster risks due to climate change and human activity.