The National Emergency Management Agency has flagged off its 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign in Bauchi State, a move aimed at minimizing the impact of anticipated floods in the high-risk region.
According to The PUNCH, the Deputy Director of General Services at NEMA, Mr. Bitrus Samuel, said the campaign was initiated in response to early flood predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
“We are here because Bauchi is among the states projected to experience severe flooding this year,” Samuel stated. “Our goal is to translate NiMet’s forecast into actionable steps and sensitize people at the grassroots level.”
According to him, NEMA is taking a proactive approach by engaging communities directly and equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary for disaster prevention and response.
“Disasters begin at the community level, so it’s vital that residents understand what actions to take before the flood hits. That way, they can reduce the risks and respond more effectively,” he added.
The campaign brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Army, Police, Fire Service, and Civil Defence Corps.
As part of the initiative, NEMA also visited Muda Lawal Market, a location previously affected by floods and fire. At the market, NEMA official Mr. Simon Katu addressed traders and leaders, urging them to take collective responsibility for disaster preparedness.
“We’re not just here to inform you, but to build a culture of volunteerism and self-help,” Katu said. “Government support is crucial, but the first line of defense starts with community action.”
In her remarks, Bauchi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Wanka, affirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with relevant bodies.
“Governor Bala Mohammed has directed full mobilization of resources to ensure that disaster-prone communities are well prepared,” Wanka noted. “This campaign is a crucial step toward building resilient communities that can withstand future emergencies.”
She emphasized the importance of partnerships in disaster mitigation and expressed optimism that such efforts would lead to improved response and recovery outcomes across the state.
