From ABDULL-AZEEZ AHMED KADIR, Kaduna
In order to swiftly tackle disasters like the unprecedented flood that occurred this year in most states of the country and timely response of government agencies, Non Governmental, Faith and Community Base Organisations (NGOs), (CBOs), (FBOs) in the aftermath, the national Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has organised a one day interactive workshop with the theme; “The role of NGOs, CBOs, FBOs in disaster management”
At the event held at Arewa house, Kaduna, NEMA said the response to the last flood disaster showed that to be able to prepare to properly manage and respond to a disaster of such magnitude again, there is the need for more assistance and partnerships in various forms from both public and privates sectors.
Declaring the workshop open, the North West Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Musa Illalah said the successes in the protection of lives, property and the environment lies in the involvement of all organised sectors, resources, expertise and agencies as well as interest groups such as the above who often play important roles in disaster management.
Represented by the Zonal Head of Administration; Hajiya Amina Ahman, Illalah said CBOs have played and would continue to play important roles in disaster mitigation. “They are quick in response and have local knowledge and expertise to their advantage and act as channels of awareness campaign and education” he stressed.
The agency said also observed that many Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community Based Organizations (CBO’s), Faith Based Organization (FBO’s) turned up to give assistance in the rescue and relief efforts during and after the floods.
It said issues that hampered many of these agencies from contributing effectively is lack of proper information, identity and guidance to enable them get distinct roles and proper coordination in the management efforts, hence the workshop.
The workshop is intended to bring together various groups and Agencies including NEMA, SEMA, NGOs, FBOs, CBO’s in the zone to come together to share experiences and abilities and to be able to proffer ways for all these groups and agencies so as to work together in the area of disaster management and disaster response and relief.
The workshop was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Police, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) among others.
Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency which was stipulated to give a goodwill message was conspicuously absent. There were various papers presented on varies topics.
