Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano has expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to address flood-related issues across the state.

The governor made the pledge when NEMA director-general, Zubaida Umar, led a Proactive Disaster Preparedness Simulation exercise in Kano on Saturday.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, promised that the state will do whatever it takes to collaborate and support NEMA towards proactive disaster management.

He underscored Kano State’s commitment to disaster preparedness and the importance of partnership with federal agencies like NEMA in safeguarding the lives and well-being of its citizens.

Describing the initiative as timely and crucial, the governor emphasised the importance of prevention over cure.

“This exercise comes at the right time because prevention is always better than cure, and what we are doing now is preventive measures,” he assured.

Mr Yusuf lauded NEMA for learning from past experiences and taking bold, proactive steps to protect lives and property.

“We have every reason to believe that the agency has done well to start thinking ahead, taking measures that will substantially reduce the level of destruction in the event of any disaster,” he said.

He hoped that the state and the country at large would be spared from disasters like the floods experienced in previous years.

NEMA DG, Ms Umar, earlier stated that the visit marked the commencement of a large-scale simulation exercise designed to enhance preparedness and coordination in the event of potential disasters.

She highlighted Kano State’s pivotal role as the central hub for the simulation, which also covers neighbouring states such as Yobe and Jigawa.

“We decided to choose Kano State as our centre to conduct the simulation because of the agency’s commitment to a nationwide approach.

“A couple of days ago, we were also in Anambra State, where we did the same thing. So we’re going across all the zones to be able to achieve this,” she noted.

Ms Umar reaffirmed the agency’s desire to shift its strategy from reactive to proactive disaster management.

“The purpose of our simulation is to bring everybody up to speed in terms of preparedness. We have now moved from being reactive to being proactive,” she said.

Ms Umar called for active participation from all concerned agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a disaster-free Nigeria.

(NAN)