The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has emphasised the need for synergy and proactiveness among disaster managers to enhance preparedness, mitigation, and response.

Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, head of operations at the NEMA South-West zonal office in Ibadan, gave the charge during a stakeholders’ engagement on disaster preparedness and response on Tuesday.

He said the engagement became necessary following the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) ‘s predictions of possible heavy rainfall in parts of the state, as well as recent accidents and fire incidents recorded by the agency.

According to him, the meeting was aimed at rubbing minds with critical stakeholders in disaster management to assess and improve their level of preparedness.

“It also provided a platform to discuss equipment holdings of key agencies, mitigative measures, and practicable solutions to prevalent emergency situations within Oyo State and its environs, “he said.

Mr Olanrewaju appreciated the participants for their turnout, commended them for their robust contributions, and urged them to develop actionable plans for disaster management at their respective levels.

“Disaster management is everybody’s business, and all hands must be on deck to mitigate identified emergency situations in the state through sensitisation and awareness creation,” he said.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Umar Zubaida, represented by the South-West zonal director, Mr Akiode Saheed, emphasised the need for collective effort, information sharing, and early-warning actions by stakeholders for an effective response.

He also highlighted the importance of periodic reviews and data sharing for proper coordination.

Participants at the event commended NEMA for the initiative, brought their expertise to bear, and described the programme as timely, saying it would spur stakeholders into action.

In attendance were representatives of the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Oyo State Fire Service.

Others included the Federal Fire Service (FFS), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the State Ministry of Health, the State Ministry of Environment, and media organisations.

(NAN)