The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has engaged critical stakeholders to enhance synergy, effective coordination, and response during emergencies.

Nura Abdullahi, coordinator, NEMA Kano territorial office, stated this at a one-day stakeholder coordination meeting on Tuesday in Kano.

He noted that the meeting offered a vital opportunity to share thoughts, especially given the increasing threats that various disasters pose to economic and social well-being.

Mr Abdullahi said bringing stakeholders together had reinforced a shared commitment to disaster risk reduction and preparedness in response.

“This meeting is essential for enhancing our collective ability to manage emergencies effectively.

“We continue to witness frequent and severe incidents, including floods, building collapses, and transportation accidents,” Mr Abdullahi said.

He emphasised the need for collaboration with stakeholders to reduce community vulnerability to various hazards, noting that failing to take swift and appropriate action could often escalate emergencies.

Mr Abdullahi reiterated NEMA’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate by engaging critical stakeholders in disaster response and mitigation strategies.

Also speaking, Isyaku Abdullahi-Kubarachi, the executive secretary, SEMA, described the meeting as timely, saying, “Preparation saves lives, livelihoods, money, and property.”

He noted that a high-powered committee, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam, was established to oversee the evacuation of drainages across the 44 local government areas to prevent flooding.

This, according to him, will minimise floods across the state in the upcoming rainy season.

The event was attended by representatives from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Nigerian Red Cross, Kano State Fire Service, Media, NiMet, Nigeria Army, NEMA, SEMA, and Kano State Ministry of Health, among others. 

(NAN)