UNESCO and the government of Japan, on Monday, trained 50 teachers, youths and volunteers in Niger communities on flood mitigation.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Minna, the federal permanent secretary, Ecological Project Office (EPO), Aishetu Gogo-Ndayako, said Niger remained one of the most affected by recurrent flooding.

The training was themed: “Strengthening Flood Resilience in Nigeria to Foster Long-Term Societal Stability – Focus on Niger State.”

She said that the state was most affected due to its unique geographical characteristics and extensive river network.

She said the recent flood in Mokwa and its surrounding communities further underscored the urgent need to strengthen preparedness, improve early warning system, promote community awareness and build long term resilience.

The chairman of UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, David Jimoh, said there were gaps between the availability of early warning information and timely community action.

“These underscore the need for a more proactive and climate-informed approach to flood risk management,’’ he said.

He called on government and stakeholders to place more emphasis on flood prevention, preparedness and resilience, rather than responding only after disasters have occurred.

Mr Jimoh said the initiative was part of a 12-month project, developed in response to the increasing threat of flooding and climate change.

The officer in charge of UNESCO, Abuja Office, Damitri Sanga, said the workshop seeks to address gaps between early flood warnings and timely action, particularly in Mokwa Local Government Area.

Ms Sanga said that Mokwa was where devastating floods in 2025 claimed no fewer than 500 lives, destroyed farmlands and public infrastructure and displaced thousands of residents.

She said the training would promote proactive and climate-resilient approaches to flood management rather than relying solely on emergency responses.

According to her, the trainees will serve as community focal points for basic rainfall and river monitoring, early warning dissemination and emergency preparedness.

“The project also aims to reach up to 500 community members with information on flood risks and safe response measures, with particular attention to the participation of women and young people.

“The initiative will also strengthen collaboration among government agencies, hydrological institutions and other stakeholders, while training up to 30 water experts in Climate Risk-Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA),” she added.

 (NAN)