The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stressed that preparedness remains the strongest defence against floods, urging Nigerians to take early warnings seriously as heavy rains intensify across the country.
Speaking during a full-scale flood simulation exercise in Rivers State, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said that proactive planning could make the difference between life and death during disasters.
In a statement sent to Elanza late Tuesday by the Head,NEMA press units,Manzo Ezekiel, noted that flooding has become one of Nigeria’s most recurrent and devastating natural disasters, often destroying homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
“Preparedness saves lives.
“Our ability to anticipate, respond, and recover quickly depends on how well we train and work together before disaster strikes.”
The exercise, held in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area, was organised in partnership with the Rivers State Government. It brought together multiple stakeholders, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, first responders, and community volunteers.
Code-named Exercise Iji Gbaje-Ugbo, the drill was specifically targeted at flood-prone communities across four local government areas in Rivers State. Participants practised evacuation procedures, emergency coordination, and rapid response protocols.
Representing the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, revealed that the state is in the process of setting up a State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide a permanent structure for disaster response.
He urged traditional rulers, faith leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to act as grassroots messengers of flood alerts and awareness campaigns.
The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government, Mr Promise Jacob, thanked NEMA for bringing the sensitisation exercise to their doorsteps, assuring that residents would cooperate fully in implementing flood response measures.
