The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday advanced its 2025 flood preparation and response strategy with the completion of a large -scale flood simulation exercise in the rivers.
The exercise that was carried out with the support of the Government of the State of Rivers in MBIAMA, the area of the local government of Ahoada West, aimed to sensitize communities at risk of flooding and strengthen the coordinated response mechanisms in the state.
In her speech, the general director of Nema, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the exercise was a proactive step to safeguard lives, livelihoods and national assets.
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She said: “Floods remain one of Nigeria’s most recurring and devastating natural disasters. Beyond the loss of lives and properties, it interrupts the production of oil and undermines the economy.
“The essence of this simulation exercise is not only to prove our plans and protocols, but also identify gaps and strengthen our collaboration of multiple agencies to build resistant communities.”
Mrs. Umar, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Prognosis, Dr. Onimode Bandele, emphasized that preparation is the strongest defense against disasters.
“Today, we are simulating a crisis scenario to ensure that when it becomes a reality, we are better positioned to save lives. Preparation saves lives.
“Our ability to anticipate, respond and recover quickly depends on how well we train and work together before a disaster occurs,” he added.
In his comments, River’s state administrator, ViceMiral Ibok-Ete you were appreciated the Nema Association by organizing the exercise.
Represented by the Secretary of the State Government, Professor Ibibia World, revealed that the state government has begun the process of establishing a state emergency management agency (Sema) to provide a permanent structure for disaster preparation and response.
The State Administrator urged community members to remain attentive and receptive to early alert alerts, while requested by traditional rulers, faith leaders, civil society organizations and the media that act as messengers of disaster consciousness and response mobilization.
For his part, Nema’s search and rescue director, the Kenneth Oyong Air Commodore, who coordinated the simulation, said it was a practical demonstration of Nema’s director general commitment to the preparation and response of inclusive floods throughout the country.
He explained that the exercise, with the code name ‘Exercise IJI Gbaje-Ugbo’, was specifically directed in the most prone to the floods in four LGA of the state of Rivers, ensuring the direct participation of the community and the practical demonstration of the emergency response protocols.
Responding on behalf of the communities, president of the area of the local government of Ahoada West, Mr. Promise Jacob, expressed his appreciation to Nema and the government of the state of the rivers for carrying out the exercise of awareness of flooding to its doors, promising the full cooperation of residents in the mitigation of flood impacts.
The simulation exercise presented an active participation of multiple interested parties, including the staff and assets of the Nigerian army, the Nigeria Navy and the Nigeria Air Force, together with the first to respond and local volunteers..
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