A student handling firefighting equipment.
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Citizens of Plateau State have been urged to be alert and report any threats to the environment to the relevant authorities so immediate action can be taken to avert any risk to lives and property.
The advice was given when the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Centre for Gospel Health and Development, CeGHaD, conducted a community sensitization event to mark the 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, IDDRR.
The Day is celebrated every 13th of October as set aside by the United Nations to reduce global disaster risk and losses.
Speaking at the sensitization event held at the Christ Apostolic College, Kuba, Bokkos LGA for students across four schools in the area, with the theme: The Role Education in Protecting and Empowering the Youths for a Disaster-free Future, the Executive Director of CeGHaD, Mrs. Nansik Onu appreciated the school and the students for their commitment in disaster risk management.
She urged them to brace up for the future and always remember that security is everyone’s business hence the need to “voice out anytime you notice any threat in the environment.”
READ: Int’l Peace Day: Citizens urged to imbibe peace for prosperity
She added that CeGHaD has strengthened local civil society organizations in Plateau and Benue States through the Enabling Resilience to Climate Change related risk, ER2CC project to carry out disaster risk reduction activities.
Onu further stressed that such activities are carried out in the Langtang South, Bokkos, and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State.
The Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Eugene Nyelong, represented by the Assistant Chief (Search and Rescue), Bernadette Obaje in a goodwill message, called for the empowerment and protection of children and youths by prioritizing a healthy school environment and education facilities so they understand and face evolving risk and hazards.
The event featured presentations on basic First Aid by the Nigerian Red Cross, the importance of tree planting by the Agriculture Department of Bokkos LGA, fire fighting drills by the Federal Fire Service, and evacuation drills based on flood case scenarios led by NEMA.
High points of the event were the planting of 4,911 improved tree seedlings by the dignitaries, students, and members of local CSOs and community structures across Kuba, Kwatas, and Maikatako communities in Bokkos.
Commemoration plaques were presented to participating schools as the Project Coordinator of the European Union, EU, and the Christian Blind Mission, CBM funded ER2CC action, Mr. Dasu Yakubu highlighted that the discussions showcased shared commitment to resilience.
He charged participants to take action by implementing risk reduction strategies, supporting the vulnerable particularly persons with disabilities, and fostering a culture of prevention at the community levels so that together, “we can build safer communities.”
