FEMA Re-strategizes To Mitigate Disasters In 2024

By Remi Johnson

The FCT Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, says more attention will be given to sensitization in 2024 on safety measures to mitigate all forms of disasters in the territory.

Acting Director General of FEMA, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo who stated this during the end of the year briefing in Abuja, said the Agency also plans to collaborate with the National Defence College in training volunteers and local divers in the FCT.

He assured that there would be continuous registration of volunteers and training, issuing of early warnings after the seasonal climate prediction by NIMET, quarterly meetings with stakeholders as well as production of security tips and documentaries on FEMA’s activities.

Mr Sabo explained that the measure became necessary to help minimize disasters in all seasons to ensure safety of lives and property.

The Acting Director General Of FEMA further said plans were underway to organize a blood drive for the military, using the volunteers.

According to him, ” The aim of the blood drive is to show support and solidarity for their efforts at keeping the nation safe. we intend to partner the National Defence College,(NDC) on the training of our volunteers…The training is to equip our volunteers with basic and professional rescue skills”.

“Our rainy season campaigns will focus on sensitizing residents on what to do before the rains, during the rains and after the rains. The spill over of this year’s operation eagle eye and dry season campaigns will be carried out in 2024” Sabo said.

Giving his 2023 score card, Mr Sabo said local divers were trained across the 6 area councils on how to effectively respond to flood issues, and Emergency Marshalls inaugurated to encourage community participation in disaster management.

The FEMA Acting DG also said the National Economic Livelihood Emergency Intervention, the National Emergency Management Agency, in collaboration with the FCT Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, distributed food and non-food items to 8,403 vulnerable households.

He noted that a total of 1,793 people were rescued from various disasters, including floods, fire incidences and building collapse from 24 calls received on its emergency toll-free number, 112.

He revealed that the Agency saved about N90m worth of property and provided humanitarian aid that impacted 400 households in the FCT in the year 2023.

“1,373 people were rescued from various flood disasters, 173 lives saved from five building collapse …247 lives saved from major fire outbreaks…12 lives loss. 4 from flood disasters, 6 from building collapse, and 2 to fire outbreaks during the year under review”.

Edited By Grace Namiji