Prioritize Disaster Prevention Over Emergency Response – Odumosu

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has urged stakeholders in disaster management across the Country to prioritize disaster prevention approach over emergency response.

Odumosu, made the call when he had in audience the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abuja branch led by its chairperson, madam Rhoda Samande, in Abuja.

The Commandant, opined that if adequate prevention measures and modalities were put in place, there will be no need for reactive approach because disasters will not happen in the first instance.

The FCT NSCDC Boss said in view of the fact that the Corps is a major stakeholder in disaster prevention and management, it has successfully collaborated with other disaster management agencies during crisis like building collapse, fire disasters and other emergencies in the past which makes the mandate of the Corps to align perfectly with the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

“Partnering with you in the various aspects of engagement including sensitizing communities on early warning signs, trainings on personal hygiene, accountability and other prevention measures is commendable and a welcome development”
“We are open to positive collaboration and to take advantage of anything that will benefit humanity, Odumosu stated.

He commended the Nigerian Red Cross Society for their genuine Humanitarian services over the years and for evolving beyond first Aid services into disaster prevention through their various disaster prevention initiatives.

Commandant Odumosu, condemned avoidable disasters especially floods happening yearly in the FCT and called on stakeholders to seek permanent solution to the perennial floods ravaging the city.

He lauded the Nigerian Red Cross Society, for the visit stating that the visit was timely and that the Command was strategically positioned to work with them to mitigate disasters in the FCT.

In her remarks, the FCT branch chairperson of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Madam Rhoda Samande, said the visit was to renew the already existing partnership .

She appreciated the kind support the organization has being receiving from the officers of the NSCDC while in the field and appealed that the synergy continues and be taken to the next level adding that the Nigerian Red Cross is ready at all times to be part of the Corps’ training and other engagements.

Nkiruka Njemanze, Edited By Grace Namiji