SMDF Partners NRCS On Emergency Response

The Solid Minerals Development Fund, SMDF, is partnering with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to train its workforce in advanced emergency response skill.

Executive Secretary of SMDF, Hajia Fatima Shinkafi, stated this at the commencement of a five-day training program for its staff in Abuja.

She emphasized that the training is part of SMDF’s commitment to build a resilient workforce capable of managing emergencies effectively.

This she said will also help prevent avoidable fatalities and ensure the stability of the sector.

According to her, it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s diversification agenda.

Hajia Shinkafi who was represented by the Head of the Minerals and Project Development Department at SMDF, Dr. Martina Ananaba, stressed the significance of the training in fulfilling the mandate set by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake.

“It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to this important Red Cross training session. As an agency dedicated to serving the public, it is essential that we are prepared to respond to emergencies at any time, and that is why this training is so critical,” Hajia Shinkafi stated.

In her presentation, the Head, Corporate Communications in SMDF, Mrs. Idowu Jokpeyibo, called on the Nigerian Red Cross Society to extend this critical training to other agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and workplace settings, as some previously trained staff might have retired or transferred.

On his part, the Head of Training at the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Audu Goji, highlighted the importance of advanced life-saving skills for designated first responders working in hazardous environments such as offshore sites, aviation, and exploration industries.

He shared a tragic story to emphasize the importance of proper emergency response, where a victim of a fatal accident caused by a governor’s convoy could have been saved if appropriate first aid had been administered before being transported.

Goji reiterated the need for every vehicle to be equipped with a first aid kit, noting that these tools could make the difference between life and death during emergencies.

The initiative which is designed to strengthen the workforce’s readiness to handle emergencies in hazardous sectors like mining, construction, and exploration, covered crucial topics such as first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness.

The training reflects SMDF’s broader objective of fostering a safe and prepared workforce, contributing not only to the safety of individuals but also to the overall productivity and success of the solid minerals sector.

The five-day training, facilitated by the Nigerian Red Cross, is expected to empower SMDF staff with practical skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet any emergency challenges that may arise as they carry out their duties.

Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji