NEMA Sensitises Corps Members On Flood Mitigation

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has sensitised no fewer than 120 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on flood mitigation in Enugu metropolis.
The sensitisation, which was done for corps members in NEMA-NYSC Emergency Vanguard Community Development Service (CDS), was in pursuance of the 2022 Flood Prediction of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
In an address on Wednesday, the South-East Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Tickman Tanimo, said that corps members were critical stakeholders in the agency’s sensitisation and awareness drive on disaster and emergency issues in communities.
According to Tanimo, the corps members have been instrumental to “our grassroots and community sensitisation and awareness efforts” on flooding and other emergency situations.
“They have helped over the years to get flood alerts and prediction messages down to the grassroots as well as organise themselves to assist when there is disaster at the local levels.
“Their work over the years, in terms of sensitisation, has help reduce the rate of vulnerability of Nigerians to hazards and disaster/emergency situations,” he said.
The coordinator lauded the corps members for turning out in large numbers, adding that they would also benefit from other training and workshops of the agency in the state.
“They most times present a critical disaster rescue services and man-power for vast majority of our people who live in the rural areas where NEMA services and staff are not readily available”.
Tanimo further maintained that the corps members were also enlightened on other aspects of disasters and emergencies as well as safety precautions they needed to take to be safe.
Speaking, Miss Mary Manuel, President of NEMA-NYSC Emergency Vanguard CDS in Enugu North Council Area, said that the sensitisation session had been so enlightening and eye-opening on what individuals could do to mitigate flooding.
“I have a burning desire to sensitise those living close to me on the need to stop blocking the drainage system this rainy season with refuse,” Manuel said.
In his brief remark, Mr Chisom Emmanuel, member of NEMA-NYSC Emergency Vanguard CDS, noted that the sensitisation had fully enlightened him on his duties as a local disaster liaison officer.

By: Canice Amadi, Enugu