KNOWLEDGE ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT ESSIENTIAL FOR EFFICIENT DISASTER MANAGEMENT

As part of living of up to its mandate, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South-East Zone has continued to promote disaster management knowledge and skills through building the capacity of staff and stakeholders.

This is in line with the Agency’s vision to build a culture of preparedness, prevention, response and community resilience to disaster in Nigeria. It will also undoubtedly help in strengthening inter-agency collaborations and enhancing capacity at the  grassroots-level. Again, to equip its personnel and stakeholders with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective and efficient disaster management.

The training programs were conducted in collaboration with Federal Fire Service (FFS) and Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), and it was held in NEMA South East Zonal Office.

The focus areas encompassed various critical aspects of disaster management including: understanding disaster/disaster management, safety measures during  emergencies, basic first aid practices at home/office,  practical demonstrations on use of fire extinguisher and how to apply CPR on unconscious patients.

The resource persons from Federal Fire Service handled the topic on Management of Fire Disaster. They brought in a wealth of expertise during the training. On the other hand, the resource persons from Nigeria Red Cross Society Enugu handled basic first aid training; it was an interactive/practical training.

Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, the Zonal Coordinator NEMA South East Zone during her address, emphasized the vital importance of enhancing the knowledge and skills of disaster managers in order to ensure sustainable and efficient disaster management in Nigeria. “Training of personnel is a critical component for seamless disaster management hence the commitment of the Agency to building the capacity of its staff and stakeholders” she said.

She further stated that in view of the dry season and festive period, which is associated with high rate of disaster including fire incident and accident, there is need for disaster managers to have the perquisite knowledge of fire management and basic first aid treatment skills. She hinted at upcoming capacity development programs by the Agency in schools and other public places which is aimed at promoting disaster risk reduction knowledge.

Mrs Echeazu elaborated on the significance of training the  Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC’s)  and NYSC within Enugu metropolis in order to strengthen the working relationship between federal, state, local government and community levels. This according to her seeks to simplify coordinated disaster management efforts.

While using the medium to express her deep appreciation for the existing collaboration with both Federal/State Fire Service and Nigeria Red Cross Society as well as the NYSC and Traditional Rulers. Echeazu noted that these collaborations have been instrumental to NEMA’s huge success. She encouraged all beneficiaries of the training to use the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance their services and to help the Agency in cascading the knowledge gain at their various locations.