By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has intensified efforts to deepen disaster risk reduction awareness at the grassroots with an outreach to pupils of LEA Primary School, Durumi, Abuja.
According to an official signed statement by Head, Press Unit NEMA, Manzo Ezekiel, the visit, which took place on Thursday, 30 April 2026, forms part of the Agency’s sustained initiative to inculcate disaster preparedness and safety consciousness among young Nigerians.
During the interactive session, Mrs Umar educated the pupils on essential safety practices and practical measures to mitigate risks associated with common emergencies such as fire outbreaks, flooding, and unsafe play environments. She emphasized the importance of vigilance, encouraging the children to remain alert to potential hazards and to promptly report any danger to responsible adults, including teachers and parents.
The NEMA Director General stressed that disaster risk reduction is a collective responsibility that extends beyond emergency responders, noting that awareness, preparedness, and responsible behaviour at the community level are critical to preventing disasters and minimizing their impact.
She further highlighted the importance of introducing disaster preparedness education at an early stage, describing it as a key step towards building safer and more resilient communities.
The engagement also featured a question-and-answer segment, where pupils were provided with additional insights to enhance their understanding of disaster management and their roles in promoting safety within their immediate environments.
The outreach reflects NEMA’s broader strategy of extending disaster risk reduction education beyond formal frameworks into schools, communities, and households nationwide, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national resilience.
