The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe Operations Office, convened a one-day coordination meeting on flood preparedness and response with relevant stakeholders in Gombe.
In her opening remarks, the Head of Operations, NEMA Gombe. Mrs Ummuna Ahmed welcomed all participants and commended them for their continued commitment and partnership in the collective task of disaster risk reduction and emergency response. She emphasized that “preparedness is not an option but a necessity”, noting that when stakeholders pool efforts together, timely and effective interventions can be mounted to save lives and minimize losses.
The meeting was described as timely, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to reaffirm their collective responsibilities and update one another on their levels of preparedness.
One of the key objectives highlighted was the need to take stock of equipment, resources, and capabilities available within various organizations. This, she noted, would help identify gaps, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure that resources can be mobilized and deployed in a coordinated manner during emergencies.
Furthermore, she stressed that preparedness goes beyond equipment and logistics. It also involves effective communication, community engagement, training, and simulation exercises. She called for the empowerment of communities with knowledge of what to do before, during, and after flood incidents to reduce vulnerabilities.
Stakeholders in attendance included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Fire Service, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), NEMA Grassroots Emergency Volunteer Corps, and the media.
In conclusion, participants reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration, information sharing, and joint action towards strengthening flood preparedness and ensuring a more effective disaster response in Gombe State.
NEMA GOO
4th September 2025
