NEMA launched the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on June 5th in Abia State to raise disaster awareness, strengthen community resilience, and enhance grassroots response coordination.The campaign was flagged off by Mr. Walson Ibarakumo Brandon on behalf of NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar. In her keynote address, Mrs. Umar stressed proactive disaster management, early action, inter-agency coordination, and effective communication, particularly in anticipation of the rainy season and predicted flooding.The Abia State Emergency Management Agency (ABSEMA) hosted the NEMA team. Dignitaries and stakeholders in attendance included the Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna (representing the Governor), Ministries of Education, Environment, Health, and Agriculture, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Red Cross Society, religious leaders, NGOs, and youth organizations.ABSEMA Executive Secretary Dr. Sunday Jackson welcomed NEMA and other stakeholders, aligning the event with World Environment Day celebrations. Hon. Ogbonna noted that over 57,000 people were affected and displaced by floods in 2024, commending NEMA’s efforts in flood preparedness.Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti emphasized the importance of engaging communities in the eight LGAs predicted to experience flooding in 2025: Abia North, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Isiukwuato, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South. Abia ranks second after Ebonyi in flood risk within the Southeast region.As part of the campaign, NEMA visited flood-affected communities in Umuahia North, including Umuahia, Umuohi, Umuezeala, and Ohokobe. The team conducted Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) awareness and educated residents on flood safety and preparedness.Community leaders expressed gratitude to NEMA for organizing the campaign and reinforcing early warning awareness across local communities.
