Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, on Thursday led the Federal Government’s intervention in Katsina State, where relief materials were distributed to victims affected by recent banditry attacks across six Local Government Areas.
The distribution exercise, which targeted displaced families in Musawa, Kurfi, Safana, Bakori, Sabuwa, and Kankara LGAs, was conducted on behalf of the Federal Government and formally handed over to the Katsina State Government through the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba Faskari.
Mrs Umar, who personally supervised the flag-off in Katsina, said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to restoring hope and rebuilding lives in communities traumatized by insecurity. She emphasized that humanitarian response is not just about the delivery of supplies, but also about showing solidarity and compassion.
“This is not just about delivering materials—it is about delivering hope,” she said. “We are here to support our people, restore dignity, and reassure them that the government is fully behind them in this difficult time.”
She also noted that NEMA’s intervention aligns with the agency’s wider mandate of crisis response and long-term recovery planning, especially in communities repeatedly affected by violent conflicts.
While in the state, the NEMA boss paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruq Jobe, where she called for urgent action to mitigate the risks of flooding as the peak of the rainy season approaches. Mrs Umar stressed the need for communities to clear drainages, reinforce vulnerable structures, and relocate residents in high-risk zones to safer areas.
She commended the Katsina State Government for its proactive approach to disaster preparedness and response, particularly under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda. According to her, effective disaster management depends on strong collaboration between federal and state actors.
“At NEMA, we are determined to deepen this partnership. We are not just focused on reacting to emergencies, but on preventing them where possible,” she said.
The relief items distributed included food staples, essential household goods, and non-food items aimed at meeting the urgent needs of displaced persons. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
Mrs Umar’s visit underscores NEMA’s dual focus on delivering emergency support and promoting disaster risk reduction across Nigeria. Under her leadership, the agency continues to prioritize transparency, accountability, and community-centered engagement in all its humanitarian efforts.
22nd July 2025
