Protocol Esteemed Colleagues, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
it is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at this pivotal capacity-building program, which is an essential precursor to the upcoming National Crisis Response Simulation Exercise. This exercise, meticulously organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is a vital component of our national preparedness framework, and I am pleased to be part of this important gathering.
As the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), | must emphasize that our mandate to lead in the management of the consequences of crises is a responsibility we take with the utmost seriousness and dedication. Today’s event is not just a training session but a key part of our continued commitment to enhancing national disaster response capabilities. It reflects our shared vision for a nation that is better prepared, more resilient, and capable of effectively responding to the crises
that inevitably arises in our rapidly changing world.
In recent years, we have seen a disturbing global trend, increased intensity of disasters and crises. These crises, whether natural or man-made, often result in significant loss of lives, widespread disability, and long-lasting physical and emotional trauma to families and communities. They also place a heavy financial burden on governments at all levels, often stretching the already limited resources. Public health emergencies, which frequently
follow these catastrophic events, further complicate the situation, as they
add a layer of complexity to the already strained crisis management systems.
It is crucial to recognize that public health emergencies often emerge as secondary events, following major disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or even deliberate acts of violence orchestrated by non-state actors. The
response to these secondary events demands specialized expertise and collaboration between various sectors, including public health institutions, emergency response teams, security agencies, among other stakeholders.
The importance of exercises such as the one we are having cannot be overstated. The primary objective of this simulation is to identify existing gaps in our emergency response systems, and most importantly, to provide us with the insights and necessary tools to address these inadequacies. It is
essential that we learn from these exercises and continuously improve upon our strategies and methodologies.
In this context, it is imperative that we sharpen our skills and elevate our state of preparedness to effectively confront emergency challenges head on. As the renowned philosopher Steve Cyros once said, “When disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed.” This statement underscores the fundamental truth that proactive preparation is the cornerstone of effective
crisis management. Thus, we must remain agile, adaptive, and proactive in our approach to crisis management.
This training is therefore timely, as it comes at a moment when our collective ability to respond to disasters is being tested in real-time. Through this exercise, we will not only assess our current level of preparedness but also
refine our response capabilities, ensuring that when the need arises, we are ready to act swiftly, decisively, and with precision.
As we embark on this important training, let us keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to ensure that we, as a nation, are better equipped to handle the unpredictable and increasingly complex nature of crises. The success of this exercise will be determined by the dedication, commitment, and expertise each of you brings to the table. | encourage you all to engage fully, learn
actively, and apply the knowledge gained here to your respective roles in
strengthening our national response mechanisms. Distinguished
participants, ladies and gentlemen, | must take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable leadership of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in approving the conduct of this simulation exercise. Indeed, this initiative provides a valuable platform for stakeholders from various sectors to come together, share knowledge, and strengthen relationships, fostering the
critical inter-agency collaboration that is the foundation of effective crisis management.
Therefore, it is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that | formally declare this Mass Casualty and Public Health Emergency
Management Component Training open. I wish each of you a fruitful, insightful, and successful learning experience.
Thank you, and may God bless us all.
