A delegation from NEMA Headquarters, led by Mr. Eugene Nyelong and supported by the NEMA Enugu Operations Office under Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, visited Anambra State to coordinate preparations for an upcoming flood disaster simulation exercise.
Key stakeholders—including Anambra SEMA, the State Fire Service, Ministry of Health, DSS, and Ogbaru LEMC—participated in planning meetings and a site inspection. The team also held a high-level briefing with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, alongside commissioners for Environment, Health, and Information, as well as other government officials and media representatives.
During the meeting, NEMA outlined the objectives of the exercise, stressing grassroots involvement, community roles, and the importance of targeted areas such as flood-prone Ogbaru LGA. Mr. Nyelong announced that NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, would personally lead the national team during the simulation.
The Deputy Governor commended NEMA’s initiative and affirmed Ogbaru LGA as a suitable site, citing successful past collaborations with NEMA and SEMA in reducing flood casualties.
On June 6, the team visited the Naval Outpost in Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA—proposed as the simulation site. They were received by Navy Captain M. Jarma, who shared the Navy’s flood response experience and confirmed the Outpost’s readiness. The site was officially approved, and the Navy pledged full cooperation.
Key Outcomes:
- Stakeholder consensus established
- Simulation site inspected and confirmed
- Strong backing from state and military authorities
- Emphasis on community participation for effective disaster preparedness
