Naija News • 2h ago
NEMA launches school club to boost disaster awareness in Akwa Ibom
**NEMA Brings Disaster Awareness to Akwa Ibom Schools**
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched a school club in Akwa Ibom state to raise awareness about disasters and how to prevent them. This initiative aims to educate students on how to stay safe in the event of emergencies, making them more resilient to natural disasters like floods and landslides, which are common in our beloved Nigerian states.
The club was launched at the Community Secondary School in Obio Offot, Uyo, during an inter-house sports competition. The Disaster Risk Reduction Officer of NEMA, Mr Offiong Yellow-Duke, explained that the initiative is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills to mitigate and respond to emergencies. This means teaching them how to prepare for disasters, what to do during an emergency, and how to recover afterwards.
According to Mr Yellow-Duke, training young people on disaster risk reduction is a proactive approach to building resilience and reducing vulnerability to disasters. By doing so, we can create a culture of safety and resilience from a young age, which will benefit not just the students but their communities as well.
NEMA has pledged to support the club and encourage students to become ambassadors of disaster awareness in their communities. This means that students will not only learn about disaster risk reduction but also spread the word to their peers and family members, creating a ripple effect of awareness and preparedness.
The launch of this school club is a welcome development, especially in a state like Akwa Ibom, which is prone to flooding and other natural disasters. By educating students about disaster risk reduction, we can build a safer and more resilient community, where everyone is prepared to face the challenges of natural disasters.