The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, has emphasised the need to educate and empower Nigerian youths in bid to achieve disaster risk reduction across the country.
Mrs Umar, who gave the charge via a statement to commemorate the ‘International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 with the theme ‘The role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future’, underscored the role of innovation and technology in safeguarding communities.
She said: “The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) joins the world in marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024.
“This year, NEMA shines a spotlight on the transformative role of education in safeguarding and empowering youth to secure a disaster-free future.
The theme, ‘The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future’, emphasises the critical need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to prevent, manage, and mitigate disaster risks.
“Amid rising global concerns over climate change and its impact, NEMA remains committed to leveraging education as a key tool for fostering disaster resilience. Recent floods across Nigeria have underlined the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness, especially among the nation’s youth.
“Young people are not only the most vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, but they are also the most powerful agents of change.”
“Education is central to empowering our youth to build a safer, more resilient future. By equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, we can help them shape strategies that will reduce risks and enhance disaster preparedness.”
As part of this year’s observance, NEMA unveiled plans to “collaborate with schools, universities, and youth organisations to conduct workshops, seminars, and community engagements.
“These programmes will focus on building awareness of disaster risk reduction, climate action, and the role of innovation and technology in safeguarding communities. By fostering dialogue and education, NEMA aims to inspire young people to take active roles in disaster prevention and response.
“NEMA also calls on government agencies, educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen partnerships that promote education as a means of empowering youth to lead the charge in creating a disaster-resilient Nigeria.
“Through education, NEMA believes young people will not only understand the challenges posed by climate change but will also be equipped to take informed, proactive steps towards securing a safer future for all.
“This year’s IDDRR observance will focus less on grand-scale events and more on grassroots community engagement, recognising the importance of direct interaction and hands-on learning in disaster preparedness.
“By prioritising educational initiatives, NEMA reaffirms its commitment to building a knowledgeable and empowered generation that can lead the nation towards a disaster-free future,” Mrs Umar noted.
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