Nigerian Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Niger State Branch, has reiterated its commitment to sensitise the general public on the need to embrace disaster reduction and risk management across the state.
The state Branch Secretary, Mr. Gideon Adamu Paiko, gave the assurance while speaking to the newsmen shortly after a road walk from Mobil roundabout in Minna to Obasanjo Commercial Shopping Complex Minna, to mark this year’s World International Disaster Reduction Day.
He said people should cultivate the habit of disaster reduction in their communities especially those at the riverine areas.
Mr. Paiko said the theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction, “Fighting in Equality for a Resilience Future” is apt, considering its importance to safeguard lives and properties of the people.
The state branch secretary pointed out that natural disasters can be avoided only if people of the state adopt some guiding principles of disaster reduction and management.
The secretary also appealed to passengers who always board canoes in their day-to-day activities to use life jackets.
Mr. Paiko said the Day is being celebrated in Niger State by the Red Cross in collaboration with NEMA and the Federal Fire Service for the much needed goal to be achieved.
Also in her brief remarks, the Head of operations, Minna office of the National Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Zainab Suleiman Sa’idu said NEMA as a strong stakeholder to the Nigerian Red Cross decided to celebrate the day together because of the importance attached to the Day.
She advised the people of the state with particular reference to the riverine communities to move far away from river banks to avoid unnecessary flooding.
According to her, floods and other natural disasters are claiming many lives and properties of the people, hence the need for them to always take precautionary measures to mitigate them.
Also in his short remarks, the Assistant Controller General of Federal Fire Service in charge of Zone G and the FCT, Ahmed Garba Karaye maintained that Red Cross has been doing its best in terms of management of disaster situation as well as providing relief materials to victims hence the need for the organization to partner Red Cross in the state for optimal performance.
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