ASABA/Nigeria: In a concerted effort to boost disaster preparedness ahead of the 2025 rainy season, the Delta State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have called on residents living in flood-prone areas to adopt proactive measures in anticipation of climate-related hazards.
This call was made during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the 2025 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on flood disaster management, held at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba. The campaign was organized by NEMA in collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Hon. Etacherure Ejiro Terry, who received a speech document from NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by Deputy Director, Mr. Thickman Tanimo, emphasized that flood preparedness must become a shared responsibility among all stakeholders, including residents.
“With the increasing threats posed by climate change, we must intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property. His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has demonstrated readiness through the provision of camps and essential facilities to cushion the effects of floods,” Terry said.
He added that the goal of the preparedness campaign is to strengthen the state’s disaster response framework and reduce the devastating impact of recurring floods. “Every stakeholder has a role to play in ensuring community resilience and public safety,” the Commissioner stated.
Speaking on behalf of the NEMA DG, Mr. Tanimo warned that the annual recurrence of flood disasters should serve as a wake-up call to citizens and government alike. He revealed that NEMA has already developed the 2025 Climate-Related Risk Management Plan, which includes preparedness and mitigation actions aimed at reducing the impact of floods.
“As part of our proactive strategy, NEMA has deployed response teams across the country to engage communities at risk, educate residents, and provide early interventions,” Tanimo said.
The Director of Delta State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Alfred Ebreneyin, disclosed that the state is already implementing new strategies to strengthen its disaster management framework. These include improved early warning systems, reinforced infrastructure, expanded community awareness programs, and partnerships with NGOs for public education.
He urged residents to take ownership of their safety, stressing the limits of government intervention. “No amount of relief can truly replace what is lost in a flood. Prevention must be our priority,” Ebreneyin noted.
Other NEMA officials present included Assistant Director, Mrs. Chinwe Okpara, and Mrs. Eluyuche of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit, both of whom participated in the symbolic handover of documents to the Delta State Government during the session.
The event featured presentations from disaster management experts on best practices in flood mitigation, highlighting the critical importance of local involvement in emergency planning. Participants were encouraged to share personal experiences and suggestions during an open forum that underscored the campaign’s participatory approach.
Officials from both NEMA and SEMA reiterated their commitment to aligning state and federal efforts in disaster response, reinforcing the need for sustained collaboration and public education to manage future emergencies.
As the 2025 rainy season approaches, Delta State’s renewed focus on proactive disaster preparedness stands as a clear signal of its resolve to protect lives and ensure sustainable development across vulnerable communities.
