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| Photo shows L-R: Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo; Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar; Executive Secretary, Kano State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Isyaku Kubarachi on the occasion |
As part of intensified efforts to curb the devastating effects of flooding nationwide, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently carried out a comprehensive flood simulation exercise in Kano.
This full-scale drill was designed to heighten public awareness about flood risks and to clearly define the responsibilities of local communities and key stakeholders in tackling the anticipated 2025 flood threats.
The exercise focused primarily on Kano and its neighboring states, Jigawa and Yobe, where flood predictions indicate significant vulnerability.
By engaging multiple sectors and community representatives, NEMA aims to strengthen coordinated preparedness and response strategies, ensuring a swift and effective reaction when the flood season arrives.
This proactive approach underscores NEMA’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through collaborative disaster management and enhanced resilience across the region.
The simulation exercise, code-named “Ex-Ceton Rayuka,” was held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, along the riverside in Wudil, Kano State.
It was designed to test multi-level response mechanisms and inter-agency coordination in the event of a flood scenario arising from potential water releases from the Tiga, Challawa, and Bagauda Dams that could significantly affect downstream communities across several Local Government Areas in Kano, Jigawa, and Yobe States.
The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who personally led the exercise, emphasized that it formed part of NEMA’s broader preparedness strategy to strengthen coordination, communication, and clearly define roles among stakeholders for a more efficient and proactive flood response.
“As we all know, flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in Nigeria, with far-reaching impacts on lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and entire communities. The recent flood incident in Mokwa, Niger State, is a stark reminder of this threat.
“The essence of this simulation is not only to test our plans and protocols but also to identify gaps and strengthen our multi-agency collaboration. Today, we simulate a crisis so that we can be better prepared to save lives when the real situation occurs. Let me reiterate: preparedness saves lives,” she said.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar noted that the Agency had earlier conducted a similar simulation in Anambra State, highlighting the importance of transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach in disaster management.
She further explained that, “This exercise is about improving our preparedness by identifying and addressing potential weaknesses before disaster strikes.”
She commended the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency committees for their strong collaboration and active participation in the exercise.
The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, commended NEMA for organizing the simulation and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the Agency to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.
He emphasized the importance of early preparedness, noting that proactive steps like this simulation are critical to mitigating the impacts of flooding in the state and beyond.
The Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, who coordinated the exercise, explained that key lessons and identified gaps had been noted and would inform preparations for future flood responses by all stakeholders.
The exercise was organized by NEMA in collaboration with the Kano State Emergency Management Agency. Also in attendance were the heads of SEMAs from Jigawa and Katsina States, as well as a representative from Yobe State SEMA.
Other participating stakeholders included members of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), dam managers, the Fire Service, the Nigeria Police, Disaster Response Units of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, State Ministries of Health and Water Resources, local divers, and community volunteers.
A press release signed by Manzo Ezekiel, Head, NEMA Press Unit explains that the simulation exercise climaxed a four-day series of activities by NEMA, which included advocacy visits, capacity-building sessions, and stakeholder engagements focused on enhancing flood preparedness and community resilience.
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