Abbani Imam Garki, Head of Operations of National Emergency Management Agency in charge of Adamawa and Taraba at a 5 day Retreat programme held in Gombe state for members of staff of the Agency with the theme “Re-engineering the Agency for Effective & Proactive Disaster management” has urged residents to clear their drainage, and to desist from indiscriminate disposal of waste in water ways. He said “As an operation we have been sensitizing members of the public on ways to prevent the effect of flood. We expect that residents will desist from disposing refuse into water ways, Avoid flood Prone areas and stop waiting for government to dredge . Monitor the level of water and leave when necessary so that they won’t be caught unaware.Listen and comply with early warnings. This retreat as directed by the DG is geared towards bringing staff of the agency together, to share ideas and experiences, harness strategies with a view to moving the Agency forward” he added.
Mr Uba Ayuba, of the Red cross society, in his paper on General Principles of Disaster Management in Nigeria called on NEMA to understand the hazards that result to disaster which he claimed efforts may be in vain he said Hazard is anything that results in adverse damage. It causes threat to life and property. We should look forward as volunteers as the value of work is in you and not the organization that employed you” he added.
The Head of Operations, Garki, Who delivered a presentation on Humanitarian activities called on participants to see saving of lives, as the utmost he said “Our major aim is to save lives, alleviate sufferings and maintain dignity. Before resettlement, people must be in safety, then you can now cater for them. As Humanitarians we must be innovative in our rescue mission”
In a communique, the 5-man drafting committee highlighted the following resolutions; With the prevalence of emerging disasters, the Agency needs to work assiduously on identifying and analysing hazards, building resilience of communities and creating more awareness on disasters to reduce vulnerability. The Agency should make it mandatory to all staff to adhere to humanitarian principles and the Public Service Rules in the discharge of their duties.The need for management to give prompt approval for relief assistance to affected population. Provision of adequate security for staff during operations. The need to have a central data base for disaster management activities for all stake holders in Nigeria. Reactivation of humanitarian coordination forum on monthly bases in some states. Sustaining Training of Emergency Volunteers, NYSC/EMVs, GEVCs etc. The need for training on new areas such as Reunification of Family Link (RSL) in order to provide psychosocial support to affected persons during emergencies. Staff should be motivated and rewarded where necessary to double their efforts in providing a more effective and proactive response to humanitarian needs of disaster. Periodic transfers from one zone to another. Zonal coordinators, Head of Operations should be given terms to stay on the post and locations. It is recommended that appointment of Zonal Coordinators should be a minimum of a Director, Territorial Office minimum of Deputy Director and Head of Operations minimum of Assistant Director. There should also be terms of appointment of office for such positions (2 or 4 years) as considered appropriate.
