The Nigeria Red Cross Society, Gombe State Branch, has officially launched a Disaster Risk Reduction Club at Government Day Pilot Secondary School, Gombe, as part of its ongoing efforts to equip young people with knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies before they happen.
Speaking at the sensitisation event held on Monday, the Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross Society in Gombe, Murtala Aliyu, said the initiative is part of the DRR programme supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent with funding from the Italian Government.
Our correspondent reports that the sensitisation session, which marks a major step in the implementation of disaster risk reduction at the grassroots level, focused on educating students about first aid, hygiene, early warning signs, and preparedness strategies to mitigate the effects of natural and human-made disasters.
“We’re here to do the formal launching of the DRR Club. This is under the DRR programme supported by the International Committee of Red Cross and Red Crescent with funds from the Italian Government,” Aliyu said.
Aliyu explained that the goal is to shift from reactive to proactive disaster management by involving students early in preventive education and preparedness.
He added, “People usually call us when there is disaster, but now we are working on anticipatory action. We are trying to get them young, teach them basic first aid, basic hygiene promotion, information dissemination, and disaster preparedness. We want to complement the efforts of government in reducing disaster risks in schools and communities.”
According to him, the school-based initiative is key because “people stay in two places—either at home or in school. Flood can come anytime, anywhere. We want them to be ready for disaster response.”
Also speaking at the event, the Vice Principal of Government Day Pilot Secondary School, Salifatu Abubakar, commended the Red Cross Society for the initiative and its support to the school community.
“We are grateful for the kind gesture you have given to our students and members of staff. We hope and believe that what you will do with the students will be something of significance,” Abubakar said.
She noted that the initiative would have long-term impact on both the students and the wider community.
“The community is highly appreciative of the donations,” she added.
The Nigeria Red Cross Society says it plans to establish similar clubs across more schools in Gombe State as part of its commitment to building resilient communities.
