The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) has initiated a strategic engagement with deputy chairpersons and education and social development directors across the state’s 23 local government areas to strengthen flood prevention and emergency response efforts ahead of the rainy season.
Dr Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, disclosed this during a meeting held Tuesday in Kaduna. He said the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and promote grassroots disaster preparedness in line with Governor Uba Sani’s policy direction.
The agency emphasized that community-level readiness is crucial to mitigating the risks of seasonal flooding.
“The meeting was convened in response to early warning forecasts and the need for coordinated local action.
“This administration is committed to reducing disaster risks before they occur. We are not just reacting to emergencies; we are building systems that anticipate and prevent them,” Mazadu said.
He urged the deputy chairpersons and ESD directors to lead community level preparedness efforts, adding that successful disaster management must be locally owned and implemented.
“We are equipping you with tools and strategies, but implementation must be community driven. The impact of government must be visible at the grassroots,” he said.
Mazadu also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to investing in early warning systems, local emergency structures, and sustained public awareness to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Kabiru Sambo, Deputy Chairman of Igabi Local Government Area and Chairperson of the Deputy Chairpersons’ Forum, described the initiative as timely and strategic.
“We fully support the governor’s vision of a disaster-resilient state. As deputy chairpersons, we are committed to ensuring that LEMCs function effectively in every LGA,” he said.
Also speaking, Ahmed Khalid the Chairman of the ESD Directors’ Forum commended the agency’s leadership, noting that the forum was being meaningfully engaged in emergency planning for the first time.
“For the first time, we are not just observers. We are being equipped and included in decision-making processes,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting ended with a joint commitment from participants to raise disaster risk awareness, and improve emergency coordination.
They also agreed to work in synergy with KADSEMA to ensure effective state-wide disaster preparedness and resilience-building efforts.
