The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), in collaboration with its partners, has restated its commitment to build resilience towards prevention of the disaster.
PLASEMA Executive Secretary, Mr Sunday Abdu, made the commitment in Jos during the celebration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2025.
Abdu described this year’s IDDRR theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”, as both a call to action and a reminder that investing in prevention saves lives, protects livelihoods, and strengthens communities.
He said that SEMA, in collaboration with the state government and its partners, joins the world to reaffirm the state commitment to building a safer, more resilient Plateau.
“Over the years, our state has experienced floods, conflicts, erosion, droughts, and other hazards that have threatened lives, agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
“However, under the stewardship of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, through concerted efforts in disaster preparedness, early warning, and community engagement, we continue to make progress in reducing these risks.
“This year’s commemoration focuses on promoting resilience through investment in risk reduction measures, including environmental protection, community sensitisation, improved early warning systems, and strengthened coordination among stakeholders.
“We must move from reactive response to proactive prevention.
“PLASEMA has initiated several key interventions: community awareness campaigns across the 17 LGAs on flood preparedness and safe building practices,” he said.
According to him, capacity-building workshops for first responders and volunteers on disaster management and search-and-rescue operations have been organised.
He emphasised that disaster risk reduction is everyone’s responsibility and solicited collective commitment from communities, development partners, the private sector, and the media to promote awareness and drive positive behavioural change.
“We call on all stakeholders to invest in resilience through sustainable infrastructure, disaster education, and climate adaptation initiatives.
“The cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of preparedness.
“To commit to a more proactive response, the government has provided a befitting edifice for the agency to enhance coordination meetings and the day-to-day running of the activities of the agency.
“In view of these laudable efforts by this administration, PLASEMA Coordination would be more robust from November, putting more into account the efforts and contributions of our partners and stakeholders,” he stated.
The executive secretary appreciated PLASEMA partners like the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Army, development partners, and many other stakeholders for their contributions to disaster response and mitigation.
Mr Nansik Onu of the Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CeGHaD), in his remarks, called for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all disaster risk reduction efforts.
Onu stressed that resilience must be inclusive and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations who often face increased risk during emergencies.
Mr Kehinde Ajayi, manager of the Emergency Communication Centre, encouraged the public to make use of the 112 National Emergency Toll-Free Number to report emergencies.
Ajayi noted that quick access to help can save lives in situations such as flooding, fire outbreaks, or violent conflict.
Similarly, Mrs Bintu Wana, Head of Operations, The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Jos Operations office, said that the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was set aside to raise awareness and sensitise the public on ways to mitigate the impact of disasters.
Wana said that the day served as a global reminder of the need for collective action in building resilient communities and reducing vulnerabilities to natural and human-induced hazards.
She further urged individuals, organisations, and government bodies to adopt proactive measures in disaster preparedness and response to minimise loss of lives and property.
