Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara move against disasters

Stakeholders from Sokoto,Kebbi and Zamfara States yesterday converged on Sokoto to explore ways of tackling prevalent and emerging disasters in the country.

“We must rise up to these challenges before they begin to show their ugly faces and pose threats to our people, property and environment,” Sokoto Operations Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Sa’ad Bello said.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop on Comprehensive Disaster Management and Flood Awareness, Bello pointed out that disasters are usually better handled when risks and vulnerabilities are identified and efforts made in reducing them.

The NEMA operations officer said the workshop would identify prevalent and emerging disasters, especially the incessant armed banditry cases, food insecurity and malnutrition, disease and epidemics, youths restiveness, among others as well as deliberate over the NIMET seasonal rainfall predictions for 2014 as it affects the three states.

Bello also called on the states to build capacities of their respective State Emergency Agencies so as to manage disasters promptly and efficiently.

In his remarks at the occasion, Secretary to the Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, noted that the workshop would enhance team spirit and inter-agency collaboration in disaster management.

The SSG, who was represented by the Special Adviser, Ecological and Relief Matters, Alhaji Garba Kyadawa, assured that as key players ,they are willing to play their part in ensuring the achievement of the set goal.