The Kaduna State Government said it has commenced developing its early warning systems to strengthen disaster risk preparedness for improved disaster management in the state.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the Deputy Governor, made this known at the opening of a two-day workshop on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The workshop was organized by the State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) to equip Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMC’s) from the 23 LGAs and emergency stakeholders.
She said the workshop was necessary to enhance the state’s early warning and early response system by equipping the LEMCs with the necessary knowledge and tools to detect, report, and respond to disasters.
“As we continue to face various natural and human-induced hazards, it is imperative that we equip our LEMC’s with the necessary tools, knowledge, and systems to effectively anticipate, respond, and mitigate potential disasters,” Balarabe said.
The deputy governor commended UNICEF, Red Cross Nigeria and Christian Aid for their continued support to SEMA to enable the building of a more resilient state.
Balarabe added, “Their dedication to our state’s disaster risk management efforts is truly commendable and I look forward to furthering our partnership in this critical endeavor.”
She also commended the new management of KADSEMA for their efforts in responding to various disasters in the state.
Balarabe called on them to up their activities in forging more inter-agency collaborations and to strengthen their capacity to proactively prevent disaster.
Also speaking, Olayinka Afolabi, UNICEF’s Emergency Specialist, said that the state was the only state that has an emergency contingency plan in place and among the few with such committees.
He stated that UNICEF was glad to support the state in strengthening the capacity of these committees as the impact of disasters affect local communities.
Dr Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary of the agency, stated that the state was building an emergency centre at its headquarters with the support of UNICEF to strengthen its Early Warning System (EWS).
