NEMA Participates In NIWA’s Second Quarter Safety Sensitisation On Waterways, Flood Preparedness
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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Enugu Operations Office participated in the second quarter safety sensitisation campaign on waterways and flood preparedness along the River Niger.
The event was organised by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Onitsha Area Office at the Otuocha waterfront in the Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The campaign targeted farmers, traders, boat operators, and other community members who travel along the River Niger daily.
The sensitisation aimed to enlighten community members on flood preparedness and precautionary measures, reduce the impact and losses associated with flooding, and protect lives, properties, and the environment.
The Acting Head of the NEMA Enugu Operations Office, Mrs Priscilla Madukwe, advised the community to adhere to early warning signs, utilise flood prevention, protection, and preparedness measures, and do everything within their power to protect their lives, properties, businesses, assets, and environment against flood disasters.
Mrs. Madukwe particularly advised farmers, business owners, and landlords to acquire risk insurance.
She was represented at the event by Mrs Ebere Ugwu, the Chief Human Resources Management Officer.
Earlier at the event, the Area Manager of the NIWA Onitsha Area Office, Sir Victor Nwokocha, welcomed and appreciated the stakeholders and community members in attendance.
He highlighted the importance of teamwork in promoting the safety of lives and the environment, emphasising the mandatory use of life jackets before sailing.
He also urged the community to remain highly cautious and to actively enhance their flood preparedness and mitigation strategies.
The President General of Umuoba Anam, Honourable Uche Anizoo, commended NIWA, NEMA and the other stakeholders.
He urged farmers to harvest their crops between July and August, before the flooding becomes severe, to prevent agricultural losses. On behalf of the Otuocha community,
Mr Okonkwo Onuogu, a boat operator, thanked NIWA, NEMA and the other stakeholders for their continuous efforts and commitment to building communities resilient to flood disasters.
Other highlights of the program included the distribution of 120 life jackets to both boat operators and passengers, alongside goodwill messages from various stakeholders.
