NEMA Newsletter

Vol. 5 No. 16 April 2013

Mohammed Kanar

Mohammedkanar@yahoo.com

Vol. 5 No. 16 April 2013

08033035986

NEMA COMMENDS BAUCHI GOVT ON IDP RESETTLEMENT Musa Ilalla Ag. Zonal Coordinator

Musahk123@yahoo.com

Godwin Tepiko Assistant Zonal Coordinator South-South

Gombe Operation Office

Apollo Jediel Head Operation Office Hajia Zainab Umar Ali Assistant Head

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08033146397

Umesi Emenike Zonal Coordinator

Head Operation Office

urther to the resettlement of displaced persons in Bauchi State, t h e N at i o n a l E m e rg e n c y Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered more relief items t o s u p p o r t t h e S t at e Government towards early integration of the people in their new communities.

08036611305 08129019121 08037332660 08085908626

NEMA Commends Bauchi Govt On Idp Resettlement pg 1 Early Warning/flood Sensitization Campaign For Vulnerable Communities Held In South East pg2 NEMA Supports displaced persons in Wukari pg2 NEMA to Establish Emergency Media Centre pg3 Corpers Urged To Sensitize Communities On Flood pg3 NEMA, UNISDR to fashion out strategies on disaster risk reduction pg5 Baga: NEMA distributes Relief as Normalcy returns pg6 BAGA: 642 in NEMA Camp ‌Debunk Allegation Of Being Denied Access To The Displaced Persons pg6 NEMA warns Ondo residents to prepare for heavy rain pg7 All correspondences should be addressed to: Public Relations Division, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, No. 8, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

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likely flood as experienced last year by adopting necessary measures to prepare ahead.

Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi who delivered the items to the Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda, said the gesture was approved in addition to the previous a s s i st a n c e g i ve n a f te r satisfactory consideration of the commitment by the State Government and the willingness of the displaced persons to remain in Bauchi State.

Bauchi State, he said, has set a DG NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi making symbolic presention of relief items good record for the others to to the Bauchi State Head of Service Mr Abdon Gin who received the items on emulate in helping behalf of Governor Isa Yuguda for the resettled IDPs in the state distressed people in their localities. He assured that N E M A wo u l d a l ways Receiving the items, Governor Yuguda who collaborate with stakeholders including the was represented by the State Head of Service, state and local governments for efficient and Mr. Abdon Gin, thanked NEMA for the kind effective disaster management in the country. gesture and assured that the materials would He reminded the states that are yet to establish their emergency management agencies (SEMAs) to do so without further delay, adding that the agencies should be viable and fully operational to address situations within t h e i r j u r i s d i ct i o n s a n d re fe r o n l y overwhelming situations for federal assistance. He also urged the states to take early actions concerning the prediction of

be distributed to the beneficiaries accordingly.

He said the state government had gone very far in the process of the resettlement and thanked the federal government for the continued supports.

The items delivered were 2400 bundles of roofing zinc, 2400 bags of cement, 7000 pieces of timbers and 150 bags of roofing nails.

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EARLY WARNING/FLOOD SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGN FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES HELD IN SOUTH EAST

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he South East Zonal of f i c e of N E M A i n collaboration with the States of South East affected by flood in 2012, have embarked on early warning awareness and flood sensitisation campaign in vulnerable communities as regards NIMET's seasonal rainfall prediction for 2013.

reiterated the effect of the flood disaster of 2012 in the State and expressed great appreciation from the people and Government of Anambra State for the efforts of Federal Government through NEMA for the provision of relief materials, rehabilitation of displaced persons at different IDPs Camps in the affected communities and post disaster needs assessment conducted after the water had receded.

The objective of this campaign is to sensitize the vulnerable communities on NIMET Rainfall prediction for 2013, educate them NEMA South East Zonal Coordinator, Dr Bandele Onimode on relevant proactive measures in The SSG said though what case of flooding, to reduce their happened last year was unexpected, but because of early vulnerability. The campaign would also enhance public warning meeting held at Abagana last year, the State recorded awareness of a possible 2013 flooding mitigation through only six deaths compared to what happened in the other education and public enlightenment, access the level of affected states. He appreciated the effort of NEMA and relevant preparedness through observations of all the sectors of the agencies in sensitizing the public on NIMET rainfall prediction communities. for 2013, emphasizing that community resilience to Disasters Speaking during the occasion in Otucha, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, NEMA South East Zonal Coordinator Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele extended his sympathy to the people of Anambra State on the flood disaster that devastated eight (8) Local Government Areas of the State in 2012, and reminded participants at the early warning awareness campaign program that what happened last year may occur in 2013 based on NIMET rainfall prediction for the year.

He therefore enjoined the people to adhere strictly to the early warning messages and that States Governments should also embark on radio jingles, advocacy and further awareness campaign to reduce the effects of a possible flooding this year .He emphasized on the importance of community and grass roots participation in Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Secretary to Anambra State Government, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, in his contribution during the early warning campaign,

could only be achieved through such platform and concluded that the benefit derived from this kind of exercise is unquantifiable. The early warning/flood sensitization campaign was also held at Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State at which the State Government was represented by the Executive Secretary of Ebonyi SEMA, Elder Igboke Umunna.

At a similar programme held at Egbema for vulnerable communities in Imo State, the State Government represented by the Executive Secretary of SEMA Mrs. Uche Ezeonyeasi was full of appreciation for NEMA for bringing the NIMET Seasonal Rainfall Prediction 2013 to the end users in their domain and promised government determination to ensure that jingles and television adverts are put in place to ensure that information gets to every nook and cranny of the State.

Similar Early Warning/Flood Sensitization Programme has also been carried out at Uzo-Uwani and Ikwuano Local Government Areas of Enugu and Abia States respectively.

NEMA Supports displaced persons in Wukari

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he Gombe Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has promised to assist the 3,000 displaced persons in Wukari, Taraba, after the crisis.

The head of the office, Apollos Jediel, made this known to newsmen in Jalingo shortly after assessing the extent of damage in the area.

"We have discovered that 39 persons were killed, 30 were

injured, 32 houses burnt and over 3,000 displaced."The displaced persons are currently living in 13 makeshift camps in the area,” he said.

He added that the Red Cross was still registering more victims.

Jediel said that the agency's Director-General, Alhaji Muhammed Sani-Sidi, directed his team to carry out the assessment to facilitate the approval of necessary relief materials to the victims as soon as possible.

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CORPERS URGED TO SENSITIZE COMMUNITIES ON FLOOD gainst the backdrop of prediction of heavy rainfall by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), NEMA has charged corps members undertaking their service i n K wa r a to s e n s i t i z e t h e communities they serve to be proactive against heavy rainfall and flooding.

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consequences for survival, dignity and livelihoods of individuals and communities, charging the corps members to be at the vanguard of awareness campaign, saying, "You are the eye of the community in your place of primary assignment.

"The knowledge acquired today will first help you in the event of any emergency and also enable you to render help to others. Last year, there was flood and many people were affected.

The Coordinator of the Abuja operations office of NEMA, Mr. Ishaya Isah Chonoko said at a A group of corps members after a voluntary sanitation exercise training programme on emergency and disaster management for "With NIMET predictions of a likely members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) flood in 2013, it is expected that you will become effective Emergency Management Vanguard that such sensitisation vanguards in creating the needed awareness on what would assist in avoiding the reoccurrence of last year's flood. communities should do before, during and after the floods as The training held in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital had in attendance representatives of the Nigeria Red Cross, fire fighters and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) who trained the corps members on pragmatic ways to manage disasters.

Chonoko represented by a Planning Officer, Mr. Babatunde Reuben Shola noted that disaster loss was on the rise with grave

may be the case in other disasters," he said. He added, "The NEMA/NYSC Emergency Management Vanguard project is aimed at using NYSC corps members as vanguards for a uniform proactive disaster management nationwide. Rural communities are most affected when disasters occur because they are more vulnerable and do not have adequate coping capacity.”

NEMA to Establish Emergency Media Centre

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he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is working towards the establishment of National Emergency Information Centre (NEIC) for timely response to media enquiries on disasters and emergency occurrences in the Nigeria.

The Head of Public Relations of the agency, Yushau A. Shuaib who made the disclosure at the end of a workshop organized

by NEMA Abuja Operation Office said the centre would have state of the art media equipment for efficient processing and timely transmission of disaster-related information.

He disclosed “the National Emergency Information Centre which will be domiciled at NEMA headquarter would have representations from various response agencies who would be gathering information from their respective rescue and relief officers on the ground for relaying timely and accurate emergency information to the public through various media channels.”

He added that the Director General of the Agency, Muhammad Sani-Sidi had mandated members of Media and Information Committee on Emergency Management (MICEM) who are spokespersons of response agencies to work out an action plan

for the implementation of Integrated Public Alert Messaging System (IPAMS).

The Committee is mandated to come up with the working document on the first Integrated Public Alert Messaging System (IPAMS) in the country that would give clear guides on the type of information, methods of dissemination and approving authority in warning our people against disasters.

Speaking at the occasion, the Zonal Cordinator Abuja Operation Office of NEMA, Mr. Ishaya Chonoko said the agency is championing the need for Integrated Early Warning Alert Messaging System that would be deployed to send warning messages to specific target audiences against flood, heavy traffics and disaster-prone areas.

He addd that the success of the early warning messages would be determined by the level of cooperation from partnering media, telephone operators and other stakeholders in disaster awareness campaigns. He therefore called on media practitioners to support the Agency in creating public awareness against disaster, especial disaster risk reduction campaigns.

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Baga: NEMA distributes Relief as Normalcy returns F

o l l ow i n g t h e ret u r n of n o r m a l c y, h u m a n i t a r i a n workers led by the National E m e rg e n c y Ma n ag e m e n t Agency (NEMA) have distributed relief items to displaced persons a f fe cte d by t h e military operation in Baga, Kukawa Local g ove r n m e n t a re a , Borno State.

As directed by the President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the Director General of NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi dispatched a team of officers with relief and medical items for the affected persons in the area. However, on arrival it was discovered that most of the displaced persons were in hiding in the bush while others were taking refuge in the homes of their relations in the neighbouring communities.

The Director Search and Rescue, Air

commondore Charles Otebagde who led the team of rescue and relief officers to Baga town said the major task before them was to ensure all people who were still in

Children playing in one of the IDP camp, Baga

relief items would distributed while those with minor injuries were treated at a temporary camp clinic opened in the area. He said the communities affected were Bayan Bulabulin, A n g u wa G a j ag a j a , Aliya, Musarin Baga, Kasuwan baga, Layin yannono.

He said the items presented were meant to as s i st i n t h e rehabilitation of the affected persons. He appealed to the people to remain c a l m a s n o m e a n i n g f u l development could be achieved without peace.

the bush move into temporary camps established for them as a team was on the ground to provide all the necessary The items were distributed by NEMA officials together with other humanitarian assistance to the affected victims. workers and officials of the Borno State He said immediately a rapid assessment and Kukawa Local Governments. The was conducted in collaboration with Red items were made up of medical, sanitary, Cross and other voluntary organizations, food, household and tents.

BAGA: 642 in NEMA Camp …Debunk Allegation Of Being Denied Access To The Displaced Persons

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he National Emergency Management Agency has about 642 persons that are now in camp following their return from the bush after being displaced by the recent crisis in Baga, Kukawa local Government Area of Borno State.

Coordinator of the Agency in charge of its North East zone, Mohammed Kanar disclosed the figure and debunked allegations that NEMA officials were denied access to the area by the military.

Kanar who made the clarification said the agency had immediately mobilized relief interventions to Baga town and commenced the distribution of aids to the affected persons along with other humanitarian organizations and officials of the Borno State Government.

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NEMA warns Ondo residents to prepare for heavy rain he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) South West Zona Office in Akure urged communities in some parts of Ondo State to be prepared for rains this year.

NEMA Zonal Coordinator in the South West, Mr Iyiola Akande, stated this at a one-day workshop on “Strengthening Mechanism for CommunityBased Disaster Early Warning.''

Represented by Mr Babatunde Adebiyi, the Assistant Zonal Coordinator, said that the ''looming above normal rain' might have negative impacts on the social and economic lives of the people.

He disclosed that Ondo town and Akure would have 119 mm and 65 mm, respectively above normal rain, ''which may cause disaster in various forms if adequate precautionary measures are not put in place.''

Akande also disclosed that the downpour would be associated with flood and storm that would destroy houses and farmlands, adding that this might cause untold hardship to the people. ''The workshop, therefore, is aimed at making people to be aware about the onset of the rain so that stakeholders like farmers would know when to embark on planting and respond to the situation,'' he said.

He explained that the workshop was also aimed at sensitising various care-givers like the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Red Cross, Fire Fighters, National Youth Service Corps and community volunteers on mitigating the effect of any disaster.

The coordinator, who noted that the role that

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community plays in disaster management could not be overemphasised, said Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) would be ineffective without active participation of all communities. ''One of the ways communities can best involve in DRR activities is through monitoring of early warning information.

Without sufficient warning, the provision of emergency supplies, training and stimulation drills could become worthless.

“The greater the time the communities have to prepare against the disasters, the greater the savings in human life, household assets, livestock and stored provisions, including livelihoods.

“The impact of the 2012 flood disaster in various states of the federation, which claimed over 300 lives and displaced more than a million people, is still fresh in our minds.

“Therefore, it is compelling that we organise a workshop of this kind to ensure better preparedness against flooding this year.

“NEMA is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to sensitise farmers on the need to make adequate preparation on the rain this year,'' he said.

He also said NEMA had advised agricultural extension workers to move to the rural areas to sensitise farmers adequately.

Veterinary doctors, he added, had also been told to take action on the likely effects of this year's downpour.

The coordinator advised the people to stop the habit of cutting trees in their environment as they often serve as wind breakers in case of storm.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 1.CALL NEMA EMERGENCY CALL CENTER ON: 0800CALL NEMA or (080022556362) -TOLL FREE 0929O5777 092905895 08032003555 2. To give the following information:

He said the rapid relief intervention of the Agency which delivered the much needed succor to the people was made possible with the support and cooperation of the stakeholders including the military.

The NEMA Zonal Coordinator said its officials were never denied access to the troubled area at anytime just as it never said that the displaced persons are still hiding in the bush. He further explained that the displaced persons who had fled the area initially have all returned as confirmed by the community leaders.

NEMA officials, he said are on ground in the area continuing with their humanitarian activities.

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a. Location of incidence, Accident or Emergency. b. Name of street or location. c. Prominent landmarks. d. Type of Emergency (Fire, Road, Accident, Floods e.t.c ). e. Number of people involved. f. What actions are being taken by agencies on the site, no. of Ambulances e.t.c. g. Any other useful information.

PLEASE NOTE THAT QUICK AND CLEAR INFORMATION WILL ENHANCE QUICK RESPONSE AND CONSEQUENTLY THE SAVING OF PRECIOUS LIVES.

for the sake of the distressed

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National Emergency Management Agency South East Zone in conjunction with Imo State Emergency Management Agency holds an early warning/flood Sensitization Programme for Vulnerable Communities

Dignitaries at the Flood awareness early warning campaign

Mrs Uche Ezeonyeasi Executive Secretary Imo SEMA and Dr. Onimode A. Bandele NEMA South East Zonal Coordinator

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NEMA, UNISDR to fashion out strategies on disaster risk reduction n efforts to build the resilience of Nation and communities to disaster, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in c o l l a b o r at i o n w i t h U n i te d N at i o n International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) have convened a consultative forum of stakeholders to review the implementation of Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) to map out strategies towards achieving objectives of the post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

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The Director General of NEMA, Muhammad SaniSidi stated that the HFA message depict plans and detailed work required from different sectors and actors of member countries in reducing disaster losses, through the implementation of the five priorities areas for action namely; ensuring that DRR is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation; identifying, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning; use of knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels; reducing the underlying risk factors as well as strengthening disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels..

"The importance underscores the need for stakeholders on DRR/practitioners to recognise the cross-cutting nature of the subject and I strongly believe that full and sustained involvement of a wide range of stakeholders at multiple levels is crucial to achieving DRR and building resilient societies. This is the basis for the promised and now established national platforms on DRR," Sani-Sidi represented by Director of Triaining, Daniel Gambo said.

Chukwudi O. Ariaga Sole Adiminstrator Ohaji Egbema LG

Community leaders from Ohaji Egbema LG

Cross Section of participants

Cross Section of participants

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Director of training, Engr. Daniel B. Gambo in group photograph with participants at the forum

"In introducing HFA 2, those that are not part of HFA 1, should become part of it. Local risk is not well promoted and a lot of energy should be taken from women to make it succeed," he stressed.

Deputy Director, NEMA, Aliyu Sambo maintained that exposure to future disasters has the greatest potential to be reduced if risk management approach was incorporated in land use, urban and spatial planning, and in post disaster reconstruction planning.

"There is no option to the promotion and adoption of disaster risk reduction at all levels that will ensure we reduce our vulnerabilities, increase the capacities and resilience of our communities," Sambo said.

Sani sidi enjoined participants to embrace constructive discussion with a view of framing the post 2015 international The Post 2015 Stakeholders Consultative Forum was launched framework that will be all inclusive to guide actions on DRR, as in Geneva in March 2012 by the Special Representative of the well as accelerate the building of resilience and shape the way United Nations (UN) Secretary General for Disaster Risk forward in future.

Reduction (SRSG), Marageta Walhlstrom and Japanese Ambassador to the International Organisation, also in Geneva, "I endeavour with your support to expand the tent within which Yoichi Otabe, aimed at bringing together relevant stakeholders our consultation takes place so as to have wider involvement of from federal/states government ministries, departments and non DRR focused practitioners from communities of practice for agencies, local communities, civil society, Non-governmental whom resilience has become an area of interest," he said. organisations, and the private sector to exchange views on the implementation of the 2005-2015 HFA and the way forward.

Deputy Regional Coordinator, UNISDR, Youcef Ait Chellouche, stressed that response to disaster was all about preparedness, The main focus was the review of HFA 2005- 2015, an even as he noted that while risk is part of human existence, the instrument for implementing DRR, adopted by the member progress of man leads to more risks. states of the United Nations (UN), and a look at ways to improving on the post-2015 Framework Action Plan as well as He however lamented that disaster reporting is focused more on HFA 2. what government does, even as there are no clear papers on disaster management strategies, and clear relations between It was organised by NEMA in collaboration with the UN disaster and key decision making policy.

Regional Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Nairobi, Kenya. Various papers on the subject matter were presented.

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