The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) stands in accord with the global community in commemorating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024.
This year, NEMA directs attention towards the pivotal role of education in fortifying and empowering youth to ensure a future free from disasters.
The theme, “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future,” underscores the imperative need to provide young individuals with the knowledge and competencies necessary to prevent, manage, and alleviate disaster risks.
In amid marking the international day regarding climate change and its repercussions, NEMA remains steadfast in utilizing education as a fundamental instrument for nurturing disaster resilience.
Recent deluges in various regions of Nigeria have underscored the significance of comprehensive disaster readiness, particularly among the country’s youth.
Young individuals are not only the most susceptible to the consequences of disasters, but they are also the most influential agents of transformation,” expressed Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA.
Education lies at the core of enabling our youth to construct a safer, more resilient future. By endowing them with the appropriate tools and knowledge, we can facilitate their formulation of strategies that will diminish risks and enhance disaster preparedness,” she asserted.
In observance of this year’s event, NEMA will collaborate with educational institutions, universities, and youth associations to orchestrate workshops, seminars, and community involvements.
These initiatives will concentrate on fostering awareness regarding disaster risk reduction, climate action, and the significance of innovation and technology in shielding communities. Through stimulating discourse and education, NEMA aspires to motivate young individuals to assume proactive roles in disaster prevention and response.
NEMA also urges governmental bodies, educational establishments, civil society, and the private sector to reinforce partnerships that advocate for education as a vehicle for empowering youth to spearhead the endeavor of establishing a disaster-resilient Nigeria.
Through education, NEMA is confident that young individuals will not only grasp the challenges posed by climate change but will also be equipped to take informed, proactive measures towards securing a safer future for all.
This year’s commemoration of IDDRR will place less emphasis on large-scale events and more on grassroots community engagement, recognizing the value of direct interaction and experiential learning in disaster preparedness.
In prioritizing educational campaigns, NEMA reiterates its dedication to cultivating an informed and empowered generation capable of guiding the nation towards a future devoid of disasters.
