Mbiama, Rivers State – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has heightened Nigeria’s flood preparedness with a large-scale simulation exercise in Rivers State, aimed at strengthening coordinated emergency response and sensitizing communities in high-risk areas.
The exercise, held Monday in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area, was supported by the Rivers State Government and brought together multiple stakeholders, including security agencies, first responders, and local volunteers, to test flood response protocols and identify operational gaps.
NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, said the exercise underscored the importance of proactive disaster management.
“Flooding remains one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters in Nigeria. Beyond the loss of lives and property, it disrupts oil production and undermines the economy,” Umar said. “This simulation is to test our plans and strengthen multi-agency collaboration to build resilient communities.”
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), represented by Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, commended NEMA’s initiative and revealed plans to establish a State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to institutionalize disaster preparedness.
The exercise, code-named Exercise Iji Gbaje-Ugbo, targeted flood-prone communities across four local government areas, combining demonstrations of search and rescue techniques with community engagement.
NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, emphasized that the event reflected NEMA’s commitment to inclusive flood preparedness nationwide.
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Community leaders, including Ahoada West LGA Chairman, Mr. Promise Jacob, pledged local support to mitigate flood impacts.
The operation featured assets and personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside civil society organizations and grassroots volunteers, marking a robust step in Nigeria’s 2025 flood response strategy.
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