Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State— In a proactive move to bolster disaster preparedness at the grassroots level, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently led a comprehensive flood simulation exercise in Dukku, a riverine settlement near Birnin Kebbi identified as highly vulnerable to flooding this 2025 season.
The exercise, carried out in partnership with the Kebbi State Government, aimed to evaluate flood response strategies, enhance coordination among emergency agencies, and elevate public awareness about flood risks in the community. Dukku’s location along a river increases the likelihood of severe flooding, making such preparedness vital.
Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA, underscored the critical role of readiness and cooperative efforts in mitigating disaster impacts. Speaking at the event, she remarked, “Flooding continues to be one of Nigeria’s most frequent and devastating natural disasters, affecting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Simulating such crises today equips us better to save lives when disaster strikes. Preparedness truly saves lives.”
The simulation also provided an opportunity to identify weaknesses in current response frameworks and foster stronger multi-agency collaboration across Kebbi and neighboring areas.
Mohammed Tanko Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Relations, attending the exercise, emphasized the importance of unified action among all involved agencies to manage flood threats effectively.
However, participant Williams Adamu highlighted logistical challenges that hinder response effectiveness: “While human resources are adequate, we lack essential logistics such as ambulances, trucks, and motorcycles.”
Representing Governor Nasir Idris Gwandu, Kebbi State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mohammed Hamidu, expressed approval of the ongoing community education and capacity building initiatives and pledged to address logistical shortfalls.
The drill included key first responders such as military Disaster Response Units, the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
In a gesture of community support, NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, also distributed life jackets to Dukku residents to enhance personal safety during potential flooding events.
By Enoch Odesola | August 8, 2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
