The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has joins the world in marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2024.
A statement by the agency said this year, NEMA shines a spotlight on the transformative role of education in safeguarding and empowering youth to secure a disaster-free future. The theme, “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future,” emphasizes the critical need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to prevent, manage, and mitigate disaster risks.
It further said amid rising global concerns over climate change and its impact, NEMA remains committed to leveraging education as a key tool for fostering disaster resilience. Recent floods across Nigeria have underlined the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness, especially among the nation’s youth, NEMA said.
“Young people are not only the most vulnerable to the impacts of disasters, but they are also the most powerful agents of change,” said Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA. “Education is central to empowering our youth to build a safer, more resilient future. By equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, we can help them shape strategies that will reduce risks and enhance disaster preparedness.”
As part of this year’s observance, NEMA said it will collaborate with schools, universities, and youth organizations to conduct workshops, seminars, and community engagements. These programs will focus on building awareness of disaster risk reduction, climate action, and the role of innovation and technology in safeguarding communities. By fostering dialogue and education, NEMA aims to inspire young people to take active roles in disaster prevention and response.
NEMA also called on government agencies, educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen partnerships that promote education as a means of empowering youth to lead the charge in creating a disaster-resilient Nigeria.
Through education, NEMA believes young people will not only understand the challenges posed by climate change but will also be equipped to take informed, proactive steps towards securing a safer future for all, the statem3nt said.
This year’s IDDRR observance will focus less on grand-scale events and more on grassroots community engagement, recognizing the importance of direct interaction and hands-on learning in disaster preparedness. By prioritizing educational initiatives, NEMA reaffirms its commitment to building a knowledgeable and empowered generation that can lead the nation towards a disaster-free future, the statement concluded.
