Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
Amid growing concerns over the threat of flooding in vulnerable communities across Kogi State, the Christian Blind Mission (CBM Nigeria) has organised a three-day intensive training on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) to assess and strengthen the state’s disaster preparedness framework.
The training, which ended on Friday, brought together disaster management officials, volunteers and development partners to evaluate existing preparedness measures, identify operational gaps and improve coordination among stakeholders as water levels continue to rise in the state.
The workshop also sought to strengthen the capacity of emergency responders to protect vulnerable populations, particularly persons with disabilities, during floods and other disasters.
Speaking at the event, CBM Nigeria Programme Manager, Mr Michael Ida, said disaster management authorities had a humanitarian responsibility to plan effectively, protect lives and provide adequate support to flood victims.
He called for increased political commitment, adequate budgetary allocations, effective resource mobilisation, community engagement and the deployment of efficient technical and humanitarian support systems to improve disaster response across Kogi State.
Ida acknowledged that inadequate funding, resource constraints, coordination gaps and limited government support posed significant challenges to emergency management. However, he stressed that such challenges should not serve as excuses for ineffective disaster response.
He described disaster risk reduction as a humanitarian responsibility requiring integrity, dedication, accountability and compassion, urging stakeholders to place the welfare of affected communities above personal interests.
According to him, CBM and other international organisations are willing to invest more in disaster risk reduction initiatives in Kogi State if the government and relevant institutions demonstrate stronger commitment and establish effective administrative and coordination mechanisms.
He emphasised the need for emergency responders to develop strategic action plans ahead of disasters, conduct community needs assessments and adopt professional rescue techniques, alongside psychosocial support for survivors.
Ida urged participants to remain proactive, collaborative and operationally efficient in their respective communities, particularly in search-and-rescue operations and other humanitarian interventions.
Participants at the training also underscored the importance of early warning systems, community awareness and stronger coordination among agencies responsible for disaster preparedness and response.
The Sustainable Family Healthcare Foundation (SFHF) launched the Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction project in Kogi State earlier this year to strengthen the safety and resilience of vulnerable communities, especially persons with disabilities, during emergencies.
The Kogi State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Mr Ibrahim Daniel Arome, said persons with disabilities continued to face significant barriers during disasters.
He identified inaccessible emergency facilities, the loss or unavailability of assistive devices, and the absence of accessible early warning messages, including sign language and audio-based alerts, as major challenges confronting persons with disabilities in the state.
Arome stressed the need for disaster management authorities to ensure that emergency preparedness plans and response mechanisms were inclusive and responsive to the specific needs of persons with disabilities.
Participants included representatives of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, health and environmental authorities, NSS Lugard, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The training featured simulations, practical exercises and group discussions on disaster risk reduction, emergency management challenges, operational strategies, community resilience and innovative rescue techniques.
The sessions highlighted obstacles to effective disaster response, while participating agencies expressed their readiness to strengthen collaboration and inter-agency coordination to improve emergency preparedness and response across the state.
Representing the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr Danjuma A. Usman, popularly known as Mr Dan, a member of the organisation’s Regional Disaster Response Team for West and Central Africa, urged stakeholders to develop a deeper understanding of humanitarian needs before drawing conclusions about the distribution of relief materials and palliatives.
His remarks came amid allegations of diversion of relief materials, with Usman stressing the importance of needs assessments and transparent distribution processes to ensure assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
He also urged emergency responders to prioritise humanitarian service over financial gains and equip themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective search-and-rescue operations.
The stakeholders reaffirmed the importance of inclusive planning, timely warnings, community participation and coordinated emergency interventions in reducing flood risks and protecting lives and livelihoods across Kogi State.
