By Amina Ahmed
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Bauchi State, has intensified stakeholder engagement and community sensitisation, as part of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC).
Mr Sulaiman Yakubu, NEMA Director in the North-East zone, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting, on Friday in Bauchi.
He said the exercise aims to enhance flood preparedness and disaster risk reduction ahead of the rainy season.
Yakubu underscored the importance of early preparedness, community participation and inter-agency collaboration in reducing the devastating effects of the disaster.
He said the campaign aims to sensitise vulnerable communities on flood risks, safety precautions, evacuation procedures and the need to adhere to early warning information issued by relevant authorities.
The director identified flood as one of the most recurring natural disasters affecting communities across the country, hence the need for sustained public awareness and collective action to safeguard lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
Yakubu said the NPRC team has conducted sensitisation exercise at the Muda Lawal market in Bauchi metropolis.
He said traders and other participants were exposed to flood prevention measures, environmental sanitation, proper waste disposal practices, and emergency response procedures.
The NEMA official urged residents to desist from blocking drains, and advised those living in flood-prone areas to relocate to minimise associated risks.
Mr Amina Mohammed, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, lauded the initiative, adding that it would strengthened disaster preparedness and response.
“The initiative will reduce the impact of flooding on vulnerable populations,” she said.
The stakeholders pledged continued to support NEMA and other emergency response agencies toward promoting disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
The 2026 NPRC is a nationwide initiative by the agency, to strengthen disaster preparedness, improve early response mechanisms and build resilient communities against the disaster.
The exercise was attended by government officials, emergency response and security agencies, humanitarian partners, community leaders, artisans and trade unions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)