The Delta State Government and the Federal Government have intensified preparedness measures ahead of the predicted 2026 flood season across vulnerable communities in the state.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day capacity-building workshop organised by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Benin Operations Office.
The workshop had the theme: “Building Local Capacity for Effective Emergency Response.”
The communiqué, signed on behalf of participants by Mr Felix Orhe and Mrs Florence Nwabuzor, was made available to journalists on Friday in Asaba.
It stressed the need for sustained community engagement and continuous public sensitisation campaigns to improve disaster awareness across Delta State..
Participants also resolved that local emergency response structures and volunteer groups should be established in communities across the state to improve coordination during disasters.
Other resolutions included strengthening early warning systems and improving risk communication channels for residents in flood-prone areas.
The communiqué further recommended regular training programmes, simulation exercises, and emergency drills for all stakeholders involved in disaster response.
It also called for the inclusion of local councils, traditional rulers, youth organisations, women groups, and persons living with disabilities in disaster preparedness planning.
In addition, participants urged the media to sustain public enlightenment efforts on disaster prevention, preparedness, and response strategies.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties, Mr Ejiro Etacherure, while declaring the workshop open, noted the rising frequency of emergencies in the state and across Nigeria.
He listed flooding, fire outbreaks, building collapse, communal clashes, and road accidents as major threats responsible for loss of lives and property.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Directorate, Prince Gregory Ejowhomu, he stressed the need for collaboration among institutions, stakeholders, and communities in managing emergencies.
According to him, effective disaster response requires strong institutional capacity, inter-agency cooperation, stakeholder participation, continuous training, and timely information sharing.
He assured that the state government would sustain proactive policies and continue supporting agencies responsible for disaster management.
In her remarks, the Director-General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, described the workshop as timely, given forecasts predicting significant flooding in 2026.
Represented by the NEMA Benin Operations Head, Mr Kenoma Ojuedere, she said the flood outlook identified 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory as high-risk zones.
She explained that the initiative aligns with the national disaster management framework aimed at reducing casualties and property losses.
Also speaking, SEMA Director Mr Alfred Ebreneyin emphasised that disaster management cannot be handled by a single agency alone.
He called for stronger collaboration among government bodies, security agencies, NGOs, development partners, and community volunteers to build resilience.
Participants included representatives of government agencies, security organisations, local councils, and other stakeholders involved in emergency management.
