By Peter Usman,
Abuja (Nigeria) – In view of disastrous occurrences across the globe, both natural and man-made, Disaster managers in Nigeria have been urged to always be on alert to meet the expectations of the people.
This is with a view to reducing the impact of damages on citizens and general development of the country.
President of the Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Services, IDMS, Prof. Mala Mohammed Daura gave the advise during an induction/training course at the institute in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Daura stated that since disaster is inevitable, the need to prepare at all time cannot be overemphasized, saying that Nigerians should shun the habit of fire brigade approach to issues as that will cause a lot of damages to the people and properties.
He asserted that disaster, whether natural or man-made, could occur without warning, stating that if disaster is not managed well and attended to early, could lead to human, materials, economic and environmental losses to the affected communities or country.
Daura recalled how Nigeria experienced some disasters in the past, which he said have had direct negative impact on the society, causing deaths, human suffering, socio- economic losses and threat to national security.
In a paper, Warrant Officer, Donatus Emeka Ogbali Makata, recommended that the Nigerian Government should budget for the provision of modern equipment for Disaster Management Professionals, stressing that this can be done in the first quarter of 2018.
Makata stated that the Government should as well put in place mechanism for training and re-training of personnel periodically, while effective maintenance of disaster risk reduction should be inculcated in the country’s educational curriculum.
His words, “The Federal Government should make it mandatory for NEMA Simulation Unit which is under the training department and responsible for simulation exercise to organize it for Nigerians on a regular basis”
The induction/training also featured the inauguration of the President of the institution , some members inducted while others were giving awards in recognition of their contributions to the institution.
