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NEMA emergency response activated nationwide to ensure rapid intervention during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
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DG Zubaida Umar urges Nigerians to prioritise safety on roads, waterways, public gatherings and residential areas.
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Inter-agency collaboration strengthened with security and emergency agencies to boost festive season preparedness.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated its nationwide emergency preparedness mechanisms to ensure swift response to disasters and emergencies during the festive season and beyond.
The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, made this known on Saturday in Abuja while leading staff of the agency on a fitness exercise aimed at enhancing operational readiness. She called on Nigerians to remain safety-conscious throughout the Yuletide period.
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Umar explained that NEMA, as Nigeria’s lead disaster coordination agency, is working closely with federal, state and local stakeholders to mitigate the impact of natural and human-induced disasters, especially at a time of increased travel and public activities.
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According to a statement signed by NEMA’s Head of Press, Manzo Ezekiel, the fitness exercise, which involved a five-kilometre route walk, was organised to promote physical fitness, teamwork and discipline among personnel in line with the agency’s frontline responsibilities.
The statement noted that the Director-General expressed satisfaction with the fitness level and preparedness of NEMA staff, stressing that physical and mental readiness are critical for effective emergency response during peak periods such as the festive season.
Umar assured Nigerians that the agency has placed all its zonal, territorial and state offices on alert and is coordinating with security agencies and first responders to ensure prompt intervention in the event of emergencies. She also advised motorists to avoid speeding, obey traffic rules and exercise caution on roads, waterways and at public events.
Reaffirming NEMA’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Umar said the agency remains on standby to respond to incidents throughout the Yuletide season and beyond.
Also speaking, the Director of Search and Rescue at NEMA, Air Commodore Bature Usman, said the fitness exercise is a routine activity designed to keep personnel physically and mentally prepared for emergency operations at all times.
The exercise featured participation from key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps, underscoring the importance of inter-agency cooperation in effective disaster management.
