The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday launched a statewide training program for grassroots emergency responders across all 23 local government areas to strengthen flood preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 rainy season.
The one-day training, organized by the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), brought together members of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and Community Information Coordinators (CICs) under the theme, “Strengthening Grassroots Response for a Safer Kaduna State.”
The exercise forms part of KADSEMA’s 2026 Disaster Management and Response Strategic and Tactical Team Flood Mitigation Action Plan.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, Usman Mazadu, said effective disaster management begins at the grassroots through timely information, coordinated community action and rapid emergency response.
Represented by the agency’s Director of Relief and Disaster Management, Mubarak Zakari, Mazadu said the training was designed to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, improve early warning systems and enhance coordination among emergency responders.
He explained that participants would receive practical training on the four key phases of disaster management—mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—to improve community resilience before, during and after disasters.
According to him, the program will also equip participants with a better understanding of the statutory responsibilities of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), Community Information Coordinators (CICs) and Community Disaster Managers (CMDs) in disaster risk reduction.
Mazadu added that the initiative would reinforce the community reporting structure that links local communities with CMDs, CICs, LEMCs, KADSEMA, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), ensuring faster information flow and a coordinated emergency response.
“The effectiveness of disaster management begins at the grassroots where timely information, community coordination and rapid response can reduce disaster impacts and save lives,” he said.
He noted that participants would identify disaster risks within their respective local government areas, map vulnerable communities and develop proactive preparedness strategies ahead of the peak rainfall period.
Mazadu said the initiative reflects the Kaduna State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property and livelihoods through stronger community-based emergency management.
Participants at the training were drawn from all 23 local government areas of the state.
