In honor of the International Day for Disaster Reduction, an event celebrated worldwide to encourage both citizens and governments to take proactive steps in building disaster-resilient communities and nations, officials from the Gombe Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) embarked on an educational outreach on Monday.
Led by the Head of Operations, Hajia Ummuna Ahmed, the team visited selected schools in Gombe with the mission of raising awareness about disaster risk reduction and equipping young students with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond effectively to potential disasters.
The theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction, “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” underscores the essential role young people play in strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience within their communities.
Recognizing the power of youth as future leaders and change-makers, NEMA’s initiative focused on providing students with a deeper understanding of the risks posed by disasters and how they can be mitigated.
By fostering this awareness among the younger generation, NEMA aims to instill a culture of safety and preparedness that can benefit the community as a whole in the long term.
During the school visits, NEMA officials organized interactive sessions, educational workshops, and practical demonstrations designed to engage students and provide them with hands-on experience in disaster preparedness.
These activities covered various types of potential hazards, such as fires, floods, and building collapses, offering students clear guidelines on how to respond safely and effectively in the event of such emergencies.
In addition to theoretical knowledge, students were shown practical skills, such as first aid, evacuation drills, and how to identify early warning signs of impending disasters.
Students were also encouraged to take the information they had learned back to their families and communities, sharing the important lessons on disaster risk reduction and preparedness.
This approach not only empowers the students themselves but also has a multiplying effect, as the knowledge spreads to a broader audience.
By educating young people, NEMA seeks to transform them into active agents of change who can help build a safer, more resilient society.
Hajia Ummuna Ahmed, speaking on the importance of the initiative, emphasized that educating the youth is a vital step in ensuring long-term resilience against disasters.
“We are investing in the future by equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to face disaster risks,” she said. “Our hope is that through this effort, we are not only protecting lives today but also preparing communities to be more resilient tomorrow.”
By engaging directly with students, NEMA’s efforts on the International Day for Disaster Reduction highlight the critical need for continuous education and community involvement in building disaster resilience.
