SEMA, NEMA, UNICEF Hold 2-Day Workshop To Boost Disaster Preparedness In Sokoto

In a bid to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve coordinated emergency response in Sokoto State, the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and with technical support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has concluded a two-day stakeholder workshop.

The workshop brought together key actors from across emergency response sectors to strategise on enhancing disaster readiness, coordination, and mitigation efforts.

Also in attendance was Michael Juma, UNICEF’s Chief of the Sokoto Field Office, alongside other UNICEF personnel, highlighting the agency’s commitment to supporting resilience and preparedness efforts in the region.

Head of NEMA Sokoto Operations Office, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Kafin-Dangi, represented by the Planning, Research, and Statistics Officer, Tukur Abubakar, underscored the need for robust multi-agency collaboration to address the increasing risk of disasters in vulnerable communities.

The Honourable Aminu Liman Bodinga, Special Adviser to the Governor on SEMA, commended UNICEF for its continuous partnership and described the event as timely, particularly in light of recent forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) indicating that eight local government areas in Sokoto are at high risk of flooding this year.

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“This initiative is crucial, especially with the forecast by NIMET and the 2025 flood outlook, which have identified Sokoto among the states likely to be severely affected. We must be prepared to reduce the impact on our people,” Bodinga said.

The workshop drew participants from emergency management agencies, local government authorities, security forces, health officials, civil society organizations, and Local Government Disaster Management Desk Officers.

Discussions focused on improving coordination in critical areas such as food and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, emergency shelter and non-food items (NFI), camp coordination, education, protection, security, and community sensitisation.

The workshop concluded with stakeholders agreeing on key contingency planning measures and pledging to enhance inter-agency cooperation for more effective disaster management in Sokoto State.

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