In a bid to enhance disaster preparedness among the youth in schools, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has urged secondary schools in the FCT to establish Disaster Management Clubs.
This appeal was made by the acting director general of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, during a commemorative event for the 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) held at Model Secondary School in Maitama, Abuja.
The theme for the 2024 IDDRR campaign, “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” aimed to address the pressing issue of disaster preparedness within educational institutions, with a particular focus on tackling disasters that may occur in the classroom.
The acting director general, who was represented by the FEMD head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation, Mr Mark Nyam, emphasised that such clubs would equip students with essential skills for disaster risk mitigation, thereby fostering a culture of safety in schools and their surrounding communities.
Mohammed while highlighting the pressing issues stemming from climate change, pointed to the alarming rise of flooding, droughts, and epidemics affecting various parts of the country.
He urged students to take proactive steps in their daily lives, including proper waste disposal, especially avoiding the dumping of refuse in water channels, switching off electrical appliances when not in use, and refraining from farming near riverbanks.
“We are looking to empower you all to be stewards of your environment,” he stated, encouraging students to pass on this knowledge and awareness to their families and communities.
The principal of Model Secondary School, Mrs. Olure Irewole Judith, expressed her commitment to establishing a disaster management club, pending approval from the Secondary Education Board.
“This initiative will not only create awareness but also encourage our students to become proactive in disaster risk reduction. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safer environment,” she said.
The FEMD team also extended its IDDRR campaign efforts to Government Secondary School in Gwarinpa, spreading the message of resilience to more students.
