In a bold and proactive stride towards disaster risk reduction, the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), hosted a high-level stakeholders’ Engagement to disseminate and downscale the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by NiMet and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by NIHSA.
The strategic meeting brought together key actors from across the state, including representatives of eight flood-prone LGAs (Bade, Jakusko, Yunusari, Gulani, Geidam, Potiskum, Bursari, and Karasuwa), ministries, development agencies, traditional leaders, security personnel, NGOs, and the media.
A statement from the executive secretary of SEMA, Dr Mohammed Goje, said the engagement focused on reviewing the 2024 flood and what needs to be done for 2025.
He said, “The engagement dwelled on the review of the 2024 Flood and Disaster Situation and Presentation of Yobe’s 2025 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP).
“Forecast Briefing by NEMA on Delayed Rainfall Onset and Early Cessation Trends, rainfall expected to be shorter in duration across parts of Yobe State, a signal of increased flood and drought risks.”
The sessions fostered active discussions on integrating climate information into local government, sectoral, and community planning by establishing early warning systems at the community level and appealing for evacuation drains and water routes for safe shelters.
It equally emphasised waste management and drainage desilting to prevent urban flooding, as well as raising awareness through media and public sensitisation campaigns.
He said the meeting resolved to “Enhance coordination among emergency response actors, firm commitment to integrate SCP and AFO into local action plans, and agreement to hold regular preparedness review meetings ahead of peak rainfall.
The executive secretary said the engagement is a major step toward turning climate data into lifesaving action through collaborative foresight, adding that the state remained committed to approaching the season with effective preparedness for a safer path forward.
The NEMA Team made presentations and demonstrations across different topics and called on downscaling to community levels for better results.
The representative of the DG of NEMA urged people to consider the issue of climate change seriously, adding, “Climate change is real, just as our response.”
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