Disaster Management: FEMA Seeks Collaboration With The FCT Education Secretariat
By: Nkechi Isa
The FCT Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA), has called for collaboration with the FCT Education Secretariat on disaster management.
The Acting Director-General of FEMA, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Sabo, made the call when he led the management team of FEMA on a courtesy visit to the Education Secretariat in Abuja.
Sabo explained that when disasters occur persons most affected are the marginalized, the vulnerable and children.
He specifically requested for access to schools in the FCT, to enable FEMA equip school children with basic skills required for safety during emergencies.
His words:”We need access to the schools to prepare and educate our children on how to respond to disasters. Training them on basic first aid, fire fighting and other relevant skills. We will not disrupt their activities”.
Sabo stated that the training will expose school children to advocacy skills required to respond to disasters in their respective communities, create awareness on issues related to disaster management, participation in drills and activation of disaster management clubs.
Responding, the FCT Education Secretary,
Dr. Danlami Hayyo, pledged his commitment to a collaborate with FEMA.
He said, “We are supposed to come to you. We are supposed to invite you to our schools to educate our children. Education on disaster management is key, particularly in this era of insecurity, flooding, fire outbreaks, building collapse. We have boarding schools with hostels”.
Hayyo underscored the need to equip school children with the necessary steps required in the event of a fire outbreak, flooding or building collapse.
“Our doors are open. We will cooperate with FEMA to have access to our schools. Write to me to fast tract your activiies. Let us collaborate, plan this often to ensure adequate sensitization,” he stressed.
The Secretary added that schools in the FCT require disaster ambassadors or desk officers to train the trainees in order to cascade the knowledge learned.
