NEMA educates Adamawa residents on flood prevention, protection
The Adamawa State Head of Operations for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Ladan Ayuba, has urged residents in Adamawa to promote activities that will safeguard and protect the environment against flooding as the season sets in.
Ayuba gave the charge at a waste management and flood preparedness workshop in Yola on Wednesday, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
He maintained that some human activities were inimical to the environment, adding that residents of flood-prone communities should take proactive steps towards padding the effects of eventual flooding in these areas.
“We all need to play our roles as we anticipate that the flood prediction in some parts of the state will eventually happen,” he said.
Ayuba added that improper handling of waste could expose serious danger to the physical and social environments.
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“This workshop is to educate and sensitise the public on the need to be prepared, vigilant and protective of the environment.
“As a people, we need to imbibe safer, environmentally-friendly and sustainable means of managing the wastes that we generate.
“As the rain intensifies, I urge all stakeholders to adequately prepare in anticipation to respond to any flood emergency,” he said.
Hajiya Safiya Abubakar, the Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment in Adamawa, said that the Federal Government had remained proactive in tackling flooding and other environmental challenges.
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“We have to do our part as citizens. We should protect the environment by maintaining public hygiene, and not dumping wastes on the drains and waterways.
“Some parts of the state are listed to witness flood during the rainy season, so let’s help ourselves by taking precautionary measures.
“Let’s help to clear the drains and other water channels. Let’s stop erecting structures on waterways,” she said.
In his remarks, Philip Ngamariju, the Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency, in Adamawa, expressed concerns over the poor environmental attitude of some residents.
Represented by Ismail Abubakar, the Administrative Officer, General Duties, Ngamariju, said that the task of protecting the environment is the collective responsibility of everyone.
Proofreading and editing by Gift Luckson and Hafsat Aleeyu Muye. Editor and Journalist at Neptune Prime.
