Flooding: FEMA, University of Abuja engage communities on weather education

As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the anticipated heavy floods in the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT) this rainy season, the FCT Emergency Management Agency, (FEMA) and the University of Abuja, Department of Political Science and International Relations, have agreed to collaborate on community engagement in weather education and the consequences of flooding.

The Director General of FEMA, Dr Abbas Garba Idriss disclosed this in an interview with Journalists in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.

Dr Idriss noted that the sensitization exercise will cover the entire FCT and will focus on flood management, environmental issues and community engagements.

He revealed that the exercise will commence with a symposium on the 31st of July, 2023 at the University’s auditorium.

The DG said about one thousand participants comprising students, lecturers, staff of FEMA, traditional rulers, communities from all the 6 Area Councils, FEMA vanguards and volunteers and Local Divers from the 6 area Councils are expected to attend the symposium.

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Idriss stated that the peak of the rains in the FCT falls within July, August and September, noting that the collaboration was apt and timely.

He informed us that the Agency will continue to organise town hall meetings and engagement of the community and their leaders.

The FEMA Boss added that the institution’s faculty of Geography, Environmental Science and Social Science, and Community Services, would be working with FEMA in sensitizing FCT residents, particularly at the grassroots.

While appreciating the FCT residents for adhering to early warnings, he called on all residents to make use of the toll-free emergency number for a prompt response.