Stakeholders Call For Bridging Inequality Gap In Tackling Disaster

As the world commemorates International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Stakeholders in Nigeria have advocated for the need to bridge the inequality gap existing among communities as a way to mitigate the impact of disasters as they occur.

At an event to mark the day, the Acting Director General Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency FEMA Ibrahim Sabo noted the existing link between inequality and disaster in society.

He explained that Disaster, whether natural or human made, does not discriminate as they strike anyone, anywhere and at any time, pointing out that “their impacts are not evenly distributed.”

“It is often the most vulnerable and marginalized communities that bear the heaviest burden, exacerbating existing inequalities.”

He said that as Nigeria addresses disaster risk reduction, “we must acknowledge and confront these disparities to create a resilient future. We must fight inequalities on multiple fronts.

The Acting DG FEMA also called for investment in early warning systems and ensured that everyone had access to early warning information.

He also called for inviting in social safety nets, promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, and listening to victims of disasters.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary FCT, who was represented Mr. Olusade Adesola advocated for investment in poverty reduction programs to bridge the gap in inequality in society.

Also, the Director Forecasting, Response and Mitigation Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency FEMA Mrs Florence Wenegieme said, the agency in recognition of reducing risks in disaster, embarked on fourteen day sensitization campaigns to communities within the capital city.

She noted that the engagements in the communities had fruitful discussions and suggestions with traditional and religious leaders, youths, and women groups in mitigating disasters.

“No body should be left out in the fight against disasters. It is every body’s business.” Wenegieme said.

The guest speaker, who is the former Director General Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency FEMA Dr. Abbas Idriss advocated for adopting the right action in mitigating disasters.

He urged people to avoid cutting down trees, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and avoid flooding plane areas, among others.

Some non-governmental organizations at the event pledged commitment in disaster mitigation.

The celebration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction began in 1989 by the United Nations General Assembly to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction usually held every 13 October.

The day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.

Theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is “Fighting inequality for a resilient future.”

Shakirat Sadiq