By Aiworo S. Osahon
The United Nations General Assembly in 1989 adopted October 13th every year as International World Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to promote a global culture of harmony where the risk of disaster is at the barest minimum.
The above date is also for enhancing awareness of various disaster risks. This year’s event has as its theme: ‘Sing out Resilience.’
Since the inception of this date, organizations have embraced it as a matter of priority to create awareness that will facilitate the reduction in disaster risk.
In Edo State, reduction in disaster risk is among the top priorities of the government, aimed at fostering rapid economic development and peaceful coexistence. This underscores why the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EDOSEMA) joined the rest of the world to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
While addressing participants at the event, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr. Osasere Evbuomwan, commended EDOSEMA for marking the event which, he noted, will enable the general public to have access to adequate information and knowledge about disaster and its management.
He also spoke on the issue of flooding currently being experienced in some local government areas in the State, where many houses and farmlands have been submerged, many people displaced and in need of support from the government. He encouraged everyone to remain resilient so that the support they need could be realized, as this will also enable flood victims to avoid stress and depression.
During the interactive session, the Commissioner for Special Duties suggested that the dredging of the River Niger will proffer a lasting solution to the flood menace in the country. He urged that fire alarm systems as well as fire extinguishers should be provided for all public and private buildings.
In her welcome address, the Head of EDOSEMA, Mrs H. I. Obayuwana, thanked the participants for gracing the event, while reaffirming EDOSEMA’s pledge and readiness to sing the song of resilience in curtailing disaster in Edo State in line with this year’s theme.
She noted, “Recently in Edo State, communities have been submerged by flood with a lot of people displaced, properties destroyed, livelihood activities hampered and education activities truncated. Such is the fate in some other flood-affected States. However, singing the song of resilience is vital as the disaster has already occurred.”
“In line with the event’s objectives, adequate preparedness will help to reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that accompany disasters, and will also enable families, communities, and individuals to be conscious of necessary actions to take in the event of any disaster,” she added.
Similarly, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, EDOSEMA, Dr Desmond Agbama, who presented a lecture titled “Disaster Risk Reduction/Management,” gave insight into disaster management, its effects, components and the role of stakeholders. Dr Agbama also referred to the poor disaster management incident that occurred at Evbareke in Benin City where two persons lost their lives after trying to stop the fire incident, which could have been avoided if it was well managed.
On his part, a representative of the Edo State Fire Service, Mr Samuel Omobude, said that fire incidents in Edo State are mostly caused by man-made activities. He informed the participants that the Edo State Fire Service had visited about 60 public and private secondary schools in the State since the beginning of the year to enlighten them on how to prevent fire incidence.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Mr Gilbert Eguakhide, acknowledged the efforts of EDOSEMA towards the success of the program. He appealed to all the participants to ensure collaboration with stakeholders to enable the agency to achieve its objectives.
