The National Emergency Management Agency(NEMA) in collaboration with the Ogun State Emergency Management Agency (OGSEMA) has stepped up efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and respose in the state through a stakeholders’ exercise.

Speaking to stakeholders during the exercise, NEMA’s Chief John Digha, stressed the need for sustained public sensitization, strong inter-agency coordination and timely response to emergencies.

Digha stated that successful disaster management depends on the collaborative efforts of the government agencies, non-governmental organisation, communities and individuals.

He explained that the four-day simulation programme would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to demonstrate their operational capabilities, identify possible gaps in emergency response and strengthen coordination among relevant agencies and responders.

The NEMA official also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report potential hazards to the appropriate authorities, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and other situations capable of triggering emergencies.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs Funmi Soyoye-Baker, urged key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and information sharing to ensure timely intervention whenever disasters occur.

Soyoye-Baker also stressed the importance of preventive measures, public awareness and compliance with safety regulations in reducing the impact of disasters on lives and property across the state.

In his remarks, the State Director of OGSEMA, Mr Soji Durojaye, called on residents, communities and non-governmental organisations across the state to support disaster risk reduction initiatives and make safety a collective responsibility.

Responding on behalf of the stakeholders, the Secretary, Red Cross Society of Nigeria, Ogun State Branch, Mr Ajayi Taye, said effective collaboration among relevant agencies and organisations would contribute to building a more resilient society capable of responding efficiently to emergencies and minimising disaster-related losses.

The exercise brought together representatives of emergency management agencies, the Red Cross Society, the State Ambulance and Emergency Service, security organisations, health personnel, as well as federal and state fire services, among other stakeholders.