Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), Mustapha Habib Ahmed, led a delegation to Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on a condolence visit to the Governor, Dr Kefas Agbu.
The visit was to extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Taraba following the tragic incidents of boat mishaps that claimed numerous lives in the state.
The Director General NEMA was represented by Director Search And Rescue, Air Commodore KR Mataluwo, accompanied by Deputy Director Operations Bashir Idris Garga, Head of NEMA Yola operations office Ladan Ayuba and other staff of the Agency.
While speaking at the Deputy Governor’s office, the DG underscored the urgent need to reevaluate disaster risk management, particularly in the context of annual flood disasters and boat accidents along major rivers.
He emphasized that some of these disasters were predictable and avoidable and advocated for a collective effort to enhance safety measures on inland waterways, including the mandatory use of life jackets, adherence to safe canoeing practices and also the need to strengthen the capacity of Taraba State Emergency Management Agency and local Emergency management committee at the local government level.
Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Alkali, Governor Kefas expressed gratitude to the Director General and his team for the visit.
He acknowledged NEMA’s effective emergency response while appreciating the collaboration between Taraba state and NEMA.
The Deputy governor also commended the Agency’s commitment to bringing succour to those in distress.
In addition to the focus on disaster risk management, the representative of the DG pointed out that NEMA was actively exploring partnerships with State governments and stakeholders to organize a national workshop on mitigating the recurring incidences of boat accidents.
NEMA said this was to put in place practical measures such as public sensitization and the distribution of life-saving protective gear to vulnerable communities.
The visit ended with both parties affirming their commitment to collaborative efforts that prioritize the safety and well-being of the people of Taraba State.
