By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRC) commenced a five-day capacity-building workshop on Monday in Lokoja, Kogi State, focusing on ECOWAS Post-2022 Flood Disaster Response in Nigeria. The workshop targets stakeholders involved in disaster response is six states of the country.
Our correspondent reports that the workshop is timely, as floods have devastated numerous Nigerian communities, leading to the loss of homes, agricultural assets, and lives.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Valentine I. Ezulu, Director of Humanitarian Affairs at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS and the Nigerian Red Cross for their efforts in mitigating the impact of floods in Nigeria.
He noted that continued collaboration between these organizations and other ministry partners has been key to the workshop’s success.
Represented by Mrs. Florence N. Chukwude, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer in the ministry, Mr. Ezulu stressed the importance of the workshop in strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders in flood disaster response.
He expressed optimism that the workshop t would enhance coordination among actors in response to the impact of flood and promote best practices in line with ECOWAS frameworks and global humanitarian standards.
“Over the five days, participants will engage in presentations, interactive sessions, and group exercises led by seasoned experts. Topics covered will include flood risk management, early warning systems, data-driven strategies, and the development of ECOWAS Early Response Mechanisms.
“The workshop will also examine humanitarian principles and response frameworks in alignment with the ECOWAS Humanitarian Policy and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, among other key areas,” he said.
Mr. Ezulu emphasized that floods are among the most devastating natural disasters worldwide, displacing millions and destroying livelihoods, including in Nigeria.
These impacts, he said, underscored the urgent need for robust and well-coordinated disaster response mechanisms in the country.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the workshop, Mr. Benson Davwe Agbro, Director of Disaster Management at the Nigerian Red Cross, explained that the event was organized for staff of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, ECOWAS, and selected programme branches involved in ECOWAS flood interventions in Nigeria.
Regarding NRC’s efforts to assist flood victims, Mr. Agbro revealed that the Society has supported many flood-affected households in the states in the country,utilizing funds provided by ECOWAS through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, with the NRC serving as the implementing partner.
He revealed that NRC has constructed two boreholes in each of its six branches and distributed foodstuffs to flood victims in such areas.
He added that the NRC established Community Resilience Committees, comprising community members, including leaders, women, and persons with disabilities, to raise awareness on flood prevention and response strategies.
“We also teach people how to take preventive actions before floods occur or adapt when they happen,” Mr. Agbro added.
Participants at the workshop commended NRC and ECOWAS for the initiative and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to enhance their flood and disaster response efforts.
The participants were also drawn from six states: Kogi, Anambra, Kebbi, Oyo, Rivers, and Adamawa, representing NRC branches.
