Adamawa SEMA urges communities participation in flood-prevention efforts

By Abdullahi Lukman

The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) has called on local communities, traditional rulers, youth groups, and women’s associations to take an active role in flood prevention efforts across the state.

The call was made during the launch of the 2025 state-wide sensitization and awareness campaign on flood preparedness and response, which began on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Yola, the state capital.

The campaign, a joint initiative of ADSEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), aims to equip communities in flood-prone areas with critical information to protect lives and property.

ADSEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Celine La’ori, highlighted that the 2025 seasonal climate prediction indicates a high likelihood of flooding in several parts of Adamawa.

“We want to ensure that communities are well-prepared by providing essential knowledge and early warning messages that can mitigate losses,” Dr. La’ori said.

She emphasized the importance of proactive community engagement in preventing flood-related disasters.

Mr. Ladan Ayuba, Head of Operations at the NEMA Yola Office, praised ADSEMA’s initiative and reiterated NEMA’s commitment to supporting local communities in building resilience against floods.

He reminded residents that disaster risk reduction is a collective responsibility and assured continued support through capacity building, dissemination of early warnings, and the provision of relief materials.

“We urge residents to take these warnings seriously, adopt safety measures, and evacuate promptly when advised,” Ayuba said.

In support of the initiative, the District Head of Jimeta, Alhaji Muhammadu Chubado, pledged to help spread the message within his community.

He assured ADSEMA and NEMA of his cooperation and promised to encourage his people to follow the safety guidelines provided in the campaign.