By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advanced its 2025 flood preparedness strategy with a full-scale flood simulation exercise in Mbiama, Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The exercise, held in partnership with the Rivers State Government, aimed to sensitize flood-prone communities and strengthen coordinated response efforts.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, described the exercise as a proactive measure to protect lives, livelihoods, and national assets from Nigeria’s recurrent and devastating floods. Represented by the Director of Planning, Dr. Onimode Abdullahi Bandele, she emphasized that preparedness is the strongest defense against disasters, noting the exercise helps test response plans, identify gaps, and build resilience through multi-agency collaboration.
The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, expressed gratitude to NEMA and revealed that the state is establishing a permanent Emergency Management Agency to enhance disaster readiness.
He urged communities to stay alert to early warnings and called on traditional leaders, faith groups, civil society, and media to promote disaster awareness at the grassroots level.
Coordinated by NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, the simulation—codenamed “Exercise Iji Gbaje-Ugbo”—focused on the most flood-prone communities across four local government areas in Rivers State.
It involved active participation from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, first responders, and local volunteers to demonstrate emergency response protocols.
Local government chairman Promise Jacob thanked NEMA and the state government for the initiative, pledging full community cooperation to mitigate flood impacts.
The exercise highlights NEMA’s commitment to inclusive flood preparedness and improved emergency response ahead of Nigeria’s 2025 flood season.
