FEMA to intensify dry season awareness campaign in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), says it will intensify its dry season enlightenment campaign, to ensure zero loss of lives and properties in Abuja. 

Florence Wenegieme, the director, forecasting, response and mitigation, FEMA, made this known on Thursday during a one-day dry season sensitisation campaign at the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) secretariat.

Wenegieme said the sensitisation campaign will forestall common disasters during the dry season across the six area councils of the FCT.

“The numerous fire incidents associated with dry season constitute a huge challenge as one of the calamities common at this period of the year,” Wenegieme said.

“Over the years, we have always witnessed fire incidents in markets or plazas, especially in January.

“Wildfires are also very common during the dry season due to poor handling of fire.

“Other common disasters during the dry season include outbreak and spread of diseases and accidents, among others.”

She added that the intensification of the campaign was based on the directive of Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, and Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT minister of state.

The director explained that the campaign would enlighten residents against negative attitudes and practices that could lead to disasters during the dry season.

Wenegieme noted that the agency started the dry season sensitisation campaign in November 2023, beginning with the palaces of traditional leaders, their members of councils and other community structures.

She said FEMA has decided to extend the campaign to the six area councils, beginning with AMAC, targeting the chairman and members of his cabinet, including representatives from different communities in the council.

On his part, Christopher Maikalangu, the AMAC chairman, said the council had prioritised emergency management and expressed commitment to enlighten residents of the council.

Maikalangu, who was represented by Jafaru Gwagwa, the council secretary, assured FEMA that the council would ensure that the information reaches the grassroots.