KNSG, NEMA Flags Off Flood Simulation Exercise in Wudil
By Mustapha Salisu
In a proactive move to mitigate the impact of potential flooding ahead of the 2025 rainy season, Kano State Government in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has flagged off a Flood Disaster Response Simulation Exercise in Wudil LGA.
The exercise by NEMA according to the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is aimed at preparing relevant stakeholders for flood emergencies and strengthening the state’s disaster response capacity.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of early preparedness in disaster management. “This exercise surely came at the right time. It is often said that prevention is better than cure, and what we are doing today is a preventive measure”
“While we do not pray for disasters to occur, we must be ready. Should anything happen, the level of destruction will be substantially mitigated” he said.
Gwarzo noted that the lessons learned from past experiences have informed the state’s current approach. “We always learn not necessarily from mistakes but from our initial experiences. We have every reason to believe that the agency has done well, and we are now thinking ahead, taking steps that will reduce the impact of any potential disaster,” he added.
The Deputy Governor assured NEMA and other stakeholders of the Kano State Government’s support. “Under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the state government is committed to collaborating with all relevant agencies. We are ready to do whatever it takes to prevent or, at the very least, minimize the level of destruction that may come with flooding,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, expressed her appreciation to the Kano State Government for hosting the simulation exercise, which also covers neighboring states like Yobe and Jigawa.
“We’re here this morning to commence the simulation exercise in Kano State, which we have chosen as the center for this zone”
“We were recently in Anambra State conducting a similar exercise. Our aim is to move from being reactive to being proactive. This exercise is also about identifying gaps in our preparedness and finding ways to improve” she said.
Haj. Zubaida further commended the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency committees for their active participation.
“This is the climax of our event in this region, and we are proud of the level of cooperation we have received. We look forward to deeper collaboration with Kano State in the future,” she concluded.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the simulation exercise brought together officials from NEMA, SEMA, local government representatives, security agencies, traditional rulers and community volunteers. It also featured practical demonstrations on flood response, evacuation procedures, and coordination of emergency services.
