The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA) has reiterated its dedication to building disaster resilience across the state, emphasizing proactive measures over reactive responses.
Speaking in Jos during the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) commemoration, PLASEMA Executive Secretary, Mr. Sunday Abdu, said this year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”, is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in prevention to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
He noted that Plateau State has over the years faced various challenges such as floods, communal conflicts, erosion, and droughts—hazards that have repeatedly endangered lives and economic stability. However, under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Abdu said the state has made significant progress through improved disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community outreach.
“This year’s observance highlights the need for stronger investment in risk reduction initiatives like environmental conservation, public education, improved early warning mechanisms, and better coordination among all stakeholders,” Abdu said.
He stressed the need to shift from a reactive model to a preventive one, listing some of the agency’s recent efforts, including:
- Awareness campaigns across all 17 local government areas on flood preparedness and safe building practices.
- Capacity-building workshops for first responders and volunteers on emergency management and rescue operations.
Abdu called on communities, civil society groups, private organisations, and media professionals to support and promote disaster education and climate adaptation efforts. “Everyone has a role to play in reducing disaster risks. The cost of being unprepared is far greater than the investment required for preparedness,” he added.
He also announced that the agency would strengthen its coordination capacity starting November 2025, with a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the input and collaboration of development partners and stakeholders.
The government, according to him, has also provided a new operational building for PLASEMA, further enhancing its ability to respond efficiently to emergencies.
Representatives of partner organisations also delivered remarks at the event. Mr. Nansik Onu from the Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CeGHaD) advocated for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all disaster planning and response initiatives. He highlighted the need for risk reduction strategies to be accessible and responsive to the most vulnerable groups.
Mr. Kehinde Ajayi, Manager of the Emergency Communication Centre, urged the public to make use of the 112 National Emergency Toll-Free Number to report incidents promptly, noting that timely access to help can be the difference between life and death.
Similarly, Mrs. Bintu Wana, Head of Operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Jos, emphasised that the annual IDDRR event serves to remind the public of the critical need for collaborative efforts in mitigating disaster risks.
She urged individuals, organisations, and all levels of government to adopt proactive strategies for disaster preparedness to reduce the loss of lives and damage to property.