The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has conducted a flood disaster simulation exercise to strengthen emergency response in the state.
The exercise, which marked the third and closing day of the simulation, was aimed at improving the preparedness and response capacity of stakeholders to flooding and other related emergencies.
The simulation brought together emergency responders, security agencies, health personnel, community representatives and other relevant stakeholders to test their readiness and coordination before, during and after disasters.
Addressing participants at Odo Apo, Owu area of Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun stressed the need for continuous preparedness, noting that effective disaster management requires deliberate planning, early warning and rapid response.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the state government remains committed to protecting lives and property, particularly in communities vulnerable to flooding.
He urged residents in flood-prone areas to take early warnings seriously and relocate from identified danger zones whenever necessary.
“The flood disaster simulation exercise therefore serves as an important platform for strengthening the state’s emergency preparedness and response architecture. It provides stakeholders with the opportunity to assess their capabilities, improve communication and identify areas requiring further attention,” Abiodun said.
Representing the President, Mrs K Audu, commended the organisers and participating agencies for their commitment to disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.
She noted that the Federal Government attaches great importance to strengthening the capacity of states to respond effectively to natural disasters, especially flooding which continues to threaten communities, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the country.
Also, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, represented by the Director, Search and Rescue, NEMA, Air Commodore Bashir Usman, said the simulation was designed to test existing emergency response plans and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
He explained that the exercise provides responders the opportunity to practise their roles under realistic conditions, thereby reducing confusion and response time during actual emergencies.
The exercise featured practical demonstrations of search and rescue, evacuation of simulated flood victims, medical assistance and communication among agencies, while residents living in flood-prone areas were given relief packages including rice, garri, vegetable oil and mattresses.