Odita Sunday 
NEMA DG takes disaster safety campaign to Abuja pupils, pushes early awareness
By Odita Sunday
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, has intensified efforts to promote disaster risk reduction at the grassroots by engaging primary school pupils in Abuja on safety awareness and emergency preparedness.
Umar took the campaign to LEA Primary School, Durumi, where she held an interactive session with pupils as part of NEMA’s ongoing strategy to instil a culture of safety among young Nigerians.
The visit, which took place on April 30, 2026, is aimed at introducing children to basic disaster prevention principles and equipping them with knowledge that can help reduce risks in their daily environments.
Addressing the pupils, the NEMA boss emphasised the importance of adopting simple but effective safety habits both at home and in school.
She explained that children, despite their age, have a critical role to play in preventing accidents and responding appropriately during emergencies.
“Disaster risk reduction is not only the responsibility of emergency responders; it is a shared responsibility that begins with awareness, preparedness, and responsible behaviour,” she said.
Umar highlighted common risks such as fire outbreaks, flooding, and unsafe play environments, providing practical guidance on how pupils can protect themselves and others.
She encouraged them to remain alert to potential dangers and to always report hazards to teachers, parents, or responsible adults.
The session also featured a question-and-answer segment, during which pupils actively engaged with officials and gained deeper understanding of safety practices and emergency response.
According to Umar, introducing disaster preparedness concepts at an early stage is essential for building resilient communities and reducing the long-term impact of disasters.
She noted that the initiative aligns with NEMA’s broader mandate of promoting disaster awareness across communities, schools, and households nationwide.
The visit, she added, underscores the agency’s commitment to proactive risk reduction through education and community engagement.
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