Community Volunteers Trained in Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning in Niger State
A two-day training program for community-based volunteers focused on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Early Warning, and Early Action has commenced in the Mokwa and Wushishi local government areas of Niger State.
This initiative is organized by the Nigerian Red Cross Society in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and is supported by the Italian Government through the Flood Resilience Project.
During the opening session, Paul Orukamayan, a member of the National Disaster Response Team deployed to Niger State, announced that fifty volunteers from eight communities were selected to participate in the training. The sessions are being conducted simultaneously in the two targeted local government areas.
Orukamayan emphasized that the training aims to equip volunteers with essential knowledge and skills in DRR and Early Warning Early Action (EWAE) so they can disseminate life-saving information and promote preparedness within their communities. He noted that these trained volunteers will act as focal points in implementing the Flood Resilience Project.
Abubakar Idris, the Niger Branch Secretary of the Red Cross, highlighted that the training sessions will cover the principles of Early Warning and Early Action, community awareness, risk communication strategies, and conducting community needs assessments related to Shelter and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
He expressed optimism that the training would enhance the capacity of community-based volunteers to identify risks, mobilize local action, and conduct assessments using digital tools.
In her presentation, Hajiya Ramatu Turaki, the Planning Research and Forecasting Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency, underscored the necessity of Early Warning and Early Action in mitigating the increasing incidence of flood disasters in Niger State.
She encouraged participants to carry out their responsibilities in alignment with the fundamental principles of EWAE to achieve the program’s objectives.
In a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the participants, the Divisional Secretary of Mokwa Local Government Area expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Red Cross Society for facilitating this crucial training.
He assured that the volunteers would diligently fulfill their roles to meet the set objectives.
The two-day training session is set to conclude today.
