Flood: NYCN begins grassroot sensitisation, awareness campaign in Nasarawa State

By Musa Baba Adamu

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nasarawa state Chapter, has concluded arrangements to kick start the grassroots sensitisation and awareness campaigns in identified flood prone areas in the state.
The Acting Chairman, Nasarawa State NYCN, Malam Umar Rabiu, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen, on yesterday in Nasarawa Local Government, Nasarawa State.
Rabiu explained that the sensitisation campaign became in view of the recent flood disaster that submerged many houses in Nasarawa town in Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The youth leader said that the awareness campaign was aimed at educating residents on the risk factors associated with flood with a view to mitigate against flooding as predicted by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
Rabiu recalled that NiMet predicted that flooding would occurred in 32 states including Nasarawa State, hence the need for precautionary measures to protect lives and property.
He disclosed that the council would mobilise it’s members in all the 13 Local Governments and Development Areas in the state to embark on ward-to-ward flood enlightenment campaign.
Rabiu assured that the council was prepared to provide manpower support to the State Government to handle any eventuality that could arise.
The acting chairman also said that the council would extend it’s awareness campaign to markets, motoparks, eateries, Private and public places.
Rabiu disclosed that the council would partner with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) to come up with modalities on how to commence the awareness programme across the state.
He said: “Our mission is to coordinate resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response in state.”
He stressed the need for all agencies to intensify flood abatement, prevention and mitigation efforts across the state.
Rabiu, therefore, stressed the need for residents to take personal responsibility of the safety of their environment, noting that disaster management was an all-inclusive effort from both the government and the governed.
He said NYCN was very impressed with Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s prompt and adequate response to the recent flood disaster in the Nasarawa Local Government.
Rabiu commended the governor for his determination to reposition the state in line with the dreams and aspirations of its founding fathers.