The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has once again emphasized the critical role of the Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) in addressing disasters at the grassroots level.
In a statement issued by Nkechi Isa, the Head of Public Affairs at the agency, Mrs. Florence Wenegieme, the Director of Forecasting Response and Mitigation (FRM), reiterated this point during the inauguration of the LEMC in Abaji Area Council.
Mrs. Wenegieme highlighted that the establishment of the LEMC is aimed at enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts at the community level. She emphasized the pivotal role of LEMC members as the first responders in the event of a disaster, preceding the arrival of FEMA and other relevant stakeholders.
Furthermore, she noted that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act mandates the formation of state emergency management agencies and local emergency councils.
The Director of FRM outlined FEMA’s commitment to providing training for LEMC members. This training will focus on identifying hazards specific to their operational areas and conducting rescue operations efficiently and inclusively.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing emergency response capabilities within the council. He pledged to procure essential equipment such as a fire truck, a vehicle, and motorcycles to bolster the committee’s effectiveness in managing emergencies.
Hon. Abdullahi commended FEMA for its efforts in establishing the LEMC and praised the agency’s ongoing sensitization campaigns in Abaji. He urged the committee members to ensure that no individual is overlooked during disaster response efforts.
The inauguration of the LEMC in Abaji signifies another step forward in FEMA’s commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at the grassroots level.
