The North West Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Abbani Imam Garki has emphasized the significance of education as a crucial Disaster Risk Reduction measure in society. He highlighted that education plays a vital role in keeping children engaged and away from the streets, which in turn helps prevent social vices that can lead to disasters in the community.
He made the remarks during a one-day intervention program on “Child Education in Northern Nigeria,” organized by Save a Child Initiative in collaboration with International Resource Foundation Academy (IRFA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Red Cross (NRC), Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation, ULK Foundation, and Clarion Voice for the Youths.
The Zonal Coordinator acknowledged that education not only keeps children occupied but also improves their quality of life. Through education, children are taught about hygiene, environmental issues like floods and erosions, and early warning signals, enabling them to be more prepared and proactive. He expressed NEMA’s willingness to collaborate with schools to establish Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) clubs, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.
The primary focus of the program was to address the educational challenges faced by orphans and underprivileged children in Northern Nigeria. It aimed to explore the possibilities of partnerships between NGOs, private organizations, and the government to create opportunities and support for these vulnerable children.
During the event, the Founder of “Save a Child Initiative,” Awwal Muhammad Musa, extended a warm welcome to all partners, encouraging both public and private sectors to sponsor and support the cause of child education.
The program also featured the Graduation Ceremony of students from IRFA International School. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed Royal Fathers of Gbagy and Zazzau Emirate, high-ranking State Government Officials, proud parents of the graduating students, and philanthropists and sponsors of the orphans, all coming together to celebrate the achievements of these young individuals and demonstrate their commitment to supporting education in Northern Nigeria.
