U.S to assist Nigeria in disaster management
NAN-DS-9
Disaster
By Muhyideen jimoh
Abuja, Nov. 9, 2016 (NAN) The U.S has declared its readiness to assist Nigeria in improving its disaster response and emergency management capacity.
The U.S Bilateral Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Abuja, Major Chiddy Adighije, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a seminar on Disaster Response and Emergency Management organised by the US Embassy in conjunction with the Ministry of Interior.
Adighije said the major objective of the seminar was to educate the Nigerian agencies responsible for managing disaster on how it was done in the US while also discussing how to situate such strategies to meet the Nigerian situation.
“In the U.S, we have several agencies that are involved when it comes to disaster management and preparedness which is quite similar to what Nigeria has, however, implementation might be different.
“If there are any gaps, we hope this seminar will bring that to light and we will see where we can facilitate in bridging those gaps.
“It is the believe of the US Embassy and the Nigerian Government that having experts in the same room, they will be able to figure that piece out.
“Ultimately, what everybody wants to see is that the agencies that are responsible for disaster management can actually come to light and be productive in event of a disaster,” Adighije said.
He said that the seminar was meant to share experience between both countries and fashion out the best and most professional way to manage disasters in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Armed forces, Navy Commodore Ahmed Saleh, said disaster constituted a challenge to every government, stressing that it was important to know the best way to manage it.
“We want to know how best to manage disaster, that is why Nigeria invited the US to come and teach us how best to mitigate disaster in the country,” he said.
The representative of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Modupe Omisere, said Nigeria was always open to assistance from the U.S who, she said, was always available to support Nigeria.
“We recognise the fact that we are not up to the task in the area of disaster management, so that informs this seminar,” she added.
Participants at the three-day seminar include officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). (NAN)
MUYI/AMY/AMY
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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf