Zainab Olufunmi
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has organised a training and public awareness campaign on tanker accidents and fire outbreak prevention in Kano.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, Dr Nura Abdullahi, NEMA Kano Territorial Coordinator, said fire incidents pose a serious threat to lives, property, and livelihoods, particularly during dry harmattan season when the risks are elevated.
The theme of the sensitization:”Fire Prevention and Tanker Accident Response” .
He said these dangers necessitate proactive measures to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance our collective capacity to manage emergencies effectively.
‘Over the years, frequency and severity of fire outbreaks, tanker-related accidents have become increasingly worrisome.
“These incidents not only disrupt economic and social activities but also cause devastating losses that are often avoidable through proper preparedness and sensitization.
“It is our responsibility to prioritize, strengthen response capabilities to mitigate risks.
“We will collaborate with stakeholders and volunteers, such as Grassroot Emergency Management Volunteers (GEMV) to build resilient society that is better prepared to handle disasters”,he said.
Abdullahi further explained that initiatives like this are part of our broader commitment to working with critical stakeholders to reduce the impacts of disasters and safeguard our communities
He added that delays or inaction in emergency situations often worsen outcomes.
Abdullahi urged corps members to strive to enlighten community at the grassroots level and make Kano State model of preparedness and safety.
On his part, Umar Abdullahi, Safety and Environmental Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Depot Hotoro said the training is timely and important to all stakeholders to prevent accident, loss of lives and properties.
Meanwhile, NEMA also carried sensitization campaign to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Depot Hotoro to enlighten truck drivers on measures to prevent fire disaster.
Among those who attended the training were the Executive Secretary Kano State Emergency Management Agency(SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi, representatives from Federal and State Fire Services, Nigeria Red Cross, and the Grassroots Emergency Management Volunteers (GEMV), National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) among others.
Papers were presented by the State Controller, Federal Fire Service Engr. Kazeem Sholadoye titled: “The role of stakeholders in management of tanker accident and fire outbreaks” and the Nigeria Red Cross Executive Secretary, Musa Abdullahi titled: “Management of burns and volunteerism”.
