NEMA vows full readiness for yuletide emergencies

Abdullateef Fowewe

Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, has spearheaded a five-kilometer fitness walk for staff in Abuja on Saturday, signaling the agency’s peak preparedness for holiday-season crises.

The event promoted physical fitness, teamwork, and operational sharpness amid rising festive activities.

“Physical readiness is critical to effective emergency response, especially during periods of heightened human and vehicular activities,” Mrs. Umar stated post-exercise, praising staff discipline.
She highlighted nationwide activation of response mechanisms, including partnerships with security forces and other agencies.

“NEMA has activated its preparedness mechanisms nationwide and is working in close coordination with relevant stakeholders to ensure rapid response to any emergency situation during the festive period,” the DG assured Nigerians.

Umar urged public vigilance: avoid speeding, follow traffic rules, and stay cautious at gatherings, roads, and homes. Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, called the walks routine for maintaining peak physical and mental form.

Stakeholders from the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, NSCDC, and FRSC joined, emphasising collaborative disaster efforts.

However, NEMA reaffirmed its zonal and state-level standby for swift action through the Yuletide and beyond.