The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday started training grassroots emergency responders across all 23 local government areas to enhance flood preparedness ahead of the 2026 rainy season peak.
The one-day training, organized by the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), gathered members of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and Community Information Coordinators (CICs).
The event, themed “Strengthening Grassroots Response for a Safer Kaduna State,” is part of KADSEMA’s 2026 Disaster Management and Response Strategic and Tactical Flood Mitigation Plan.
Speaking at the opening, Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, emphasized that effective disaster management relies on timely information, community coordination, and rapid response at the grassroots level.
Represented by Mubarak Zakari, Director of Relief and Disaster Management, Mazadu stated that the training aims to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness, improve early warning systems, and enhance coordination among responders.
He explained that participants would be trained on the four phases of disaster management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, to boost community resilience before, during, and after disasters.
Participants will also be guided on the statutory responsibilities of LEMCs, CICs, and Community Disaster Managers (CDMs) in disaster risk reduction.
Mazadu added that the training will strengthen community reporting structures, linking communities with CDMs, CICs, LEMCs, KADSEMA, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“The effectiveness of disaster management begins at the grassroots, where timely information, community coordination, and rapid response can reduce disaster impacts and save lives,” he said.
He also noted that participants would identify local disaster risks, map vulnerable communities, and develop preparedness strategies ahead of the rainy season’s peak.
The initiative reflects Kaduna State Government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and livelihoods through stronger community-based emergency management.
It was reported that participants were drawn from all 23 local government areas of the state.
