The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Monday organized an inter-secondary schools quiz competition on disaster reduction strategies, aimed at promoting behavioral change, positive attitudes, and early education among students.
The Head of NEMA Operations Office in Sokoto, Aliyu Kafindangi, said the event was part of activities marking the 2025 International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR), in line with global efforts to assess progress in disaster risk reduction.
Kafindangi, represented by Mr. Tukur Abubakar, said the programme was designed to strengthen the agency’s resolve to build a more resilient society.
He explained that this year’s theme, “Find Resilience, Not Disaster,” underscores the importance of preparedness, response, and resilience in mitigating the impact of disasters.
“Every naira, every dollar, and every effort spent on prevention and preparedness saves countless more that would have been spent on disaster response and recovery,” Kafindangi said.
“A nation that invests in resilience invests in its survival. That is why we chose to commemorate this important day with an IDDR Secondary Schools Quiz Competition.”
Kafindangi noted that the initiative was not just a competition but a visionary step toward building a culture of disaster awareness and preparedness among young people.
He stressed that educating children early about disaster prevention, emergency preparedness, and safety consciousness lays the foundation for a safer and more resilient Nigeria.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with NEMA’s vision to build a culture of disaster prevention, preparedness, and risk reduction across all levels of society,” he said.
“The effort promotes a nation that is proactive in saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable development.”
He further emphasized NEMA’s “Catch Them Young” strategy, which focuses on early education as a key tool in shaping future attitudes and behaviors toward disaster management.
Kafindangi called on governments at all levels to prioritize resilience over reaction.
“Let us invest more in disaster prevention, public awareness, risk mapping, infrastructure safety, and community-based disaster education. Every investment made today toward resilience is a life saved tomorrow,” he appealed.
He also urged traditional and religious leaders, educators, civil society organization’s, the private sector, and the media to continue working with NEMA to ensure disaster management becomes everyone’s responsibility.
The Principal of Federal Government College (FGC), Sokoto, Dahiru Shehu, represented by the Vice Principal (Administration), Ibrahim Suleiman, commended NEMA for the initiative, noting that the manuals distributed to students would broaden their understanding of disaster management.
“We cannot predict every hazard, but we can prepare for them. Most importantly, we cannot continue funding disasters — we must fund resilience,” he stated.
The quiz competition was anchored by Ms. Alheri Bla, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic Secondary School emerged winner with 100 points, followed by FGC Sokoto with 95 points, Blue Crescent Secondary School with 90 points, while Aliyu Magatakarda Secondary School came fourth with 40 points.
