National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in Akwa Ibom, has begun an awareness campaign aimed at preventing fire outbreaks during the dry season.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the theme of the campaign is ‘Preventing Fire Outbreak: Everyone’s Responsibility.’
NEMA’s director-general, Mrs Zubaida Umar said at the opening of the campaign in Uyo yesterday that the essence was to educate residents on the importance of fire safety and prevention.
Represented by Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, the Head, NEMA Operation in Akwa Ibom, Umar said the awareness campaign became necessary following increased risk of fire outbreaks during the dry season.
She said that the campaign was particularly relevant in Akwa Ibom, because some parts of the state had experienced devastating fire incidents in recent years.
Umar said the campaign and other emergency programmes being organised by NEMA were crucial to fire safety and preventions in the state.
She said Akwa Ibom had experienced several devastating fire incidents between 2020 and 2024.
“In 2021, the Ibaka fishing fire disaster in Mbo Local Government Area affected no fewer than 1,767 households.
“In January 2024, another fire outbreak engulfed Akwa Obio Effiat, Esuk Ewang, and Ebughu communities, causing significant damage to homes and livelihoods,” Umar said.
The NEMA DG said although fire as a destructive force, could cause unimaginable harm, it could be prevented.
She said through simple measures, fire outbreaks in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces could be averted.
“We need this awareness campaign to ensure increased vigilance and preparedness towards preventing fire incidents,” she said.
Umar urged Akwa Ibom people to be safety conscious during the season and promised that the agency would train and equip grassroots volunteers on fire prevention and tanker accident response.
In his remarks, a Deputy Superintendent of Fire, Federal Fire Service, Mr Udoh Akpan, urged the public to be more careful during dry season.
Udoh urged members of the public to turn off appliances when not in use, and to properly discard cigarettes stub after use. (NAN)
