The Chairman, Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) Lagos branch, Mrs Adebola Kolawole has said that the inauguration of a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) club for pupils would impact positively in the society.
Kolawole said this in a statement signed on Friday by the society’s branch secretary, Mr Olakunle Lasisi.
She said that the club,which was recently inaugurated at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Egbeda, Lagos would help to promote flood resilience and safety awareness among pupils and communities.
“The initiative is aimed at raising a generation of young Nigerians who can identify, prevent, and respond to flood- related risks.
“The importance of early disaster education will help pupils understand what to do before, during, and after a flood. This early knowledge builds safer communities,” she said.
Kolawole said that the initiative was implemented under the Italian Government–Funded Flood Resilience Project in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
She said that the project was ongoing in about seven states in the country including Lagos State, Enugu State, Edo, and Cross River.
“In Lagos, the Red Cross is currently intervening in Alimosho and Eti-Osa Local Government Areas in collaboration with Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
“The intervention includes providing relief materials, shelter assistance, and community sensitisation in the areas,” the chairman said.
The State NRCS Administrative Officer, Mr Adeshile Nicholas, said that the club would equip pupils with practical skills on disaster preparedness and personal safety.
“This new project teaches pupils from a young age how to prevent flood and what to do during flooding to stay safe.
“It also incorporates first aid, hygiene and hand washing practices. These clubs will make pupils ambassadors of safety in their schools and communities,” Adeshile said.
He said that some causes of flooding were linked to people’s behaviour,citing behavioural change and limited mobility as major challenges leading to flooding.
“Changing this through sensitisation programmes takes time and we also need more funds and logistics support to reach affected communities,” Adeshile added.
Also, the Security Officer, NRCS, National Headquarters,Mr Michael Olufemi, identified poor drainage and indiscriminate waste disposal as major causes of flooding in Lagos.
“Most flooded roads result from blocked drainages therefore, the state needs better waste management to reduce the impact.
“Also, limited manpower and mobility pose as challenges for Red Cross and partner agencies,” Olufemi said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)