The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, today hosted a courtesy visit from the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajia Zubaida Umar, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit was prompted by the DG’s positive report on the significant support extended by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to NEMA’s efforts.
During the meeting, General Musa congratulated Hajia Zubaida on her recent appointment, acknowledging the substantial contributions of NEMA in disaster management and resilience building.
He emphasized the AFN’s ongoing support for NEMA, underscoring the importance of the agency’s work in improving lives and addressing disaster challenges in Nigeria.
Hajia Zubaida expressed her profound appreciation for the AFN’s support, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration in fulfilling NEMA’s mandate amidst increasing disaster incidents and conflicts driven by climate change and resource competition.
She praised the AFN’s Disaster Response Units (DRUs) for their vital role in saving lives and restoring normalcy, noting that the agency relies heavily on their assistance.
The NEMA DG commended the AFN for its provision of security, airlift of relief items, and evacuation services, describing these efforts as exemplary support to civil authorities.
She also acknowledged the ongoing capacity-building initiatives for AFN personnel and the joint simulation exercises conducted to prepare for various disaster scenarios.
Additionally, she updated the CDS on NEMA’s flood disaster preparedness and mitigation plans as the rainy season approaches and urged the CDS to enhance the preparedness of the Military DRUs to mitigate potential flood impacts.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has praised the Nigerian Army for its initiative to provide affordable housing for its personnel.
The commendation came during a meeting on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, where Major General Joseph D. Omale, Managing Director of the Nigerian Army Post Service Housing Development Limited, discussed the Army’s housing scheme with the Minister.
Dangiwa acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s alignment with the ministry’s goal of ensuring affordable housing for all Nigerians, regardless of income or status.