UNIPORT VC Commends NEMA for Sustained Public Awareness on Disaster Risk Reduction

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Chike Princewill, has commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its sustained efforts to educate Nigerians on disaster prevention, preparedness and risk reduction.

Prof. Chike gave the commendation when he received a delegation from NEMA, led by the Director, Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (DRMDS), University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Mbee Daniel, during a courtesy visit to his office.

The Vice-Chancellor lauded NEMA for its consistent public enlightenment campaigns and urged the agency to sustain the tempo in creating awareness on disaster preparedness and environmental safety.

Prof. Chike decried the indiscriminate disposal of refuse on roads and into drainage channels by residents, describing the practice as a major contributor to flooding and other environmental hazards.

He called on NEMA to intensify public education efforts to encourage responsible environmental behaviour among citizens and reduce practices that increase disaster risks.

The Vice-Chancellor also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with NEMA through the Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (DRMDS).

He noted that the collaboration has continued to enhance operational efficiency through capacity building, research, training and community engagement.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Mbee Daniel, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure.

Prof. Daniel stated that NEMA and the Centre have maintained a productive partnership in capacity building and disaster risk management. He added that the agency works closely with DRMDS and other relevant emergency management agencies to strengthen disaster preparedness and response across the country.