Disaster Risk Management: Stakeholders Want Centralized Digital Database in A’Ibom
Stakeholders from government institutions, development partners, Civil Society Organisations have identified the need for a centralized digital database on disaster risk management.
This is especially crucial, considering the state’s vulnerability to various hazards like flooding, coastal erosion, oil spills, and other disasters.
The need came to the fore at the high level stakeholders round table meeting facilitated by Clement Isong Foundation in partnership with Actionaid Nigeria under the SPA II project, in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The meeting which drew stakeholders from government sector, civil society groups, development partners, and young people to critically review and validate the state’s draft disaster management framework, aimed at safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and ensure environmental resilience in Akwa Ibom.
The meeting reviewed and validated the Akwa Ibom State Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response Framework which aims to
institutionalize youth participation with at least 20% youth representation in AK-SEMA and other disaster risk management bodies by 2027. Additionally, youths in high-risk areas and disaster-prone locations across the state will be trained by 2026 to enhance their capacity in disaster risk management.
As noted by the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the framework offers a “comprehensive, inclusive, and actionable approach” to disaster risk reduction and emergency response, taking into account Akwa Ibom State’s specific vulnerabilities due to its coastal geography, oil industry activities, and rapid urbanization.
This approach, the communique noted; is designed to ensure that the state’s disaster management efforts are proactive rather than reactive, focusing on preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience-building. By involving various stakeholders, the framework aims to be inclusive and responsive to the needs of all communities across the state.
“This database is seen as essential for effective disaster risk management, to enabling better planning, response, and recovery efforts. The lack of such a database could hinder the state’s ability to manage disasters efficiently, making the need for a centralized system a priority for stakeholders.
” This emphasis on youth participation underscores the importance of engaging younger generations in disaster management efforts for sustainability and effectiveness”. The communique noted