CR-SEMA Strengthens Partnership with NEMA, Intensifies Efforts to Improve Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response in C'River State

CR-SEMA Strengthens Partnership with NEMA, Intensifies Efforts to Improve Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response in C'River State

The Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Efa Nyong, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation on a strategic visit to the Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response in Cross River State.

The high-level meeting focused on key areas of collaboration, including emergency response coordination, staff capacity development, flood preparedness, search and rescue operations, disaster data management, and improved stakeholder engagement aimed at building a more resilient emergency management system.

In his remark, the Director General, Mr. Efa Nyong, reaffirmed CR-SEMA's commitment to institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the Agency for greater efficiency and responsiveness. He disclosed that the Agency has already commenced strategic reforms and remains committed to implementing global best practices that will significantly enhance disaster risk management and emergency response across Cross River State.

"CR-SEMA remains committed to safeguarding lives and property through strategic collaboration, innovation, and effective emergency management," Mr. Nyong said.

He further emphasized that the Agency would continue to build strong institutional partnerships that promote proactive disaster risk reduction, strengthen emergency preparedness, and ensure faster, smarter, and more coordinated responses to disasters across the state.

Welcoming the CR-SEMA delegation, the Head of Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom/Cross River Zonal Office, Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, commended the Agency's renewed vision and proactive leadership under Mr. Efa Nyong. She recommended the establishment of a dedicated Planning Department, the development of a functional Search and Rescue Team, the conduct of regular flood simulation exercises, and sustained capacity-building programmes for personnel to further strengthen the Agency's operational effectiveness.

Mrs. Aisueni also assured CR-SEMA of NEMA's continued support and collaboration, reaffirming the Agency's commitment to working closely with the Cross River State Government, through the State Emergency Management Agency to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and resilience across the state.

Also speaking during the meeting, the Disaster Management Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Agbor Okim, lauded the Director General's resilience, vision, and dedication to public service. He noted that capacity-building initiatives for CR-SEMA personnel had already commenced, with additional programmes being planned to further enhance the Agency's operational capabilities.

 The Director General was accompanied on the visit by senior management staff of the Agency with the visit marking a significant step in the agency's ongoing drive to build strategic partnerships, strengthen institutional capacity, and develop a proactive and responsive disaster management system that will better protect lives, livelihoods, and property across Cross River State.

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