NEMA, Police Partner to Boost Disaster Response in Oyo

The South-West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) paid a familiarisation visit to the Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday, September 16. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between both agencies in managing disasters.

In a statement shared on NEMA’s official X account on Wednesday, the agency said the delegation was led by NEMA Zonal Director, Mr. Akiode Saheed. He was joined by top officers from the Directorate and the Ibadan Operations Office. They were warmly received by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Femi Haruna, PSC, along with other senior officers at the Police Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

Mr. Saheed delivered greetings from NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, and all agency staff. He said, “We are here to share NEMA’s new strategic plans under our current leadership and to strengthen the long-standing collaboration between our agencies.”

He praised the police for their important role in disaster response, highlighting the strong working relationship between NEMA and the Nigeria Police Force. He also suggested the creation of a Disaster Management Unit within the Oyo Police Command, similar to the Disaster Response Unit (DRU) used by the Nigerian military.

In response, Commissioner Haruna thanked the NEMA team for the visit and assured them of the Command’s full support. “We appreciate this visit and are fully committed to working closely with your agency,” he said. He also approved the request to set up a dedicated Disaster Management Unit within the Police Command.

It is worth noting that, on September 16, PUNCH Online reported that NEMA played a major role in rescuing two construction workers who were trapped for four days under the rubble of a collapsed building at 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

Source: Punch