Fire Disaster: NEMA Takes Sensitization Exercise To Anambra Markets

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Uncategorized Saturday, February 28th, 2015

IGNATIUS OKPARA, Awka – Worried by the incessant market fire outbreaks in south- east states, the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA, yesterday staged a one day sensitization/ Simulation exercise for traders at the popular Eke market in Awka, Anambra state.

Our Correspondent reports that several markets in the east such as the popular Onitsha main market, that of Nnewi, Eke Awka, Ariara market in Aba, Abia state, Enugu timber market, among others,had in the past suffered mysterious fire disasters that wrecked serious havocs to shop owners.

Speaking at the simulation exercise held inside the Eke Awka market, South east zonal coordinator of NEMA, Major James Eze,explained that the event was aimed at strengthening preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and timely response in addressing fire outbreaks in markets in the state.

According to him, “markets fires are human- induced disaster that expose victims to risk of injury,death and destruction of property”

“The simulation exercise is in line with NEMA’s preparedness and response strategies, also aimed at increased synergy among Response Agencies in Anambra state.

The objective of the programme he pointed out, was to ensure that stakeholders, especially 1st responders are fit, ready and able to provide prompt professional services meant to reduce casualties during fire incidents.

“we know that disaster management is demanding, and requires a lot of determination and commitment to accomplish, therefore, we must understand the various roles lead and support Agencies ought to play in managing disaster and building community resilience”.

Said the Coordinator: some of the benefits of the simulation exercise, includes, to enlighten the traders public on how best to curtail market fires, to re- define and fortify the roles of Emergency Response Agencies, during fire emergencies.

Eze, added that the exercise, put together by NEMA, in conjunction with Anambra state Emergency management Agency,was equally designed to expose the traders and the market leaders to the consequences of market fires.

The event which was graced by the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, (NSCDC) Red Cross, Fire servicemen, Insurance operators, among others, featured paper presentations on Disaster risk reduction as well as fire prevention and response.