By Asmau Ahmad
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has called for closer working relations with the media to enhance awareness and preparedness to disaster in Sokoto State.
The NEMA’s Head, Sokoto Zonal Office, Mr Aliyu Kafindangi, made the call at a round table meeting with Journalists and Public Relations Officers (PROs) of disaster management agencies, on Thursday in Sokoto.
Represented by Mr Yusuf Abubakar, the Coordinator said the meeting was designed to foster collaboration and networking with the media practitioners and public relations practitioners.
He said the goal of NEMA was to facilitate effective information dissemination for prevention and mitigation of disasters.
According to him, the effort is to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information for effective awareness creation to enable the communities to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions where applicable.
“The overall objective of the meeting is to provide clear understanding of NEMA’s operations, Nigeria’s triple response structure and its relationship with emergency actors.”
He enjoined the media practitioners to act as gatekeepers, mediate misinformation, disinformation and fake news while building resilience in disaster management.
In his presentation, Dahiru Kure, NEMA’s Information Officer, led participants on the history of the Agency, its mandate and efforts on disaster management.
Kure also led participants in discussion session which focused on navigating challenges in reporting disasters, an insight from media practitioners.
He further dwelled on ethics in disaster reporting, balancing in sensational and responsible journalism as well as qualities needed for a good Journalist covering disasters.
The PROs of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Police, State and Federal Fire Services, Red Cross Society and other stakeholders attended the event.
