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The President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Dr. Idris Omede has called on government agencies, individuals and humanitarian organizations to be much more proactive in forestalling the recurrence of flooding that has ravaged several communities in the country.
Speaking at the 7th Board meeting of the 2016-2018 APBN Council year hosted by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos, Omede said the worrisome flood menace shows lack of proactive institutional preparedness.
He called on government for come up with short, medium and long term strategies to mitigate the disaster.
“Some states including Kogi, Niger, Adamawa, Anambra and Delta to mention a few in the Federation are being ravaged by flood with loss of many lives, and massive destruction of property.
“In such kinds of serious national challenges Nigeria cannot continue to rely on reactive approaches but seriously focus on strategic and sustainable solutions that have the capacity to permanently lift our country from the brink. This year’s flood, freshly reminds us of the untoward consequence of the 2012 flood in the country with substantial loss of lives, property and displacement of several communities.
“Obviously, if the rightful approach for mitigation against such disasters in short, medium and long term are strategically pursued by government in close collaboration with affected communities and other critical stakeholders, it will not only forestall occurrence, but whenever it happens, the impact will be substantially minimal.
“In the light of the foregoing, APBN heartily sympathizes with affected individuals, communities and the affected states over this natural disaster.
“We appeal to all relevant stakeholders including government agencies, individuals and humanitarian organizations to be much more proactive now and in future by forestalling or minimizing recurrence through creating improved water channels, cleaning drainages, construction of embankments along shorelines and relocation of building to higher plains.
“Our system needs to be predictive, proactive and responsive in the face of resistance and challenges to some hard and painful decisions and policies, which in long run are beneficial.
“We expect that the presidential approval of N3b for flood preparedness, response and disaster mitigation will be applied professionally, accountably and transparently for the purpose meant. This include immediate provision of shelter, food, medical and health needs, while calling on individual and humanitarian organizations to equally participate in conjunction with relevant agencies and government to assuage the unbearable and painful situation. APBN through its member bodies will profile the situation and mode of intervention,” he said.
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