In an effort to mitigate the severity of possible flooding in the state, the Jigawa State Government has distributed equipment for flood prevention, control, and emergency response to riverine communities.
Recently, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) predicted that 148 communities in the state are at high risk of flooding during the 2026 rainy season.
Speaking during the flag-off of the distribution of equipment to 15 community organizations held in Auyo Local Government Area, Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi stated that any sustainable effort for flood control and environmental conservation must have community and public ownership.
He noted that the equipment distributed to the community organizations was meant to encourage and build the capacity of the communities to provide rapid response for prevention, control, and emergency action against any possible flooding.
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"Our dreams and commitment to protecting waterways, preserving livelihoods, and reducing environmental risks cannot be achieved without involving you. Therefore, we are fully ready to work hand in hand with communities, the general public, and any partner that indicates interest in collaborating with us on environmental protection.
"On our part, we have already cleared over 110 km of the Hadejia River, purchased additional amphibious excavators under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project--bringing the number of state-owned machines to four. Adequate arrangements have also been made for any emergency," Governor Namadi declared.
The governor charged the community organizations to involve traditional rulers and other community leaders in their activities for proper coordination and to seek immediate government intervention whenever needed.
In his speech at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Dr. Nura Ibrahim Kazaure, said the initiative aimed to help communities to participate in clearing waterways, constructing embankments, and conducting rescue missions in any emergency.
The commissioner stated that the equipment distributed included: 10,000 bulk-sized empty sacks, 25 large canoes, 1,000 sickles, 500 cutlasses, 500 shovels, 500 headpans, 300 boots, 200 axes, 100 pairs of gumboots, and 40 rolls of rubber ropes.
Hon. Dr. Nura maintained that the state government would continue to involve the community not only in flood control but in all aspects of environmental protection and conservation.
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