YOSEMA PRESS CONFERENCE: YOBE COMMITS TO PREPAREDNESS & RAPID RESPONSE IN 2025
Yobe State Commits to Robust Flood Preparedness and Rapid Response in 2025
On Monday, October 25, 2025, Dr. Goje Mohammed, Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), addressed a press conference at the Adviser’s Complex Conference Hall in Damaturu. Under the theme, “Strengthening Emergency Response and Building Community Resilience: Yobe State Government’s Update on the Flood Disaster Response and Preparedness Plan,” Dr. Mohammed provided an extensive update on the state’s approach to managing flood disasters amid ongoing climate challenges.
He began by applauding the visionary leadership of His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni, whose decisive political will and resource mobilization have anchored Yobe’s proactive flood response strategy. Highlighting recent interventions, Dr. Mohammed recounted the flash floods of August 15 and 17 that severely impacted Potiskum and Nangere LGAs, displacing thousands and damaging mostly mud houses. The immediate activation of emergency measures—including wet feeding, temporary shelter, healthcare support, sandbagging, embankment reinforcement, and sanitation efforts—underscored the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities swiftly and effectively.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that effective flood response hinges on strong partnerships. He recognized the indispensable roles played by state ministries, federal agencies, UN bodies (like UNICEF, FAO, UNFPA), NGOs, the media, and countless volunteers who have collaborated to conduct rapid assessments, deliver supplies, and implement disease prevention across affected areas. Traditional and faith leaders also contributed to ensuring interventions were community-responsive and inclusive.
A cornerstone of the briefing was unveiling the comprehensive 2025 Flood Preparedness Plan, drawing on seasonal climate outlooks and experiences from previous devastating floods (2022–2024). This plan targets over 126,000 households in at-risk LGAs with contingency plans for nearly 16,000 potential displacements. It includes high-tech early warning systems using real-time river flow monitoring and community digital reporting linked to live dashboards; mobilization of 178 volunteers and activation of Local Emergency Management Committees; frontline capacity building with rescue kits and health commodities; and strategic prepositioning of sandbags, food, and shelter materials in key storage points.
Innovative community-based flood awareness initiatives were also spotlighted, especially the “Kick Flood” soccer events in Damaturu and Nangere, creatively engaging youths while disseminating life-saving messages. In addition, newly established anticipatory action groups and ongoing vulnerability assessments ensure readiness is data-driven and adaptive.
Dr. Mohammed concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, investment, and resource mobilization, stressing that flood resilience is a shared responsibility among government, partners, media, civil society, private sector, and communities. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to leave no one behind in disaster response and urged citizens to stay vigilant and heed early warnings.
This comprehensive approach illustrates Yobe State’s dedication to protecting lives and livelihoods while building a stronger, resilient future in the face of climate threats.