By Faith Airaodion
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Humanitarian Day observed annually on August 19, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Edo State has reiterated its resolve to strengthen humanitarian response and foster proactive innovations in distressed communities across the state.
Speaking in Benin City during an exclusive engagement with Super FM Correspondent, Faith Airaodion, the NEMA Head of Operations in Edo, Mr. Kenoma Ojuederie, underscored the agency’s ongoing interventions and the need for stronger partnerships with communities, state actors, and humanitarian stakeholders.
Ojuederie explained that NEMA’s work in Edo covers a broad range of emergency responses, from managing natural disasters such as flooding, to addressing man-made incidents including fire outbreaks, especially oil tanker crashes.
According to him, “disaster management cannot be left in the hands of government agencies alone; communities must be actively engaged and empowered because they are the first responders before any agency arrives on the scene.”
He particularly raised concerns over the recurring cases of people scooping fuel during tanker accidents, stressing that such actions have repeatedly led to avoidable loss of lives and property.
“It is disturbing that despite repeated awareness campaigns, many still rush to accident scenes to scoop fuel, exposing themselves to the risk of explosions. We cannot continue to lose innocent lives in this avoidable way. More sensitisation must be done, and citizens themselves must take responsibility for their safety,” he said.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s World Humanitarian Day, “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities,” the Edo NEMA boss linked the global message to local realities.
He noted that for humanitarian action to be effective, local communities must be adequately empowered with knowledge, resources, and preventive tools.
Ojuederie also used the occasion to call for greater investment in humanitarian essentials, including modern logistics tools and assessment equipment, to improve response times and ensure effective operations in the often challenging terrains of Edo State.
“The truth is that humanitarian workers face difficult terrains daily. To carry out life-saving interventions, we need to strengthen logistics, enhance our operational capacity, and deploy modern technology. Without these, response efforts may be hampered,” he explained.
The NEMA official further commended the role of critical stakeholders in Edo State, including community leaders, security agencies, and local NGOs, who, according to him, have been vital in extending humanitarian aid to vulnerable groups and ensure a pool of resources when necessary.
“We cannot underestimate the support of our partners in the state. From providing access to remote communities to facilitating relief distribution, these collaborations have made a significant difference. We look forward to deeper partnerships that can expand the reach of humanitarian services,” he added.
Analysts believe that the call by NEMA resonates with broader concerns about disaster preparedness in Nigeria, where weak infrastructure and limited resources often slow down emergency responses.
The growing spate of tanker explosions, flooding incidents, and building collapses highlight the urgency for stronger preventive strategies.
Looking ahead, NEMA is expected to intensify its community engagement programs, expand collaboration with state institutions, and push for better funding to match the increasing demands of humanitarian crises.
As Ojuederie put it, “Humanitarian service is about saving lives and restoring dignity. It requires foresight, planning, and the collective will of both government and citizens.”
With the world reflecting on the sacrifices of humanitarian workers this August, NEMA’s message from Edo State serves as both a reminder of the risks they bear and a call for communities to rise above complacency, embrace safety practices, and join hands in building a more resilient society.