By Francis Onyeukwu
A Nigerian Air Force officer, AVM Samson Eyekosi, has called for collective action in mitigation, prevention and management of disasters in the country.
Eyekosi, one of the recently-promoted Air Vice Marshalls, said that collective actions involving the federal, states, local governments, individuals and corporate bodies were needed in tackling disasters.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen shortly after a special thanksgiving and unveiling of his book in Abuja on Sunday.
According to him, a paradigm shift in disaster management requires joint actions by all stakeholders irrespective of gender, class and creed.
Eyekosi, whose book is titled: “A Guide for Effective Management of Displaced Persons During Emergencies,” said he wrote the book as his contribution to helping humanity.
“This book attempts to identify within our localities, Nigeria, Africa and the world at large what should be done when disasters occur to people.
“I was inspired to write the book from the flash floods that occurred in Mokwa, Niger State in 2025.
“It looked like nothing but people were suffering and we responded very well, but it could be better.
“There were gaps, it is those gaps I noticed, that we need to articulate and document them so that we try to learn from them and be proactive, and not just reactive,” he said.
He called on individuals to sacrifice money, time, skills and knowledge to assist victims of disasters.
Eyekosi also urged the media to pay more attention to the people who are in distressed, traumatised or displaced.
He stressed the need for adequate coordination amongst government agencies, especially Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency and State Emergency Management Agencies, among others.
The military officer noted with dissatisfaction lack of required capacity, saying that capacity building, structures and organisation were seriously needed in the area.
In order to fast track growth in the management of disasters, Eyekosi called for accountability and checks and balances from the people involved in disaster management.
Earlier in his remarks, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse lll, expressed his admiration for the book, saying it contains measures needed by both the federal and state governments to solve the plethora of disasters being faced in the country.
The royal father, represented by Mr Missan Okuboyinje, noted the perennial flooding being experienced in the country, stating that how they could be solved was captured in the book.
“We are faced with the problem of insurgency, banditry and terrorism which have affected many communities as well as other disasters. This book can serve as a guide to government and individuals.
“So, the book is important to all government agencies, NEMA, state emergency agencies that deal with disasters because it covers
all the areas of disaster management,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr Sam Oburoh, lauded Eyekosi for his new rank as well as the putting together of the book.
Oburoh, who said he had known the military officer since his childhood days, described him as an easy going person who is always handy to assist people in distress.
Mr Henry Nwawuba (Jnr), who reviewed the book, said it has 205 pages and 20 chapters, containing all aspects of disaster management and solutions to crisis situation.
Nwawuba urged governments at all levels as well as private individuals and corporate organisations to avail themselves of the book, as it would aid them in disaster management.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
