The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency is engaging youths through sports as a tool for sensitisation in its ongoing flood mitigation efforts.
According to the Executive Secretary of YOSEMA, Dr. Mohammed Goje, in an interview with our correspondent, the agency will on Saturday gather 12 clubs for a football competition, uniting over 130 youths under 22 years old to spread key flood mitigation messages.
The campaign, themed “Beyond the Pitch,” aims to promote flood mitigation and prevention, according to the secretary.
“The last four clubs will take the campaign further by leading community sensitisation and drainage clearance exercises ahead of the semi-finals and finals.
“This initiative is expected to reach over 1,300 youths and community members,” he said.
The competition, which will run for one week in Damaturu, features the following clubs: Joga Bonito, Ozki FC, FC Base, Don Etebet Warriors, Ubalio Beba, Obasanjo FC, Yoshi Bites, Sabon Fegi, City Rollers, Hungry Lions, FC Bamanga, and Ajari Central.
Goje urged the youth to “use this platform to contribute your part in government’s efforts to reduce the impact of flooding—let us be more preventive than reactive.”
This initiative demonstrates the state government’s commitment to humanitarian relief and disaster prevention.
The PUNCH reports that YOSEMA has been working to provide support to flood victims in Potiskum Local Government Area, including distributing hygiene and shelter kits to 103 displaced individuals.
The agency has registered and validated 1,049 households, comprising 6,627 individuals, for flood support in the area.
