By Adamu Dabo
In light of the recently released 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), stakeholders in disaster management convened for a one-day workshop aimed at strengthening communication strategies through social media and broadcast media platforms.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening collaboration between NEMA and the Media for timely ethical Disaster Risk Communication”, brought together media professionals, emergency responders, communication experts, and community representatives to address the growing need for timely, accurate, and life-saving information dissemination especially in flood-prone areas of Kano and Jigawa States.Held in Tribes and meena conference Hall Nasarawa GRA kano, the workshop highlighted the crucial role of radio, television, and digital platforms in early warning systems, public awareness, and community preparedness.
Discussions emphasized that misinformation or delayed information can lead to loss of lives and property, underscoring the urgent need for collaboration between government agencies and the media.Earlier in his welcome address the head,NEMA Kano office Dr.Nura Abdullahi welcome all participants and highlighted the importance of Media roles on information,Dr.Umar Shitu Madigawa present a paper title: “An overview on seasonal climate prediction (SCP) and Annual flood outlook (AFO),” Abdullahi Jalaludeen (FRCN) present a paper title:”social Media as Tool for Early warning,” Dr.Aminu Hassan also present a paper title:, “Radio Broadcast in early warning and disaster preparedness”,and lastly malam Mukhtar Ya’u present a paper title:”Misinformation in Disaster Spaces,”Keynote speakers included representatives from NiMet, NIHSA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and prominent media executives who shared insights on the integration of localized messaging, audience engagement strategies, and the use of indigenous languages to reach vulnerable populations effectively.
The participants resolved to:Enhance coordination between emergency agencies and media houses before, during, and after disasters.Promote the use of verified information and real-time updates via social media.Build the capacity of journalists on risk-sensitive reporting and ethical disaster coverage.This workshop marks a significant step in Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2025 flooding season and is expected to result in more resilient communities through improved public communication and education.
