In a significant move to enhance disaster response capabilities, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) has initiated a groundbreaking program to recruit Community Information Coordinators (CICs) across all 23 local government areas.
Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe officially inaugurated and inducted the first group of coordinators for one zone at an event held at Sleeprite Hotel, Zaria. She was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff in her office.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes the decentralization of KADSEMA through the establishment of three zonal offices corresponding to the state’s senatorial zones. This restructuring aims to ensure more efficient and localized disaster response throughout Kaduna State.
During the inauguration ceremony, Deputy Governor Balarabe, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff in her office, Barrister James Kanyip, emphasized the critical role of the CICs, describing them as “vital conduits between our communities and the resources they need during challenging times.” The coordinators will serve as KADSEMA’s eyes and ears on the ground, tasked with gathering vital information about local conditions and potential hazards, disseminating critical early warning messages, educating communities about disaster preparedness, as well as awareness campaigns and assist in creating community maps to identify vulnerable areas and critical infrastructure.
Dr. Balarabe commended KADSEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Usman Mazadu, for his visionary leadership in transforming the agency. The decentralization into three zonal offices was highlighted as a testament to the agency’s commitment to swift and effective disaster response.
“While responding to disasters is vital, we must prioritize innovative strategies to prevent them from occurring in the first place,” stated Dr. Balarabe, emphasizing the importance of prevention in disaster management.
The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens, calling on the newly appointed CICs to carry out their duties diligently and with pride. She assured them of the full support of both the state government and the communities they serve.
