The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch, has launched a Disaster Risk Reduction Club at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Egbeda, to promote flood preparedness and safety awareness among pupils and their communities.
The initiative, implemented under the Italian Government–funded Flood Resilience Project in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, aims to equip young Nigerians with knowledge and practical skills to identify and respond to disaster risks.
The Administrative Officer of the Lagos Branch, Adeshile Nicholas, said the clubs teach pupils how to prevent floods, respond during emergencies, and practice good hygiene and first aid. He added that the project is active in about seven states, including Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Cross River, with interventions in Alimosho and Eti-Osa carried out in partnership with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.
Nicholas noted that behavioral change and limited mobility remain key challenges, adding that poor waste disposal habits continue to worsen flood risks.
A Security Officer from the Red Cross National Headquarters, Michael Olufemi, highlighted the importance of early disaster education, saying it helps pupils become agents of resilience in their communities. He also urged improved environmental management to address blocked drains, a major cause of flooding in Lagos.
The event was attended by representatives of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Local Education Authority, National Disaster Response Team, and the NRCS National Headquarters, featuring sessions on early warning and disaster response.
Through the Flood Resilience Project, the Nigerian Red Cross Society reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods from climate-related disasters.
Source: Punch
