The University of PortHarcourt Centre For Disaster Risk Management And Development Studies (CDRMDS) in collaboration with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), have ended its 2024 International Day For Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), with the theme: “The Role Of Education In Protecting And Empowering Youth For a Disaster Free Future.”
The Vice Chancellor, University of PortHarcourt, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, who declared the event which was held at the CBN Centre of Excellence, Abuja Park, University of PortHarcourt on the 15th of October, 2024 open, described the day’s event as unique, having brought professionals from different fields of endeavours to discuss and inform the public on disaster management and how to avoid it, when it comes; adding that the purpose of University is to inform and educate the people.
In his address, Prof. Mbee Daniel Mbee, Director, Centre For Disaster Risk Management And Development Studies (CDRMDS), said the theme of the event: “The Role Of Education In Protecting And Empowering Youth For a Disaster Free Future” was apt, considering the increase in disasters, adding that many of them were driven and exacerbated by climate change and how the disasters threaten the well-being of children and youth, among others.
He, in the meantime, lauded Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah on his lead presentation on disaster free maritime in the Niger Delta and other speakers at the event.
Presenting his lead paper on the theme: “Building a Disaster Free Maritime In The Niger Delta: The Role of Stakeholders,” Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, represented by Mr. Glory Onojode, former South South Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, spoke on the strategic importance of the Niger Delta in the economy and oil production in Nigeria, among others.
On challenges of the Niger Delta, Mr. Onojode emphasized on fire explosion and other related issues that are currently causing disaster in the Niger Delta region, while attributing maritime disaster in the Niger Delta to: piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom, among others.
Speaking on mitigating the challenges in the Niger Delta, Mr. Onojode emphasized on the need to ensure disaster free maritime activities in the region, adding that the collaboration and proactive involvement of maritime industry stakeholders will be crucial.
He disclosed that the role of Nigerian Shippers’ Council in ensuring disaster free maritime in the Niger Delta region as a cargo interest, is to ensure that cargo (bulk or liquid) are transported to their destinations free and safe.
While enumerating on the role of regulatory agencies in ensuring a disaster free maritime in the Niger Delta, Mr. Onojode further identified some of their challenges, which include, but not limited to inadequate and dilapidated infrastructure like: the ports and terminals, among others, and equally made recommendations based on medium and long terms.
High points of the event include: induction and presentation of certificates to over 21 newly inductees by CDRMDS, cultural dance performance and presentation of gift items to Barr. Prius Akutah by Benue State students in the University of PortHarcourt.
