He attributed the worsening impact of these challenges to inadequate planning, weak institutions, poor emergency preparedness and the failure to place citizens’ welfare at the centre of governance
By Mmesoma Onwuka
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called on governments at all levels to prioritise disaster prevention, emergency preparedness and citizens’ welfare as the world marks the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Obi said millions of Nigerians were grappling with natural disasters and avoidable crises arising from governance failures, including flooding, insecurity, displacement, hunger, malnutrition, poverty and the destruction of livelihoods.
In his message to mark the international observance, he attributed the worsening impact of these challenges to inadequate planning, weak institutions, poor emergency preparedness and the failure to place citizens’ welfare at the centre of governance.
He noted that although disasters could not always be prevented, their effects could be significantly reduced through accountable leadership, effective early warning systems, proper land-use planning, resilient infrastructure and efficient emergency response services.
According to him, the failure to identify risks early and respond promptly to emergencies often leaves vulnerable communities bearing the greatest consequences.
The former Anambra State governor maintained that the performance of any government should be measured by the safety, dignity and quality of life of its citizens rather than revenue figures, economic indicators or official ceremonies.
He argued that claims of national progress would remain questionable if Nigerians continued to lose their homes to flooding, face abduction by criminals, suffer hunger or remain exposed to foreseeable threats without adequate protection.
Obi consequently urged federal, state and local governments to adopt a people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction by investing in preventive measures, strengthening emergency response systems and ensuring transparency in the management of disaster relief funds.
He also called for prompt humanitarian assistance and sustainable rehabilitation programmes to help affected communities recover and rebuild their livelihoods.
The former presidential candidate stressed that avoidable suffering should not become an accepted feature of Nigerian life, insisting that protecting citizens’ lives, security and welfare remained a fundamental responsibility of government.
He called for a country where effective governance reduces exposure to disasters, safeguards vulnerable populations and ensures that every citizen has a fair opportunity to live in safety and dignity.
Obi concluded that protecting Nigerians from the devastating effects of disasters was both achievable and necessary, urging leaders to translate their commitments into practical measures that would prevent avoidable tragedies and strengthen the country’s resilience to emergencies.