Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, on Monday, underscored the need to embrace technology in the bid to change the landscape of emergency management, from early warning systems to disaster mapping and response coordination tools in Nigeria.
Umar who gave the charge in Abuja during the 2024 Customer’s Week celebration themed: ‘Above and beyond’, pledged her resolve towards “building a stronger and more responsive agency that stands ready to serve the people of this nation in their times of greatest need above and beyond their expectations.”
The NEMA accounting officer who showered encomium on all the Stakeholders for their unwavering support and collaboration, pledged the Agency’s resolve towards “delivering exceptional service to its customers and stakeholders, and in our case those we serve are often the most vulnerable members of society-victims of emergencies and disasters.
“This year’s theme “Above and Beyond” is particularly relevant to our work here at NEMA. As emergency managers, the quality of the services we deliver can often be the difference between life and death and are above and beyond always. Our customers, whether they are victims of natural disasters, displaced persons, or communities impacted by disasters, rely on us to provide timely, efficient, and compassionate assistance.
“During this Customer Service Week, It is important to recognize the contributions each of you makes towards achieving our mission. Whether you are in the frontline of disaster response, logistics, planning or administration, your work is a critical part of emergency management. It is through your efforts that we are able to coordinate swift and effective responses to disasters/emergencies across the country.
“Let us not forget that the people we serve are often at their most vulnerable when they come into contact with us. The empathy, professionalism, and dedication you display when dealing with affected individuals and communities speak volumes about NEMA’s core values of service, integrity, and humanity. This is customer service at its highest level.
“I am also aware that working in emergency management comes with its unique challenges. The unpredictable nature of disasters, limited resources, and high pressure environments can make it difficult to maintain the level of service excellence we all strive for.
“However, I want to commend each one of you for your resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges
In times of disasters/emergencies, your ability to remain calm, collected, and focused on the needs of those affected is invaluable. The stories of lives saved, communities rebuilt, and hope restored are a testament to your hard work and commitment to service.
“As we move forward, I urge you to continue seeking ways to improve our service delivery. We are in an era where technology is changing the landscape of emergency management, from early warning systems to disaster mapping and response coordination tools. Let us embrace innovation and continuously improve our systems and processes to better serve the public.
“Furthermore, teamwork remains one of our strongest assets. The complexity of emergency situations requires collaboration across different departments and external partners. By working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other, we can achieve even greater success in fulfilling our mission.”
She also applauded every member of the NEMA team for their collective “dedication to serving the public and ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities is commendable.
“As we celebrate Customer Service Week, let us reaffirm our commitment to working above and beyond in achieving excellence in service delivery, innovation, and teamwork in all that we do.”
In his remarks, Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Onimode Bandele pledged the Staff’s resolve to double up efforts towards the realization of the Agency’s set objectives.
On his part, Information Management Officer for United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Mr. Bello Danlami applauded NEMA’s “unwavering dedication to providing timely and essential services in the face of emergencies and crises is commendable.
“Your efforts make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals across Nigeria, ensuring their safety and well-being during some of the most challenging times.
“At UNOCHA, we recognize the vital role that customer service plays in delivering humanitarian aid, and we salute your professionalism, resilience, and commitment to serving those in need. As we continue to collaborate in addressing humanitarian challenges, we look forward to building on the strong foundation of partnership that we share.”
In his presentation, NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu commended the synergy among all security agencies over the past 13 years, which led to the successful implementation of various humanitarian interventions.
Dr. Odumosu who was represented by Head of Unit, Disaster Management FCT Command, DCC Ikpeme Sunday, also acknowledged the robust infrastructure provided by NEMA as well as other Stakeholders.
He therefore pledged support for NEMA in the areas of disaster management and preparedness efforts.
Other Stakeholders working with Agency include Red Cross, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, among others.
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