To enhance the disaster response capabilities of the state, the Kaduna State government has launched a program to recruit Community Information Coordinators (CICs) across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by the state Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, inaugurated the program in Zaria.
The Deputy Governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, represented by her Chief of Staff, Barrister James Kanyip said, the initiative will prevent and respond to disasters more effectively by gathering vital information, disseminating early warning messages, and educating communities on disaster preparedness.
He noted that, the Community Information Coordinators will work under the decentralized Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), with three zonal offices, to identify vulnerable areas, create community maps, conduct awareness campaigns, and also ensure swift and localized disaster response.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), Hayatu Mazadu represented by the Director, Relief and Disaster Management of the agency, Malam Yau said the formation of the committee is part of the agency's commitments toward breaching the whooping gap between the communities and the effort of the state government in disaster management.
In their seperate remarks, the zone one coordinator of the Agency, Mubarak Zakari Muhammad, the ALGON chairman, represented by the association secretary, Bello Sani Gimi and the representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Bashir Aminu Dan Barhin Zazzau, described the move as a welcomed development which will assist the Agency acquire immediate information from the community on issues concerning disasters for prompt action.
The community information coordinators and local emergency management committee involves 31 persons drawn from the eight local government areas of the state's Zone one.