By Farida Abdulwahab Oyedele 
Plateau State Government urges collective action to mitigate disasters across communities.
Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency (PLASEMA), Sunday Abdu, made this call during a press conference marking the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) with the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”
The Plateau State Government has emphasized the need for collective action to reduce disaster risks across communities, stressing that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility.
Abdu highlighted Plateau State’s vulnerability to various hazards, including floods, conflicts, erosion, and droughts, which threaten lives, agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
He emphasized that government efforts alone are insufficient and that collective commitment from communities, development partners, the private sector, and the media is necessary to promote awareness and drive positive behavioral change.
The PLASEMA boss noted the agency’s progress in disaster preparedness, early warning, and community engagement, which has helped reduce risks across the state. He also stressed the importance of investing in resilience through sustainable infrastructure, disaster education, and climate adaptation initiatives.
Abdu warned that “the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of preparedness” and urged stakeholders to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of disasters.
To promote environmental stewardship and disaster resilience, PLASEMA has initiated several key interventions, including community awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and partnerships with schools and youth groups.
The agency’s efforts focus on promoting resilience through investment in risk reduction measures, including environmental protection, community sensitization, improved early warning systems, and strengthened coordination among stakeholders.
Abdu expressed gratitude to the state government for its support and commended partners and stakeholders for their commitment to promoting resilience and disaster preparedness.