By Mamman Suleiman
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has strengthened its collaboration with the Yobe State Government to enhance disaster preparedness and provide lifesaving support to riverine communities across the state.
The NEDC delegation led by the Yobe State Coordinator, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Abbas, officially handed over critical rescue equipment and relief materials at Garbi in Nguru Local Government Area — the scene of the tragic boat accident of 3rd January that claimed several lives.
According to Prof, Abbas,the selection of Garbi for the ceremony was intentional, following the unfortunate incident, NEDC and the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conducted a joint assessment, after which the Commission pledged to align its intervention with the state’s recovery and preventive action plan.
Items Donated by NEDC included
100 Life Jackets,
10 Inflatable Rescue Boats (with paddles, pumps, and toolkits),
3 Fast Rescue Boats with Electric Hydraulic Davits,
Food and Non-Food Items (NFIs), including:
25kg bags of rice,
Mats,
Blankets,
Children’s clothing, among others
He Said food and non-food items will be distributed to families of the deceased, members of rescue teams, and community leaders in Garbi to provide additional support, particularly during the Ramadan season.
Speaking during the handover, Prof. Abbas said the intervention forms part of the Commission’s broader commitment to preventive disaster management.
“These items are not only for Garbi but for other riverine communities across Yobe State. We believe this support will significantly improve water transportation safety and enhance the wellbeing of affected communities.”
Also Speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of YOSEMA,Dr. Goje Mohammed, commended the NEDC for the timely intervention, noting that it complements the proactive disaster management reforms being championed by Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON.
Dr Goje emphasized that the current administration is shifting disaster response efforts from a reactive approach to a preventive framework aimed at better protecting communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), while receiving the items, urged strict compliance with safety measures.
Dr Goje warned that,
Over loading of boats is prohibited,
Night sailing is strongly discouraged,
Sailing without life jackets will not be tolerated.
He Called on Security agencies and vigilante groups to enforce compliance to safeguard lives.
The Lawan of Gambir and the Chairman of Nguru Local Government Area also lauded Governor Buni for mobilizing resources and praised the NEDC for honoring its commitment to the people.
NEDC engineers conducted safety inspections and assured the community that user training sessions would begin soon to ensure proper handling and long-term sustainability of the equipment.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to protecting lives, strengthening emergency response capacity, and promoting safer water transportation across Yobe’s riverine communities.
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