The week-long Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for eight oil-producing communities in Delta State has successfully ended, with participants demonstrating practical skills in disaster prevention and emergency response.
Held from Monday, October 13, to Friday, October 17, 2025, at Xandria Place, Udu Local Government Area, the capacity-building programme equipped 160 participants with vital knowledge on hazard identification, early warning systems, emergency coordination, recovery strategies, and climate change adaptation.
The lead resource person, Dr Austin Anyaogu, commended the participants for their commitment, urging them to apply the lessons learned to strengthen community resilience.
He reiterated the need for increased government investment in DRR and the implementation of stronger collaborative policies to safeguard lives and property.
Earlier, Mr Izunna Emecheta Lawrence, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Whales Consult Limited—the consulting firm for the programme—had described the NCDMB initiative as both timely and strategic, noting that it addressed the rising environmental and disaster-related risks facing oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.
The training drew from global best practices, particularly the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), and culminated in live simulation exercises where volunteers staged emergency drills on domestic fire control and health response.
In a colourful closing ceremony, participants received certificates of participation, starter packs, and cash awards, with a charge to replicate the knowledge gained in their respective communities to promote a culture of safety, preparedness, and sustainability.
