The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been honoured with the Most Outstanding Crisis Communication in Government Award by the Lagos Digital PR Summit for its exemplary Flood Preparedness and Response Campaign in 2024.
The award celebrates NEMA’s innovative use of digital communication strategies to educate the public and coordinate effective responses during Nigeria’s annual flood seasons.
The presentation ceremony was held in Abuja last Wednesday, with the Chairman of Lagos NIPR, Comfort Obot Nwankwo, and President of Upticomm Marketing Company and Convener of the Lagos Digital PR Summit, Segun McMedal, presenting the award to Zubaida Umar, Director General of NEMA.
The Lagos Digital PR Summit, which began in 2016, is the premier event in sub-Saharan Africa focused on advancing digital public relations practice.
The Summit is a collaboration between Upticomm Marketing Company and the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
The award presentation was part of activities marking the 9th Lagos Digital PR Summit, held at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
NEMA’s campaign was selected following a rigorous assessment process, with its innovative and impactful efforts recognized for utilizing digital platforms effectively to share vital information and engage the public and proactively engaging with stakeholders, providing timely updates to improve disaster response coordination.
NEMA also implemented communication strategies that significantly reduced the impact of flooding and saved lives across the country.
In her acceptance speech, Zubaida Umar expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for the recognition and dedicated the award to the hardworking staff of NEMA nationwide.
“This award is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our team who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians during times of crisis. It motivates us to do even more,” she said.
She reaffirmed NEMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing public sensitization campaigns on disaster risks and prevention and promote nationwide risk management practices to mitigate disaster impacts.
The Agency will also strengthen partnerships with professional bodies like NIPR and the media to drive public awareness and disaster preparedness initiatives.
Umar also emphasized the need for continuous improvement in disaster management efforts and the importance of fostering collaboration with stakeholders to reduce avoidable disasters in the future.
This award highlights NEMA’s pivotal role in advancing effective communication in government and its dedication to safeguarding lives and property during emergencies.
