As part of efforts to build community resilience against climate-induced disasters, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State Branch, has launched a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Club at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Egbeda, Lagos.
The initiative, implemented under the Italian Government funded Flood Resilience Project in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), aims to equip pupils with knowledge and practical skills for disaster preparedness, safety awareness, and environmental responsibility.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Adeshile Nicholas, Administrative Officer of the NRCS Lagos Branch, said the DRR Club would help raise a generation of children who can identify, prevent, and respond to environmental hazards particularly flooding, which remains one of Lagos’ major seasonal challenges.
“This project teaches pupils from a young age how to prevent floods, what to do during emergencies, and how to protect themselves and their communities,” Adeshile explained.
“They will become ambassadors of safety, taking the message from their classrooms to their homes and neighbourhoods.”
He disclosed that the project is being implemented in seven states, including Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Cross River, with community interventions focusing on Alimosho and Eti-Osa in Lagos.
These include awareness campaigns, relief assistance, and collaboration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) to promote safer, more informed communities.
Mr. Michael Olufemi, Security Officer from the NRCS National Headquarters, Abuja, highlighted the importance of early disaster education as a cornerstone for sustainable resilience.
“The DRR Clubs introduce pupils to the basics of early warning and early action. Understanding what to do before, during, and after flooding helps reduce risks and saves lives,” he said.
Olufemi identified poor drainage systems and indiscriminate waste disposal as recurring causes of flooding in Lagos, urging local authorities and residents to adopt cleaner environmental practices.
He also cited manpower and mobility limitations as ongoing challenges in community-based disaster response.
Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the Local Education Authority, and the National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) participated in the event, which featured interactive sessions on Early Warning and Early Action (EWEA) and hands-on demonstrations for pupils.
The sensitisation exercise also drew broad media attention, amplifying the call for stronger climate action, environmental discipline, and investment in school-based disaster education.
Through the Flood Resilience Project, the Nigerian Red Cross Society continues to advance national efforts toward achieving safer schools, climate adaptation, and disaster-ready communities, key priorities under Nigeria’s environmental and humanitarian response framework.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo