As flooding continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across Nigeria, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Lagos State Branch, has launched a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Club at Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Egbeda, to strengthen flood resilience and disaster awareness among schoolchildren and their communities.
The initiative, implemented under the Italian Government–Funded Flood Resilience Project in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), seeks to nurture a generation of young Nigerians equipped to prevent, mitigate, and respond effectively to disaster risks, particularly flooding.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Adeshile Nicholas, Administrative Officer of the NRCS Lagos Branch, said the DRR Club would serve as a practical platform to teach pupils early-life safety and disaster preparedness skills.
“This project helps pupils understand how to prevent floods, what to do during flooding, and how to stay safe. It also integrates first aid, hygiene, and hand washing practices,” he explained.
“These children will become ambassadors of safety within their schools and communities.”
Nicholas revealed that the Flood Resilience Project is being implemented in seven states, including Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Cross River, with Lagos interventions currently focused on Alimosho and Eti-Osa local government areas. He added that the Red Cross, in collaboration with LASEMA, has been providing relief materials, temporary shelter, and community sensitization for affected residents.
“We educate people on what to do before, during, and after flooding using information materials and practical sessions,” he said, noting that behavioural change, limited mobility, and inadequate funding remain key challenges.
“Many flooding incidents stem from human behaviour, and changing that takes time and consistent engagement,” he added.
Also speaking, Mr. Michael Olufemi, Security Officer from the NRCS National Headquarters, Abuja, emphasized that early disaster education is critical to reducing risk exposure.
“The DRR clubs help pupils understand disaster actions before, during, and after floods. Early knowledge builds safer, more resilient communities,” Olufemi stated.
He further identified poor drainage systems and indiscriminate waste disposal as leading causes of flooding in Lagos, urging authorities to intensify environmental management efforts.
“Most flooded areas result from blocked drains. Improving waste management will significantly reduce the impact,” he noted.
Officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Local Education Authority, National Disaster Response Team (NDRT), and the NRCS National Headquarters attended the event, which featured sessions on Early Warning and Early Action (EWEA).
The launch attracted broad media attention, amplifying the message of disaster preparedness and climate resilience across Lagos State.
Through the Flood Resilience Project, the Nigerian Red Cross Society continues to reaffirm its commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and communities from climate-related disasters, aligning with global efforts to build adaptive, flood-resilient societies.