The Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management Institute has conferred the Institute’s prestigious “Distinguished Professional Fellowship Award” on well-deserving practicing professionals, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and commendable contributions towards the advancement and promotion of emergency, crisis, disaster, safety, health, environmental, security, risk and humanitarian management profession in Nigeria.

The ceremony alongside the induction of Honourary Fellowship Awardees, was held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during the Institute’s “5th Annual Hybrid Nigeria Special Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Management Simulation Week & Exhibition, Edo, 2024” Summit, themed: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks”.

The Professional Fellowship Awardees include Edward Omoruyi Oseghe, Sports, Environment, Health & Security Editor, The Nigerian Observer; Amb. (Dcn.) Theodore Osas Ehannire, Edo State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA); Osas Maria Ogbeide-Ihama Esq., Director, Monitoring & Enforcement (R&C) Dept., Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) and Osemwegie Ogbemudia, Head of L.G. Administration (HOLGA) Esan South-East Local Government Council, Ubiaja, Edo State.

The ceremony featured the Honourary Fellowship Award presentation to Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, Deputy Governor, Edo State; Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Olusesan Oduyebo, Nigerian Army, Brigade Commander, 4th Mechanized Brigade, Benin City, Edo State; Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director General, Nigeria Television Authority and Kingsley Uwagbale, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Edo State, among others.

The event aimed at emphasising proactive disaster risk management featured lectures and practical demonstrations on safety measures during emergencies.

Dr. Chuks Akawo, Director-General/CEO, Emergency, Crisis & Disaster Risk Management Institute (ECRMI), while delivering his welcome address, explained that the event is geared towards building the capacity and competencies of various disaster responders.

“This is a National Awareness Initiative designed to promote Emergency Preparedness across Nigeria on what to do before, during and after emergencies,” Dr. Akawo.

Speaking during the award presentation, Dr. Akawo said the deserving recipients were found worthy of the Honourary Fellowship and Professional Fellowship Award on account of their leadership qualities and commitment to advancing the frontiers of humanity.

According to Gertrude Akawo, the Head, Membership Services, ECRMI, “This is the fifth ceremony, and we have been taking it to different zones. The institute is looking at the possibility of taking it to another state before the end of the year.”

Other organisers of the event also reiterated that emergencies, crisis and disasters are unplanned, hence the need for preparedness at all times in line with the theme of the ceremony.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the induction, the Deputy Governor affirmed the commitment of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the welfare and well-being of Edo citizens, while dedicating the award to the Governor.

He said, ‘The present administration is a responsible and responsive government that has accorded top priority to the management of emergency and disaster situations.’

The Deputy Governor noted with delight, the active collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, resulting in the passage of a bill to repeal the Edo Fire Service Law No.7 of 1975 and establish the Edo State Fire and Rescue Service 2024, by the Edo State House of Assembly.

He stated that it was a proactive move aimed at regulating, improving and strengthening government efforts in emplacing fire safety services and mitigating its impact on citizens, in case of emergency and disaster, while describing Obaseki as a compassionate and caring leader.

Highlights of the award and induction ceremony were the presentation of award plaques and certificates to the honourary and professional fellowship awardees in recognition of their impeccable proven track records of performance, as well as decorating them with the institute’s paraphernalia, amidst cheers from conference participants and guests.

Doris Ogeleke, a participant at the event, highlighted some insights gained noting necessary action points that should be carried out before and during a disaster, as well as what needs to be done after a disaster has occurred.

Margaret Nwaobi, another participant added, “If there is any emergency case around me, I am going to apply the revealed methods.”