ABUJA - The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said it would establish Grassroots Emergency Volunteer Corps (GEVC) to mitigate the frequent occurrence of disasters in the country.

This was contained in a statement from the Agency, signed by Malam Yushau Shuaib, Head of Press Unit, and made available to newsmen in Abuja .

The statement said that NEMA Director-General, Mohammed Audu-Bida, made the statement while launching the programme in Ebonyi.

Audu-Bida, who was represented by the Zonal Director, Dr Onimade Bandele, said that the Corps would provide quick response to disaster mitigation before assistance from Headquarters.

“GEVC will mitigate the menace of disasters and improve the people’s attitude towards disaster management in the council areas,” he said.

He urged all tiers of government to be involved in disaster management in the country.
According to him, establishing GEVC in all the council areas will facilitate information and help the agency to be more proactive in its responses.

“We are embarking on mobilisation and sensitisation of the grassroots, to equip citizens for the necessary challenges,” he said.