Kwara State Government partners with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve community resilience to climate-related risks under the REBUMMA Project.
The collaboration was formalised during a courtesy visit by Red Cross officials to the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam-Nnafatima Imam, in Ilorin.
Speaking at the meeting, the commissioner praised the Red Cross for its ongoing support in communities affected by insecurity and climate challenges, particularly in Patigi, Lafiagi and Moro Local Government Areas.
She described the REBUMMA Project as a timely intervention that aligns with the state’s efforts to reduce disaster risks and protect vulnerable populations.
Hajia Mariam-Nnafatima also called for capacity-building initiatives for ministry staff to strengthen institutional response to emergencies and disaster risk management.
The Director of Planning, Finance and Supply at the ministry, Mrs. Grace Taiwo, requested more details on the project’s next phase and how social workers from the ministry could be actively involved in its implementation.
Providing insight into the initiative, the Nigerian Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, Mr. Amuda Ibrahim, explained that the REBUMMA Project is a regional programme operating across Nigeria, Benin and Togo, with a strong focus on flood prevention and climate resilience.
He revealed that the project has already reached more than 10,000 beneficiaries nationwide, with 4,386 residents in Kwara State alone across Patigi, Lafiagi and Moro Local Government Areas.
Project activities have been carried out in over 23 communities in Patigi and more than 10 in Lafiagi.
Mr. Ibrahim noted that the project helps communities take early action before disasters strike by linking weather forecasts to early-warning systems.
He added that manual river gauges and community-based alert mechanisms have been installed in flood-prone areas to improve preparedness.
Also speaking, the Red Cross Kwara State Branch Communications Coordinator, Mr. Afolayan Taiye, said social workers from the Ministry of Social Development will play a key role in mobilising communities, identifying vulnerable groups and ensuring the project remains sustainable at the grassroots.
The REBUMMA Project is expected to run until November 2026, with the Red Cross calling for continued support from the state government to expand its reach and impact.
