Firm trains PWDs on climate disaster preparedness

EcoSmart Club, a youth-led climate action group, has trained about 50 young persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Oyo State on climate disaster preparedness as part of efforts to promote inclusive climate resilience.

The training, organised under Phase Two of its GreenAbility initiative and supported by the One Million Youth Action Challenge, was designed to equip participants with knowledge on the increasing impacts of climate change and the need for inclusive disaster preparedness strategies.

Speaking at the recent workshop, Anuoluwapo Ogunrinu, project lead of GreenAbility, said the programme aims to empower young persons with disabilities with the knowledge and tools required to respond effectively to climate-related emergencies.

“I am proud that this workshop is creating a platform where young persons with disabilities can gain knowledge on how to prepare for climate disasters like floods and heatwaves, while also understanding their role as leaders shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future,” she said.

Ogunrinu added that these challenges include inaccessible communication systems, barriers to safe evacuation, and limited inclusion in disaster planning and response frameworks.

According to her, the training also introduced a peer mentoring approach that will enable participants to step down the knowledge gained to others within their communities.

“The approach is expected to promote wider awareness and strengthen community resilience in Oyo State, particularly among individuals who were unable to attend the training.”

She noted that each participant received a customised emergency preparedness kit containing essential items such as first aid supplies and other safety tools tailored to their needs.

Meanwhile, Kolawole Amusat, a disaster risk reduction expert, provided insights into the nature, patterns and impacts of climate disasters within the Nigerian context.

He noted that understanding the dynamics of climate-related disasters is critical to improving preparedness and response at the community level.

Kazeem Akinade Olanrewaju of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also emphasised the need for inclusive policies and strategies that take into account the specific needs of persons with disabilities in disaster response and planning.

“Inclusive disaster preparedness is not optional; it is a necessity. When we plan for persons with disabilities, we build a system that works for everyone,” he said.