The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Command in Akwa Ibom State has reiterated its commitment to professional standards and the protection of the nation’s critical assets.

The Commandant, Geraldine Abetianbe, stated this at a thanksgiving service in commemoration of the 2026 International Civil Defence Day (ICD) in Uyo.

The theme for the 2026 ICD is “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”

Mrs Abetianbe said that the theme aimed to tackle environmentally harmful habits, and to be deliberate about the safety of lives and property.

She ‎urged the citizenry to take actions against practices that could damage the environment, saying that efforts should be made to ensure a resilient future.

The NSCDC official said that it was important for the citizenry to support the efforts of governments by indulging in acts that would protect the environment, and keep it healthy for habitation.

“It is our collective responsibility to clean our environment, avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially in drainages to avoid blockage,” she said.

Mrs Abetianbe urged members of the public to adhere strictly to the predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) to avoid tragic incidents.

“NiMET prediction is not death sentence. It is a wake-up call on us to take proactive measures, enhance preparedness, and evolve risk mitigation frameworks,” she said.

The commandant commended the Akwa Ibom State  government‎ for the ongoing desilting of drainages in the Uyo metropolis.

‎She stated that the  International Civil Defence Day  was marked globally by all 61 member countries, including Nigeria.

Mrs Abetianbe said that the purpose was to draw attention to issues bordering emergencies, disaster, humanitarian efforts coordination,and environmental risks reduction.

Earlier, the Head, Operations, National Emergency Management Agency, Uyo Office, Aisueni Mmandu, urged residents of the state to take action against practices that could damage the  environment.

Mrs Aisueni said that the 2026 weather forecast by NiMet listed Akwa Ibom State as a flood-prone state, saying, “it’s a call on us to be more precautions.”

She warned against littering, improper waste disposal, harmful agricultural practices, uncontrolled mining and quarrying to avoid flooding.

(NAN)