By Peter Omopo
The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) has introduced a football tournament as part of its campaign to raise awareness on flood mitigation and prevention.
Speaking with journalists on Friday, YOSEMA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Goje, said 12 football clubs will participate in the week-long competition, which kicks off Saturday in Damaturu. The event, tagged “Beyond the Pitch,” will bring together more than 130 youths under the age of 22.
Goje explained that the initiative was designed to use sports as a tool for community sensitisation. “The last four clubs will take the campaign further by leading community sensitisation and drainage clearance exercises ahead of the semi-finals and finals. This initiative is expected to reach over 1,300 youths and community members,” he said.
The participating clubs include Joga Bonito, Ozki FC, FC Base, Don Etebet Warriors, Ubalio Beba, Obasanjo FC, Yoshi Bites, Sabon Fegi, City Rollers, Hungry Lions, FC Bamanga, and Ajari Central.
Goje urged participants to embrace the opportunity to support government efforts in reducing the impact of flooding. “Let us be more preventive than reactive,” he added.
The initiative, according to YOSEMA, highlights the state government’s commitment to disaster prevention and humanitarian relief.
Recently, the agency provided hygiene and shelter kits to 103 displaced persons in Potiskum Local Government Area while registering and validating 1,049 households—comprising 6,627 individuals—for further flood support.
