EPRT HOSTS SUCCESSFUL 2026 ANNUAL INTERACTIVE FORUM IN YOLA, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

 

Yola, Adamawa – February 18, 2026 

The Emergency Preparedness and Response Team (EPRT) successfully convened its 2026 Annual Interactive Forum in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State. The gathering brought together key stakeholders, partners, and members from across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas to reaffirm their collective commitment to strengthening peacebuilding, emergency preparedness, and community resilience.

The annual forum served as a strategic platform for engagement, reflection, and collaboration. Attendees reviewed the past year's activities, presented detailed performance reports, shared success stories, and identified challenges to enhance response mechanisms across communities.

The event was chaired by the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Richard Bala Dangari. In his remarks, Mr. Dangari commended the EPRT members for their dedication to promoting peaceful coexistence and proactive emergency response. He emphasized the critical importance of synergy among community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and security agencies in sustaining peace and stability within Adamawa State.

he forum was coordinated in partnership with the Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Yola, which played a pivotal role in participant mobilization, engagement facilitation, and stakeholder collaboration.

Distinguished attendees included Mr. DanJumaa Ojei Mailambu, representing the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC); representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); the Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCN); and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The presence of members from the Local Emergency Preparedness and Response Teams (LEPRT) and Peace Clubs from various schools across the state underscored the inclusive, grassroots-driven nature of the initiative.

A major highlight of the forum was the awards presentation, recognizing outstanding contributions to peace and preparedness. Awards were presented to:

· Best Schools in Peace Club Activities: For their commitment to promoting dialogue, tolerance, and unity among students.

· Best Performing LEPRT: For exceptional service, coordination, and community impact.

The 2026 Annual Interactive Forum not only celebrated achievements but also strengthened partnerships, renewed motivation among members, and reinforced the shared vision of building safer, more peaceful, and resilient communities across Adamawa State.

Titus Innocent Isinga, Hicia News