Kogi, a state perennially plagued by devastating floods, could soon witness a shift in its approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR).

A non-profit organisation, the Geohazards Risk Mapping Initiative (GRMI), is empowering children and young people in the state with the knowledge and practical tools that will enable them lead their communities in flood preparedness and build resilience to disasters.

This initiative focuses on engaging children and youths in flood awareness training, geospatial mapping, community engagement and advocacy, creating opportunities for them to play a central role in local DRR strategies.

Taiwo Ogunwumi, who is the founder and Senior Project Lead at GRMI, noted that his organisation’s programme aligns with global frameworks like the Children’s Charter for Disaster Risk Reduction and UNICEF’s Sustainability Climate Change Action Plan, which advocate for youth participation in mitigating climate-induced disasters.

Kogi State’s vulnerability to flooding stems from its location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers. According to the State’s Emergency Management Agency, the 2022 floods, which is among the worst in recent history, displaced over 471,000 people, destroyed 92 healthcare facilities, and submerged entire communities.

Yet, the absence of updated data on flood-prone areas has left critical gaps in disaster preparedness. “Without this, it’s difficult to protect infrastructure, plan evacuations, and develop strategies to protect vulnerable populations — especially children and youth,” Ogunwumi said.

A study conducted by GRMI in 2023 showed that 33.1% of Kogi’s schools are at high risk of flooding due to their low-lying locations, while 66.1% face medium risk. Flood-induced school closures often leave thousands of children out of school, disrupting their education and exposing them to additional physical and psychological risks.

Ogunwumi noted that children and youth are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of flooding and other climate disasters, yet they hold immense potential to drive meaningful change when equipped with the right tools.

He added that studies had revealed that children who are involved in disaster preparedness have better understanding of risks and are more likely to protective actions in real situations.

It was against this background that GRMI launched an innovative effort to involve young people directly in disaster risk reduction and resilience building. He explained that his organisation decided to start the programme in Kogi because of the peculiar experience of the state with flooding. He, however, expressed his organisation’s desire and readiness to extend the initiative to other flood-prone states.

The GRMI’s youth-driven Disaster Risk Reduction initiative entails activities such as flood awareness and preparedness training, mapping and identifying flood-prone areas, engagement in community flood response, collaboration with schools and educational institutions and carrying out advocacy and youth-led awareness campaigns.

Discussing each component of the initiative, Ogunwumi explained that his organisation holds workshops and school programmes to teach young people about the causes and effects of flooding, how to recognise flood risks in their surroundings, and what they can do to stay safe.

“By equipping them with flood preparedness skills, this training ensures they understand both personal and community safety measures,” he added.

“Using geospatial mapping tools, we train youth to identify flood-prone zones within their communities. GRMI’s approach includes hands-on mapping exercises, helping young people understand topographical and infrastructural factors that contribute to flooding. This data collection, crucial for effective flood risk management, also helps them visualize the broader impact of floods on their communities.

“We also involve young people in flood response drills and preparedness activities. By doing this, we encourage a culture of resilience among youth. Community-level activities allow children and youth to gain confidence and leadership skills, positioning them as important contributors to their community’s disaster response and fostering a sense of agency.”

As part of the initiative, the organisation also collaborates with local schools to integrate disaster risk education into the curriculum.

“This makes DRR knowledge more accessible to students and provides a lasting resource for flood-prone communities in Kogi. Partnerships with educators ensure that lessons on safety and preparedness continue to reach children even outside of GRMI-led activities.

“We also support youth-led awareness campaigns that address the effects of flooding on education, health, and family stability. These campaigns, often led by youth ambassadors, create a platform for young people to advocate for more sustainable and inclusive DRR policies that take into account their unique needs and vulnerabilities.”

Through these efforts, GRMI is not only addressing immediate flood risks but also fostering a generation of resilient young leaders.

“As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural disasters, it’s imperative to empower the next generation to take the lead in building resilient communities,” Ogunwunmi emphasised.