ISRAEL TRAINS NIGERIAN PARAMEDICS ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT
ABUJA- In the wake of concerns over poor emergency response in the country, the Israeli government has pledged its assistance towards training Nigerians on emergency management.
This came as the Federal Government, weekend, disclosed its intention to sign a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with the Israeli government to enable Nigerian airlines fly direct to Israel, ahead of this year's Christian pilgrims' airlift to Jerusalem.
The Deputy Head of Israeli High Commission, George Deek, made this known while presenting a paper, entitled: 'The Israeli model of emergency response as a tool of counter-terrorism', at a one-day partnership forum, media briefing and discussion on enhancing emergency response and ambulance services in Nigeria using the Israeli model.
He stated that with the recent upsurge in cases of terrorism, post-election violence and recurring ethno-religious crisis, it had become pertinent for Nigeria to prioritise the training of personnel in relevant agencies on emergency management.
He said the key elements of preparedness for effective emergency response was the police, emergency medical service, medical workforce, cooperation between agencies of government and head of the emergency team.
Urging Nigerian government to ensure adequate sensitization of citizens on how to respond to emergency situation, Deek assured of the Israeli government's readiness to partner with Nigeria to help her fight terrorism.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government will sign a BASA with its Israeli counterpart to enable Nigerian airlines operate direct flights to Israel.
CAN President, Mr. Ayo Oritsejafor, made this known weekend when he paid a visit on the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Mr. Kennedy Opara, in Abuja.
He said: 'I am so happy with the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Israel and I know that very soon, this agreement will be signed and our Nigerian airlines will also participate in taking our people direct to Israel.