Institutional and Humanitarian Response to Disasters in Ibadan City, Nigeria - Research

This paper focused on responses to everyday hazards and intensive disasters in Ibadan city characterized by a wide spectrum of risks. Qualitative data were elicited through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. The results show a disconnect among neighborhoods, government institutions and humanitarian agencies with regard to disaster response. Neglect and lack of service delivery to mitigate the impact of disasters were linked to absence of necessary synergy among key stakeholders. As a result, the residents resorted to self-help activities, which, for the most part, were embedded in ignorance with a potential for opening up another vista of vulnerabilities. There is need for stakeholders, particularly the government, to recognize the dangerous African Renaissance lapses created by these response complications and address them through policies and vigorous community enlightenment programs.