The Kogi State Government is urging key stakeholders in flood disaster management to enhance their efforts in sensitizing and mitigating the impending flood as forecasted by NiMet.
During a Stakeholders meeting on Emergency Management and Flood Preparedness organized by the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Deputy Governor of Kogi State and Chairman of SEMA, Mr. Joel Oyibo Salifu, emphasized the need for a proactive approach to address the threat of flooding in nine local government areas of Kogi State.
Mr. Salifu stressed the importance of investing in early warning systems to educate and inform citizens, particularly those residing in riverine areas, about the risks associated with flooding.
Recognizing that the government alone cannot effectively tackle the challenges posed by flood disasters in Kogi State, the Deputy Governor called on stakeholders to collaborate with the government in mitigating the impact of floods.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders meeting, which include strengthening cooperation among stakeholders in preparation for the anticipated 2024 flood season and identifying necessary support to improve flood response efforts.
Mr. Atimah highlighted the impact of wind and rain storms on over 1000 households in three local government areas between April and May 2024, underscoring SEMA’s commitment to disaster management in the state.
He assured that SEMA would intensify its efforts in mitigating the predicted flooding and raising awareness among the public, emphasizing the state government’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens and protecting vulnerable populations.
