Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said it will establish an Emergency Operations Centre to enhance its ability to coordinate emergency response operations in the state.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Muktar Atima disclosed this while speaking on TalkTime, a current affairs programme on LugardTV.
He assured that the Emergency Operations Centre would be fully operational in the coming days, with representatives from key ministries including Health, Water Resources, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Education, and Information, to ensure effective coordination.
Speaking on the level preparedness by the state following adverse weather predictions, he disclosed that Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across flood-prone communities are fully prepared to receive potential victims ahead of projected heavy rainfall.
He noted that the agency, in anticipation of likely displacement caused by flooding, has intensified sensitization campaigns in riverine and flood-prone communities, especially those along the banks of the Rivers Niger and Benue.
“At the moment, the agency has identified and prepared IDP camps in strategic locations across the state, this is in line with our early warning response mechanism, and to ensure that no life is lost due to delay in evacuation or lack of shelter”, he said.
The SEMA boss explained that over 258 communities located along major waterways have been identified, with traditional rulers, youth groups, religious leaders and other grassroots actors being engaged to disseminate vital information on relocation plans and and precautionary measures in case of flood.
Atima noted that, while disaster cannot be completely prevented, proper education and timely preparation and response can significantly reduce its impact.
He added that, during the 2024 flood, the agency activated 18 of the 42 camps initially prepared and that the state government under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ensured the provision of food, potable water, healthcare, security, and hygiene kits in all the camps.
He further disclosed that the agency in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had commenced assessments of new areas such as Kabba and Ijumu Local Government Areas, where flash flood was recently recorded.
The Executive Secretary reiterated the agency’s advocacy for the construction of a dam around the Shintaku area to help divert water and reduce pressure from overflowing rivers in the state.
Atima who called for improved community effort in maintaining cdrainages and relocating from high-risk areas, noted that the agency is currently working with the Ministry of Environment and other MDAs to strengthen its institutional response framework.
The Executive Secretary urged residents of vulnerable areas to heed early warnings, relocate when necessary, and cooperate with officials in the interest of safety and public welfare.