The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has announced plans to establish an Emergency Operations Centre to enhance its ability for the coordination of emergency response operations in the state.
Mr Muktar Atima, Executive Secretary of the agency, who announced this while speaking on TalkTime, a current affairs programme on Lugard TV, assured that the Centre would be fully operational in the coming days.
Atima said that the Emergency Operations Centre will have 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, Atima said that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across flood-prone communities are fully prepared to receive potential victims ahead of projected heavy rainfall.
The Kogi SEMA boss further said 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.
He said; “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”.
Atima said 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 precautionary measures in case of flood.
He explained that while disaster cannot be completely prevented, proper education and timely preparation and response can significantly reduce its impact.
Atima added that during the 2024 flood, the agency activated 18 of the 42 camps initially prepared adding 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.
The SEMA Executive Secretary 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.
Atima 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.
He therefore called for improved community effort in maintaining drainages and relocating from high-risk areas, saying that the agency is currently working with the Ministry of Environment and other MDAs to strengthen its institutional response framework.
The Executive Secretary therefore urged residents of vulnerable areas to heed early warnings, relocate when necessary, and cooperate with officials in the interest of safety and public welfare.
