Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) says it believes disaster risk reduction is a problem that requires a collective approach involving governments, communities and humanitarian organizations.
Executive Secretary of KOSEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, made this known when he visited the offices of Nigeria Red Cross and Save the Children International Organization on collaboration of flood preparedness based on 2024 predictions released by NiMET.
Atimah emphasized on the importance of data sharing to improve response to disasters in Kogi state.
During the visit to Nigerian Red Cross, the Executive Secretary of KOSEMA said the agency has stepped up its preparedness to prevent and management natural disasters in the state with engagements with stakeholders.
Atimah noted that KOSEMA recognizes the critical roles of Nigerian Red Cross in disaster management. He, however, sought for effective collaboration, synergy and support that could compliment the proactive measures and preparedness of the Agency.
He urged Red Cross to embrace data sharing with KOSEMA.
He commended Nigerian Red Cross for its consistent response to disaster outbreak and charged them to maintain the tempo.
Responding, the Branch Secretary of Red Cross commended the new leadership of KOSEMA for the proactive steps he has embarked upon since he came on board, adding that the efforts would further make the Agency work better and deliver on its mandate beyond expectations of Kogites.
He said Red Cross values capacity building and promised to collaborate with KOSEMA in staff training and disaster management.
He pledged enhanced synergy and continued support.
In a similar vein, KOSEMA management also visited Save The Children International Organization.
Alhaji Atimah informed the State Field Manager, Mr. Imeh Samuel that KOSEMA sought to explore ways of solidifying a long standing relationship between the two bodies.
He added that the engagement of stakeholders centered on proactive measures to reduce or avert effects of impending flood.
A Director with KOSEMA, Mr Sunday Isiaka, eulogized the organization’s cooperation, and advised them to include windstorm disaster in its scope coverage, embrace data sharing with SEMA and expand data collection system by having representatives across 21 LGAs in Kogi state.
Responding, the State Field Manager appreciated KOSEMA management for the visit, and expressed happiness over SEMA’s progress.
He recalled past working relationship and cooperation between SEMA and the Organization, especially during flood disaster. He appealed for continuity.
