By Mariam Adams.
In response to the rising water levels of the River Niger and Benue, as well as the 2024 flood prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Kogi State Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management convened an emergency meeting on Friday with key stakeholders to discuss strategies for emergency management and response to the impending flood disaster
The meeting which was led by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun had in attendance key stakeholders, including officials from the State Emergency Management Agency led by the Executive Secretary, Alh Mouktar Atimah; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Timothy Ojomah; Commissioner of Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouk; Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation, Hon Rabietu Okute; Dr. Ojotule Austin (S/Epid) from Ministry of Health, GM Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board, Mr.Ajayi Olufemi as well as officials from State Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management
In his opening address, Engr. Oluwasegun called for a unified response to the impending flood threat, highlighting the need for seamless collaboration among stakeholders.
He further emphasized on the need to intensify public sensitization efforts ensuring that prone communities are adequately informed and prepared to respond to the disaster.
While presenting an update on the flood preparadness efforts, the Executive Secretary, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, revealed that 42 IDP camps have been established across 8 Local Government Areas, with 9 flood-prone areas identified, and approximately 250,000 people expected to be displaced, adding that an Emergency Operation Center would be established to facilitate effective coordination and response to the flood situation.
He, however, noted that water levels are rising, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and prompt action to mitigate the impact of the impending flood.
During the meeting, the stakeholders, in their separate areas of expertise, discussed various aspects of flood management, mitigation strategies, emergency response protocols, and evacuation procedures, with a focus on developing a comprehensive plan to minimize the impact in the event of flooding.
They resolved to work with the data provided by SEMA to inform their decision-making, guide resource allocation, and implement targeted interventions towards the effect flooding.
