By Abraham Abubakar
The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), alongside its technical committee, has sensitised the public on disaster management and risk reduction during a visit to the Kogi State Newspaper Corporation.
The technical committee comprises the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ministry of Health, Kogi State Fire and Rescue Agency, and other stakeholders.
The agency appealed to the media including The Graphic Newspaper and citizens to collaborate with it to manage disaster risks and safeguard residents of the state.
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Representing the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Kogi State Branch Secretary and Trainer Abubakar Abdullahi stressed the vital role of the media in disaster risk reduction. “Media creates awareness on how to prevent disaster before it occurs, which entails people identifying risk and how to mitigate risk,” he said.
“We have capacity to prevent risk but the public needs serious awareness to utilise such capacity. When there’s flood we have highlands for those affected to relocate to before the flood is gone, so we need publicity to create awareness for the people to know about what the government have provided for them in helping such situation.”
Deputy Commandant Mrs Ibeh Pauline of the NSCDC Kogi State Command, representing Commandant Aletan Olumide Ebenezer, assured that the Corps would protect lives and property during disasters.
She emphasised that properties of those affected by flooding would be adequately secured from theft as residents evacuate affected areas.
Pastor Gabriel Atuluku, Director of Environmental Health and Coordinator of Climate Change and Health at the Ministry of Health, noted that while climate change cannot be completely stopped, its effects can be reduced through mitigation and adaptation.
He highlighted man-made causes such as improper refuse dumping during rains and felling trees without replacement. “We are pleading with the media to help us create awareness on how to avoid causing disaster by our unhealthy habits. As the government is trying their best, we also need to help them achieve positive results,” he stated.
Mrs Sule Rabi, State Controller of the Kogi State Fire and Rescue Agency, explained that the agency’s role during floods includes putting out fires and rescuing people trapped or endangered by collapsing buildings and drowning. She noted that this is why the agency forms part of the technical committee, with the aim of protecting lives and properties.
The engagement at the Kogi State Newspaper Corporation forms part of SEMA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public awareness, encourage early preparedness, and promote collaboration between government agencies and the media in reducing disaster risks across the state.
