By Joy Salami
The Kogi State House of Assembly House Committee on Emergency earlier today, conducted an oversight visit to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to foster collaboration.
The delegation, led by the Chairman, Honourable Suleiman AbdulRazak in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for appointing Alhaji Mouktar Atimah as KOSEMA’s Executive Secretary, describing it as an ideal choice.
AbdulRazak explained that the visit aimed to familiarise the committee with KOSEMA’s operations as part of their oversight function.
He emphasised the demanding nature of emergency management and the necessity for the committee’s collaboration with KOSEMA to effectively fulfill its mandate.
AbdulRazak requested that the KOSEMA Executive Secretary involve the committee in the Agency’s activities, suggesting legislative advocacy to enhance disaster response capabilities, adding that the partnership aims to mitigate the impact of disasters on the state’s citizens.
In response, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, welcomed the team, acknowledging its timeliness and the critical support Legislators can provide to improve disaster management in Kogi State.
He commended Governor Ododo for his commitment to minimising the impact of disasters on the populace and reviewed KOSEMA’s current pre-flood preparedness plans and ongoing stakeholder collaboration and awareness activities for the 2024 flood season.
Atimah called for the House Committee’s continued support and partnership to strengthen the agency’s efforts.