By Joy Salami
Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOGI SEMA), has intensified efforts to mitigate the impact of anticipated flooding across the state, declaring that the agency has shifted from being reactive to proactive in disaster management.
Executive Secretary of KOGI SEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, stated this during a courtesy visit to the management of The Graphic Newspaper, where he appealed to the media to support the government’s flood awareness campaign by taking safety messages to residents, particularly those living in flood-prone communities.
Atimah noted that flood preparedness has become an annual responsibility for the agency, especially after the seasonal flood predictions released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
According to him, Kogi is consistently listed among states at risk because of its geographical location at the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue.
Once the flood prediction is released and states likely to be affected are mentioned, Kogi is always among them. It is not our fault; it is because God has placed us where two great rivers meet. That makes us naturally vulnerable to flooding, he said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is determined to prevent avoidable disasters by putting mitigation measures in place before flooding occurs.
He disclosed that the agency had identified safe evacuation routes for vulnerable communities as well as temporary shelters where displaced persons could be accommodated if the need arises.
We are no longer waiting for disasters to happen before responding. We have identified escape routes from low-lying communities to safer grounds, and where necessary, temporary shelters have also been prepared. We are working with the Ministries of Health, Environment and other relevant agencies to ensure the health, hygiene and security of affected persons, he said.
Atimah added that the State Government was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that no life is lost during the flood season.
He explained that the agency had embarked on consultations with critical stakeholders, including media organisations, to ensure that timely warnings reach residents in the affected communities.
Commending The Graphic Newspaper for its wide reach, he observed that the publication had grown beyond Kogi State, recalling how he unexpectedly found copies of the newspaper on sale during a visit to Edo State.
The world is now a global village. Through your newspaper and online platforms, these messages can reach our riverine communities and even people outside Kogi. We want everyone to know that flood is coming and they must prepare, he said.
The SEMA boss also cited recent flooding incidents in neighbouring states and other African countries as reminders of the devastating consequences of natural disasters if preventive measures are ignored.
He urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse, especially plastics and sachet water bags, into drains, describing poor waste disposal as one of the major human causes of flooding.
Many people see drainage channels as dumping sites, but they were constructed to allow water flow. Throwing refuse into gutters blocks them and contributes significantly to flooding. Everyone must understand that every action has consequences, he warned.
Responding, the Managing Director of, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, commended the Executive Secretary for his proactive leadership and commitment to disaster management.
Itopa described Atimah as a competent administrator whose background in media had positioned him to appreciate the importance of public communication in disaster prevention.
In his words, ” Kogi State Government is fortunate to have someone like him heading the agency. He understands the role of the media and knows that public enlightenment is the first step in disaster management”.
He assured the agency of the newspaper’s continued support in disseminating flood sensitisation messages to residents across the state through both its print and digital platforms.
According to him, effective collaboration between SEMA and the media should not be limited to annual visits but sustained throughout the year to keep the public adequately informed.
”Sensitisation should be continuous. Do not wait until the flood season before engaging the media. Any time there is information that should get to the people, carry us along and we will help take it to every corner of the state”, Itopa advised.
The Managing Director also encouraged the agency to strengthen its relationship with all media organisations, assuring that The Graphic Newspaper would continue to partner with SEMA in promoting disaster risk reduction and public safety across Kogi State.
