By Joy Salami
In a bid to mitigate the effects of the impending flooding disaster in Kogi State, the State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA) paid a courtesy visit to The Graphic management, seeking collaboration to effectively manage and reduce the impact of disasters.
During the visit, Alhaji Muktar Atimah, the Executive Secretary of KOSEMA, emphasised the Agency’s responsibility in disaster management. “Our mission is to minimise the impact of disasters. While we can not completely prevent them, we strive to reduce their effects to the barest minimum,” Atimah stated.
He highlighted that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s directive is to protect the people of Kogi by minimising the impact of disasters through proactive measures.
Atimah noted that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) had predicted significant flooding in Kogi State, prompting KOSEMA to engage with all critical stakeholders in disaster management. “We’ve been actively collaborating with various government agencies to prepare and reduce casualties. Our goal is to ensure that what happened in 2022 and 2012 does not repeat itself,” he explained.
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The Executive Secretary pointed out the unusual weather patterns, with low rainfall in flood-prone areas, raising concerns about potential flooding when rain eventually comes. He urged Traditional Rulers to encourage residents to move to higher grounds to avoid the predicted floods.
According to him, the Agency follows a structured approach to disaster management, encompassing pre-disaster preparation, response, and post-disaster recovery stressing the crucial role of the media in all three stages, specifically seeking collaboration with The Graphic.
He disclosed that despite challenges in areas like Kogi, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Ibaji, Idah, And Igalamela Local Government Areas, KOSEMA has identified 142 IDP camps to accommodate displaced persons.
Atimah assured that efforts are ongoing to equip these camps adequately before the floods arrive.
In his remarks, the Managing Director, Mr. Y J Itopa, while appreciating KOSEMA, emphasised that the responsibility of ensuring that Kogi is safe from every form of disaster rests on everyone, noting that this collaboration is timely and a welcome development
In the same vein, the Executive Editor of the Corporation, assured KOSEMA of the Newspaper’s support. “We will use our platform to promote KOSEMA’s activities and keep the public informed. Our online platform will also be utilised to disseminate vital information and keep residents alert to avoid being caught unaware by the floods,” Oyewole added
This collaboration aims to enhance public awareness and readiness, ensuring that Kogi State residents are better prepared for the predicted flooding.
