By Abubakar Abraham
In a proactive move to address the looming flood risk in Kogi State for 2025, key stakeholders from the Kogi State Newspaper Corporation, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), convened to strategize on disaster management.
The meeting, held in Lokoja, brought together experts and officials to ensure readiness, resilience, and effective coordination to mitigate the anticipated challenges posed by potential flooding.
The NEMA team led by Alhaji Abubakar Zakari, Head of Abuja Operations Office, included Mr. Yinka Agaba, Mr. Mairo Bahago, Mr. Bilal D. Umar, and Mrs. Hauwa Kabir.
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On its part, the SEMA team was represented by Dr. Sandra Musa (Special Adviser on SEMA), Alhaji Murtar Atimah (Special Adviser on Internally Displaced Persons), Mr. Isiaka Sunday (Director, Relief Department), Mrs. Rose Gomina (Officer, Disaster Risk Reduction Department), Ibrahim Salau (Public Relations Officer), and Edimeh Richardson (Protocol Officer). While The Graphic’s team, led by the Managing Director, Yusuf Itopa, included Executive Editor Mr. Oyewole James and other key personnel.
Speaking, Alhaji Abubakar Zakari outlined NEMA’s four-pronged approach to disaster management: prevention, preparation, response, and recovery.
He emphasised that disasters, including floods, are local in nature, requiring tailored strategies at the state and local government levels. NEMA’s role includes coordinating with state agencies like SEMA to ensure preparedness and swift response.
The Graphic was urged to amplify efforts in raising awareness before, during, and after disasters to support response and recovery phases.
Zakari also clarified that while NEMA’s mandate includes fire disasters, the current focus in Kogi State is on flood preparedness due to the high risk projected for 2025.
In his remarks, Alhaji Murtar Atimah , warned that Kogi State faces a significant flood risk in 2025, with nine local government areas identified as flood-prone.
To address this, 42 camps have been established across eight local governments to accommodate potential displaced persons. The ninth local government, Ibaji, lacks suitable locations for camps, so alternative sites in nearby areas have been identified. Most camps utilize school facilities, which are being prepared to serve as temporary shelters. SEMA, in collaboration with NEMA, is ensuring these camps are equipped and operational.
In her part, Dr. Sandra Musa emphasised the proactive formation of Local Emergency Management Committees across flood-prone local governments. These committees will serve as first responders, ensuring rapid action in the event of a disaster. “We are praying the floods do not come, but we are preparing as if they will,” Musa stated, highlighting the state’s commitment to readiness.
Responding, the Managing Director of The Graphic newspaper, Mr Yusuf Itopa, welcomed the stakeholders and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to permanently address the flood risk.
He underscored that disaster management is a shared responsibility requiring innovative solutions.
Mr. Itopa also highlighted the newspaper’s role in public sensitisation, ensuring residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, are informed about evacuation plans and safety measures.
The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between media and emergency agencies. Mr. Oyewole James, Executive Editor of The Graphic, raised key questions about NEMA’s scope, which were addressed by Zakari, fostering clarity and alignment. No significant disagreements arose, reflecting a shared commitment to the goal of protecting Kogi State’s residents.
The establishment of an Emergency Operation Center was highlighted as a critical step in coordinating disaster response. Stakeholders agreed on the need for continued communication, training for Local Emergency Management Committees, and refining operational plans.
The Graphic was commended for its past efforts and encouraged to intensify public sensitization campaigns to ensure residents in flood-prone areas are prepared to evacuate to higher ground.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for sustained coordination among NEMA, SEMA, and the Kogi State Newspaper Corporation. Alhaji Zakari reiterated that “disaster is local in nature,” emphasizing the importance of community-level preparedness. The stakeholders committed to equipping camps, training responders, and leveraging media to enhance public awareness.
As Kogi State braces for the 2025 flood season, this collaborative effort sets a clear path toward resilience and effective disaster management. With 42 camps, local committees, and a robust communication strategy, the state is poised to mitigate the impact of potential flooding, protecting lives and livelihoods.
