The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has announced plans to establish an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) aimed at enhancing its capacity to coordinate emergency response activities across the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Muktar Atima, made this known while speaking on TalkTime, a current affairs programme on LugardTV.
According to Atima, the EOC will become fully operational in the coming days and will feature representatives from key ministries, including Health, Water Resources, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Education, and Information, to ensure effective inter-agency coordination.
Addressing the state’s preparedness in light of recent adverse weather forecasts, Atima said Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across flood-prone communities have been fully prepared to receive potential victims ahead of the projected heavy rainfall.
“In anticipation of displacement caused by flooding, we have intensified sensitization campaigns in riverine and flood-prone communities, especially those along the banks of Rivers Niger and Benue,” he said.
He added that the agency has identified and equipped IDP camps in strategic locations across the state as part of its early warning and response mechanism, ensuring no lives are lost due to delayed evacuation or lack of shelter.
Atima disclosed that over 258 communities located along major waterways have been identified as high-risk zones. Traditional rulers, youth groups, religious leaders, and other grassroots stakeholders have been engaged to disseminate vital information about relocation plans and precautionary measures.
While noting that disasters cannot be completely prevented, Atima emphasized that proper public education and timely preparedness can significantly reduce the impact of emergencies.
He further revealed that during the 2024 flood season, SEMA activated 18 of the 42 designated IDP camps. The state government, under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, ensured the provision of food, potable water, healthcare, security, and hygiene kits in all operational camps.
Additionally, SEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has begun assessments in new areas such as Kabba and Ijumu Local Government Areas, where recent flash floods were reported.
Atima reiterated the agency’s advocacy for the construction of a dam around the Shintaku area to help divert excess water and ease pressure on overflowing rivers within the state.
He also called for greater community involvement in maintaining drainages and relocating from high-risk areas, adding that SEMA is currently working with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant MDAs to strengthen its institutional response framework.
The Executive Secretary urged residents of vulnerable areas to heed early warnings, relocate when advised, and cooperate with officials in the interest of safety and public welfare.
