By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has that it is not resting on it oars in ensuring that the 2024 flood prediction that placed the State on red alert is drastically mitigated in the event that it occurs.
The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, (KOSEMA), Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, disclosed this in continuation of the agency’s sensitization programme towards mitigating the 2024 NIMET flood prediction organized by the National Emergency Management Agency, Abuja Operations Office in collaboration with the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency and Local Communities.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the time for all stakeholders to put on their thinking caps incase the flood occurs on what needs to be done, necessitated the sensitization.
He explained that the present administration in the State is resolutely committed to protecting lives and properties.
He described the Sensitization as one of the lined up programmes by government in the event of the flood, saying that holding the event for Idah for Ibaji and Idah LGAs was deliberate, considering the fact that the two local Government areas are usually worst hit when flood occurs in time past.
The Executive Secretary noted that the sensitization became necessary in view of the fact that Kogi State is among the five State on red alert for the 2024 flood prediction, with Ibaji, Idah, Lokoja, Ajaokuta and Kogi Local Government Areas in the State already on red alert.
He said the need to intensify the sensitization efforts towards ensuring that the people of Idah, Ibaji, who are already in crisis are fully equipped, following the rising of the waters in the mentioned areas.
He thanked NEMA for choosing Kogi State State for it’s sensitization, pointing out that it underscored the efforts to inform the people to be better informed towards mitigating the impending flood prediction.
Atimah thanked Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for the Support the agency is getting to carry out sensitization and preparation for the flood prediction, describing the Governor as people oriented, focused administration, striving to save lives and properties in the State.
He charged the stakeholders, who he described as opinion moulders, carefully selected based on their reach to use the information learnt at the stakeholder meeting in educating people of their communities living around the flood plains.
He called on people living around the River Banks to begin to relocate, pointing out that it is better to be alive than living in their comfort zone.
In his remarks, the Attah Igala, Alaji Mathew Oguche Akpa who was represented, appreciated the efforts of the Federal and State Government in ensuring that the impact of the 2024 flood is reduced if it occurs.
The Traditional Ruler lamented the loss of lives and properties in time past in the area, described the early sensitization and preparation as timely.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director General NEMA, represented by Mr. Justin Uwazuruonye, Head operation, in his presentation on waste management described sensitization as key in disaster risks management.
He attributed flooding to climate change and poor waste management as one of the major causes of flood.
Also speaking, Mr. Siaka Salami, Director Relief, SEMA in his presentation on Disaster Mitigation Response, gave safety tips on what should be done in the event of the flood.
The Stakeholders Meeting held at Winners Hotel Idah, had Traditional Rulers, Religious, Community, Women, Youth leaders and other segments of the society at the meeting