Emmanuel Oluwakorede
Stakeholders in Kogi State have emphasized the need for permanent solutions to perennial flood in the State.
This was the position of speakers at the stakeholders workshop on Emergency Management and Flood preparedness organised by Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Earlier this year, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicted that twenty three states will be affected by flood this year, placing five states including Kogi State on red alert.
Moved by this prediction, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency SEMA organized the workshop with Religious groups, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in attendance.
The State Deputy Governor and Chairman of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Comrade Joel Oyibo assured that proactive measures have been put in place to mitigate this year’s impending flood.
Comrade Oyibo, who was represented by the permanent secretary in his office, Mallam Yakubu Suleiman, stressed that the perennial flooding since 2012 has posed a threat to nine local government areas in Kogi State.
He noted that the time has come for stakeholders to come together and develop a proactive strategies for the purpose of mitigating flood disaster in the state.
According to him, the government alone cannot effectively address the challenges posed by flood disaster, urging stakeholders to support government in tackling the effects of flood in the state.
Deputy Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Mrs. Comfort Nwochola described the workshop as timely, saying Ibaji Local Government Area is yet to recover from the twenty twelve flood.
The Ohimege Igu of Kotonkarfe, Alhaji Saidu Akawo-Salihu and Alhaji Salihu Adaji while calling for more proactive efforts to tackle the annual disaster, promised the support of Kogi State Council of chiefs.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atima said the workshop was in line with the directive of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s mandate to tackle any emergency.
Alhaji Mouktar said in view of the NiMet prediction, those living along flood prone areas should move to higher grounds.
