Kogi State Government has revealed that all measures have been put in place to ensure that the 2024 NiMET flood prediction that placed the State on red alert is drastically averted in the event that the flood disaster occurs.
The Executive Secretary, Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, stated this on Thursday in continuation of the agency’s sensitization programme towards mitigating the 2024 NiMET flood prediction.
The sensitization programme was organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja Operations Office in collaboration with the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Local Communities and held at Idah, Kogi State.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Atimah , said that time has come for all the critical stakeholders in flood disaster management to put on their thinking caps to enable them deduce what is needed to be done if the flood disaster occurs.
While noting that the present administration led by His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo is resolute and committed to protecting lives and properties of his people, the Executive Chairman SEMA, described the sensitisation as one in continuation programme by the government.
He described the event held in Idah for Ibaji and Idah LGAs as a day in history, particularly since 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 amongst five State on red alert for the 2024 flood prediction, with Ibaji, Idah, Lokoja and Kogi amongst 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 water levels in the mentioned areas.
He thanked NEMA for choosing Kogi State for its 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 Ahmed Ododo for the support the agency is making to carry out sensitization and preparation for the flood prediction, and described 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 riverine areas 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 Governments in ensuring that the impact of the 2024 flood is reduced if it occurs.
The Traditional Ruler lamented the losses of lives and properties in time past in the area, and described the early sensitization and preparation as timely.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director General NEMA, represented by Mr. Justin Uwazuruonye, Head of operation, in his presentation on waste management described sensitization as key in disaster risks management.
Uwazuruonye who attributed flooding to climate change and poor waste management, called for proper waste disposal method, stressing that indiscriminate dumping of refuse by residents has been traced to be the cause of flooding.
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, Youths leaders and other segments of the society at the Stakeholders meeting.
