"We're doing everything possible to curtail floods in Kogi"

Following flood predictions for this year, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has disclosed ongoing efforts to educate the public and raise levels of awareness in a bid to reduce the effects of disasters in Kogi State.

Deputy Governor, Chief (Dr.) Edward Onoja received the briefing having played host to officials from the Abuja Operational Office, led by its Head, Mr. Justin Uwazuruonye, joined by the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Sunday Obari, on Tuesday.

Mr. Justin noted a Sensitization Workshop slated for tomorrow which is themed on a special safety campaign to alert and sensitive flood-prone communities, and how to mitigate its effects.

He said Kogi remains an important State due to its innumerable contribution to the nation’s economy, advising residents across communities to avoid dumping refuse and erecting buildings on water channels as part of the preventive measures against flooding.

He assured of an intervention arm of the Agency to be on ground in the coming days to provide relief materials to former victims of the flood, with adequate communications with the State Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Water Resources, and Health on modalities to tackle occurrences.

Chief Onoja who extended the State’s Congratulations to the new NEMA Boss on his appointment, said Kogi is historically susceptible to flooding due to the Confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue. He espoused the importance of continued advocacy, enlightenment, and engagement with residents of flood-prone areas.

He said Governor Yahaya Bello, alongside his strong security policies, has remained consistent in reducing the scourge of the yearly flood in the State and commended the Agency for its genuine efforts of disaster management.

He regretted that 9 to 12 LGAs suffer perennial flooding across the State, with the assurances that every relevant stakeholder would be encouraged to attend the Workshop.