By Miriam Humbe
In furtherance of efforts to strengthen flood preparedness and deepen inter-agency cooperation, the Head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abuja Operations Office (AOO), Pharm. Zakari Abubakar, led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Salifu Joel Oyibo, at the Government House, Lokoja.
The visit afforded both parties the opportunity to discuss strategies for strengthening disaster preparedness, emergency response coordination, and flood risk reduction across the state, particularly given forecasts pointing to a heightened risk of flooding this rainy season.
Pharm. Zakari Abubakar reaffirmed NEMA’s resolve to work hand-in-hand with the Kogi State Government and other key stakeholders to bolster preparedness, improve early warning dissemination, and advance community-based disaster risk reduction.
He noted that effective disaster management depends on sustained collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, humanitarian organisations, traditional institutions, the media, and local communities.
The Head of Operations further underscored the need for proactive measures, among them continuous public sensitisation, prompt dissemination of early warning information, pre-positioning of emergency response resources, and well-coordinated evacuation planning for vulnerable communities.
He affirmed that NEMA remains committed to supporting the Kogi State Government in protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure from the effects of flooding.
The Deputy Governor, Comrade Salifu Joel Oyibo, commended NEMA, under the leadership of Director General Mrs. Zubaida Umar for its steadfast commitment to disaster risk management and its sustained support to Kogi State through flood preparedness campaigns, emergency response interventions, and capacity-building programmes.
He acknowledged the enduring partnership between the Kogi State Government and NEMA, describing the Agency as a reliable ally in the drive to build resilience against disasters.
The Deputy Governor pledged the state government’s continued cooperation in implementing flood mitigation strategies, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, and ensuring communities at risk as predicted by the seasonal climate prediction receive timely information and assistance.
