Ododo Urges Stakeholders To Develop-Proactive Flood Mitigation-Strategies In Kogi (View Details)

Ododo Urges Stakeholders To Develop-Proactive Flood Mitigation-Strategies In Kogi (View Details)

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has charged stakeholders in the state to come together and develop a proactive strategy to mitigate flood disasters as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

Ododo, who made the call on Tuesday during a stakeholders meeting on Emergency Management and Flood Preparedness organized by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), emphasized the need for intensified efforts in sensitizing and mitigating the impending flood disasters.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, explained that flooding poses severe threats to nine local government areas in Kogi State. “We will continue to invest in early warning to sensitize and enlighten the people, especially citizens living and dwelling along riverine areas,” he stated.

Noting that the government alone cannot effectively address the challenges posed by flooding in Kogi State, Ododo urged stakeholders to support his administration in tackling the effects of floods in the state.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, in his welcome address, said the stakeholders meeting aimed to strengthen synergy and cooperation among stakeholders ahead of the anticipated 2024 flooding and identify the needed support to enhance flood response.

According to him, between April and May 2024, over 1,000 households were affected by wind and rainstorms in three local government areas. He assured that the agency would continue to do its best in managing disasters in the state.

“The agency would on its part continue to intensify efforts in mitigating the predicted flooding and sensitizing the general public. The state government has done a lot in saving lives and property of its citizens and protecting the vulnerable,” Atimah said. He urged all stakeholders to take NiMET’s flood predictions seriously to reduce incidents of death and loss of property.

In his goodwill message, the Onu of Itobe, Chief Salifu Adaji, appealed to the Federal Government to be proactive in finding a lasting solution to the perennial flooding affecting people living along riverine zones. The traditional ruler suggested that the Federal Government should embark on massive dredging, with the Nigerian Navy supervising to ensure that the contract is executed according to specifications.