The Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is set to open an Emergency Operations Centre aimed at improving coordination of disaster response across the state.
Executive Secretary of the agency, Muktar Atima, revealed this development during an appearance on TalkTime, a current affairs programme aired on LugardTV.
According to him, the operations centre will become fully functional in the coming days, bringing together representatives from key ministries such as Health, Water Resources, Agriculture, Women Affairs, Education, and Information for a more unified and effective emergency response.
Addressing the state’s readiness for the predicted extreme weather events, Atima noted that Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps have been adequately prepared in communities vulnerable to flooding, ahead of anticipated heavy rains.
He said the agency has ramped up awareness campaigns in flood-prone and riverine areas, especially those near the banks of the Rivers Niger and Benue, in preparation for potential displacement.
“At the moment, the agency has identified and prepared IDP camps in strategic locations across the state, this is in line with our early warning response mechanism, and to ensure that no life is lost due to delay in evacuation or lack of shelter,” he said.
Atima also stated that more than 258 communities located along major waterways have been mapped out, with efforts underway to collaborate with traditional leaders, youth organisations, religious figures, and other grassroots stakeholders to relay critical safety information on evacuation plans and flood preparedness.
While acknowledging that disasters cannot be completely avoided, he emphasized the importance of public awareness, proactive planning, and timely intervention in reducing their impact.
The SEMA chief added that during the 2024 flooding season, the agency activated 18 of the 42 designated camps, with the support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration ensuring access to food supplies, clean water, healthcare services, security, and hygiene materials for displaced persons.
He further mentioned that SEMA, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has begun assessments in new locations such as Kabba and Ijumu Local Government Areas, which have recently experienced flash flooding.
Reiterating the agency’s long-standing appeal, Atima called for the construction of a dam in the Shintaku axis as a measure to ease the pressure from overflowing rivers and mitigate the risk of severe flooding.
He also urged communities to take responsibility by clearing drainage channels and relocating from high-risk zones, adding that SEMA is currently working alongside the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to reinforce the state’s emergency response framework.
The Executive Secretary appealed to residents in flood-prone areas to take early warnings seriously, relocate when advised, and collaborate with emergency personnel to ensure their safety and public welfare.
