Kogi Prepares for Imminent Floods; Governor Ododo Sets Up Multisectoral Response Team and Mobilises Resources
In response to rising water levels and the 2024 flood prediction by NIMET, the Kogi State Government through the Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, held an emergency meeting on August 13, 2024, with key stakeholders to discuss flood management strategies. Attendees included officials from SEMA, various ministries, and health and sanitation agencies. The Commissioner of Environment, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen emphasized the need for unified efforts and public sensitization, while SEMA’s Executive Secretary, Alh. Mouktar Atimah, reported the establishment of 42 IDP camps across 8 LGAs, preparations for 250,000 displaced persons, and rising water levels requiring continued vigilance. The stakeholders resolved to collaborate using SEMA data for effective resource allocation and targeted flood mitigation.
Kogipedia recalls that Governor Ododo was Chairman of the NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Nature-Induced Disasters charged with developing, among other things, a roadmap for Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response to Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification. His Committee completed their work in record time and their report was adopted by NEC, with the FGN moving to implement aspects of it immediately such as the release of N3bn each to all states and the FCT to tackle this year’s flooding. We gathered that the administration is also moving to implement other recommendation to ensure national resilience and long term protection of citizens against disaster.
Back home in Kogi, which is projected to see flooding in the next couple of weeks, with water levels already rising in some local governments, Governor Ododo has set up the Disaster Response Team headed by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu and early warning structures and actions are in process.
Kogipedia wishes to amplify the government’s warnings that the downstream of Kainji and Jebba Dams from Shaare up to Lokoja is expected to overflow given current predictions on rainfall. High-risk locations include Ugwolawo, Idah, Ibaji, Wara, Omala and Bassa. Others are Ajaokuta, Lokoja Edeha, Iganuma and Akpaku. Residents are advised to urgently move at least one kilometre away from all flood plains.’
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