NEMA, World Bank Launch Emergency Preparedness Assessment in Kogi, Ododo Commends Initiative

……Assessment targets disaster response gaps, stronger coordination and improved emergency readiness

By Salau Ibrahim

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the World Bank Group, has commenced an assessment of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR&R) systems in Kogi State to identify critical gaps and strengthen disaster management.

The exercise opened with a stakeholders’ engagement at Edge Drive Hotel, Lokoja, bringing together relevant agencies and professionals to evaluate the state’s emergency response capacity and recommend improvements.

Representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, commended NEMA and the World Bank Group for the initiative.

Atimah assured the partners of the state government’s support for implementing the assessment’s recommendations, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among stakeholders before, during and after emergencies.

He expressed optimism that the exercise would help address persistent disaster management challenges and improve emergency response across the state.

Declaring the meeting open on behalf of NEMA Director-General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, the agency’s Head of Operations, Abuja, Mallam Zekeri Abubakar, urged stakeholders to contribute their expertise and experiences to the assessment.

He commended the Kogi State Government for providing an enabling environment for NEMA’s operations and called for stronger coordination among stakeholders at state and local government levels.

In his presentation, resource person Engineer Funsho outlined five critical areas of the R2R assessment: legal and institutional frameworks, information, facilities, equipment and personnel.

The assessment examines emergency management laws and coordination mechanisms, risk data and early warning systems, emergency facilities, response equipment, and the availability and training of qualified personnel.

Participants were divided into five groups to review existing response mechanisms, assess institutional capacities and identify areas requiring improvement.

The exercise is expected to generate practical recommendations to strengthen emergency preparedness, improve coordination and enhance Kogi State’s capacity to manage disasters effectively.