By Salau Ibrahim
Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, has inaugurated the Lokoja Local Emergency Management Committee, LEMC.
Inaugurating the Committee for Lokoja Local Government Area, the Executive Secretary KOSEMA on behalf of Kogi State Government, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains committed to preparations and mitigating the impact of flooding.
He charged the Committee with the responsibility of notifying State through SEMA of any form of disasters at grassroots level, implementing measures to mitigate risks, preparedness, response and recovery plans.
“This initiative is to enhance disaster mitigation and response at the grassroots level”, he stated.
Atimah assured of continued government’s backing for LEMC’s operations and announced 13 official designated IDPs camps in Lokoja LGA to the Committee.
He urged the members to extend their reach into the various communities.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Emergency to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Muhammed Shuaibu, congratulated the committee, and advised them to work closely with SEMA, urging them to create public awareness of potential disasters in their communities and educate people on safety measures in the event of any disaster.
Speaking on behalf of LEMC, the Vice Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, who doubles as the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Patricia Balogun, thanked the State Government for the opportunity given to them, and promised to work hard to achieve the objectives of disaster reduction at the grassroots level.
The Inauguration, which was conducted at Lokoja LGA Council Hall, was witnessed by SEMA management team, and other Disaster Response Team, including Special Adviser on IDPs to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Jibrin Ibrahim; Senior Special Assistant on Emergency to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Otaru Salihu; and representatives from different NGOs in Kogi State.
The LEMC comprises representatives from various sectors, including Local Government Officials, Community Leaders, Security Agencies, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Emergency Responders Fire Service, Health, and Civil Society Organizations.
