By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja**
In response to warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other regulatory bodies, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has approved the formation of a Flood Disaster Response Team to prepare for potential flooding along the Rivers Niger and Benue.
Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications,
announced the decision on Wednesday in Lokoja. He stated that the team’s primary goal is to avert losses and protect lives and property in the state’s flood-prone regions.
“The state government’s decision to establish this team is a proactive move to mitigate the impact of potential floods and safeguard our communities,” Fanwo said. The Flood Disaster Response Team will be responsible for coordinating the government’s flood response strategies and implementing the State Action Plan on Flooding, he added.
Kogi State, situated at the confluence of the two major rivers, has suffered from severe flooding in previous years. This proactive measure aims to reduce the damage and hardship that flooding has historically caused in the region.
The Response Team will be chaired by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, and include a broad range of government officials. Members will comprise the State Auditor-General, Commissioners from the Ministries of Health, Environment, Works, Finance, Education, Water Resources, Women Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, Agriculture, and Information. Additionally, the State Security Adviser, the Special Adviser to the Governor on State Emergency Management Agency, and the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency will be part of the team.
Fanwo noted that the team’s inauguration by Governor Ododo would take place soon, emphasizing the government’s commitment to taking preventive action against possible flood disasters.
The initiative demonstrates Kogi State’s preparedness and dedication to minimizing the impact of natural disasters on its citizens.