Kogi Gov’t Lauds World Bank, NEMA For Emergency Preparedness, Response

Kogi State Government has commended the World Bank Group and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), for their commitment to disaster management in the country.

Governor Usman Ododo gave the commendation on Tuesday in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital during a three-day emergency response plan workshop organised for critical stakeholders in disaster management by NEMA in collaboration with the World Bank.

Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hillary Ojomah Egwuda, the Governor noted that the two organisations have made positive impacts on preparedness and response to disasters in Kogi State.

Ododo stressed that the Kogi State Government will continue to ensure proper collaboration with the World Bank and NEMA in its quest to achieve the desired goals in disaster management.

According to the Governor, the choice of Kogi as a pilot state for the engagement demonstrates the commitment of the two bodies to addressing the challenges occasioned by natural disasters which needed to be handled by relevant stakeholders.

“The present administration in its special and usual way remains committed to ensuring that State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) acts within its mandate and in line with global best practices, as this would go a long way at alleviating the plights of victims of natural disasters.

“This government has demonstrated capacity through release of funds severally to give victims more hope”, Governor Ododo said.

Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar who was represented by Dr Onimode Abdullahi Bamidele, noted that the objectives of the engagement include establishing a robust emergency preparedness and response structure in all the local governments as well as advocating for the adoption and inauguration of local emergency management committees and developing a comprehensive database of volunteers.

The representative of the World Bank Group, Mr Francis Koka described Kogi State as unique, based on its strategic location, saying the partnership with NEMA was to focus on five key areas involving emergency preparedness and response.

Mr Francis assured that the World Bank would continue to offer its technical and operational support in areas of disaster management.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA), Muktar Atimah noted that the agency has been proactive in its activities over the years

Atimah praised the two partners for their commitment to the course, emphasising that the present administration has demonstrated political will to make life more meaningful to the citizens.