In anticipation of rising water levels in the River Niger and Benue, and following the 2024 flood forecast from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Kogi State Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management held an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss flood response strategies.
Led by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Joseph Oluwasegun, the meeting included key stakeholders such as the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) headed by Executive Secretary Alh. Mouktar Atimah, Commissioner for Agriculture Hon. Timothy Ojomah, Commissioner of Water Resources Engr. Yahaya Farouk, Commissioner for Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Hon. Rabietu Okute, and Dr. Ojotule Austin from the Ministry of Health. Officials from the Kogi State Sanitation and Waste Management Board and the State Ministry of Environment also attended.
Engr. Oluwasegun stressed the importance of a unified approach, urging seamless collaboration among all stakeholders to effectively handle the impending flood crisis. He emphasized the need for robust public awareness campaigns to ensure that communities at risk are well-prepared.
Alh. Mouktar Atimah of SEMA provided updates on the state’s flood preparedness, revealing that 42 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps have been established in eight Local Government Areas. Nine flood-prone zones have been identified, and an estimated 250,000 people could be displaced. An Emergency Operations Center will be set up to ensure coordinated efforts during the flood.
Atimah also highlighted rising water levels, calling for ongoing vigilance and swift action to mitigate potential impacts.
During the meeting, the stakeholders shared expertise on flood management, mitigation measures, emergency protocols, and evacuation plans. They agreed to use SEMA’s data for informed decision-making, resource allocation, and targeted interventions to reduce the effects of the predicted flooding.
By Mariam Adams.
