The management of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), has met with the Nigerian Red Cross and received by State Branch Secretary, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi.
Executive Secretary SEMA, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, said the primary aim of the visit was on familiarisation, and further hinted the Branch Secretary 2024 flood predictions released by NIMET.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Media Team and made available to Journalists in Lokoja, said, the visit was aimed at briefing the stakeholders on predicted flood.
His words: Disaster risk reduction is a collective problem that requires a collective approach involving governments, communities and humanitarian organizations. In view of this, SEMA recognizes the critical roles of Nigerian Red Cross in disaster management. He, however, sought for effective collaboration, synergy and support that could compliment the proactive measures and preparedness of the Agency.
A Director in the Agency, Mr Sunday Isiaka, added that Nigerian Red Cross always responded to disaster outbreak and charged them to maintain the tempo. He further talked about data information, and urged them to embrace data sharing with SEMA.
In his response, the Branch Secretary, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, appreciated the State Government and thanked SEMA for the recognition of the organisation during the last palliative distribution. He further said that Red Cross is aware of the NIMET’S Seasonal Climate Predictions.
He added that the proactive steps SEMA Boss embarked upon since he came on board would further make the Agency work better and deliver on its mandate beyond expectations of Kogites. He further said Red Cross valued capacity building and promised to collaborate with SEMA in staff training and disaster management.
He thanked SEMA management and pledged enhanced synergy and continued support.
In a similar vein, SEMA management equally visited Save The Children International Organizations and the team was received by State Field Manager, Mr Imeh Samuel.
In his opening remarks, Alhaji Mouktar Atimah, said the visit was to explore ways of solidifying a long standing relationship between the two bodies.
He hinted the State Field Manager and his team the predictions on 2024 flood occurrence released by NIMET. He expressed the roles of the Organizations in gender based violence, child protection and disaster management. He asserted further that the Organisation’s services were required in any disaster, especially during flood and post flood.
He stated that a notice of meeting would soon be rolled out and his Organisation would be invited. He added that the engagement of stakeholders centered on proactive measures to reduce or avert effects of impending flood.
A Director in the Agency, Mr Sunday Isiaka, eulogized the Organisation’s cooperation. He advised them to include windstorm disaster in its scope coverage , embrace data sharing with SEMA and expand data collection system by having representatives across 21 LGAs in Kogi State.
Responding, the State Field Manager, Mr Imeh Samuel, appreciated SEMA management for the visit, and echoed his happiness over SEMA’s progress.
He referenced to the past working relationship and cooperation between SEMA and the Organisation, especially during flood disaster. He appealed for continuity and noted Mr Sunday’s advice.
He thanked SEMA team and renewed the Organisation’s cooperation and collaboration.
