Kogi gov’t seeks stronger partnership with NEMA

The Kogi State Government has called for enhanced collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver more effective interventions to the people of the state.

This appeal was made by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu while addressing the head and management staff of NEMA’s Abuja Operational Office in Lokoja today.

In a press statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Emmanuel Unubi, on Monday, January 20, 2025, Governor Ododo commended the Head of the Abuja Operational Office of NEMA, Mr. Abubakar Zekeri, on his appointment and wished him a productive tenure. He acknowledged the successful emergency management efforts coordinated by NEMA in synergy with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and other stakeholders.

The governor highlighted several interventions conducted in the state in 2024, including the delivery of federal government grain palliatives and interventions in Omala, Dekina, Lokoja, and Kogi local government areas. He also mentioned the introduction of a pilot program on women’s volunteer disaster risk reduction management to educate women in flood-prone areas.

Governor Ododo emphasized the state government’s commitment to disaster management, citing the recent release of over N34 million as compensation to victims of a fire disaster in Lokoja.

Earlier, the Director of NEMA’s Abuja Operational Office, Mr. Abubakar Zekeri, explained that the agency’s visit aimed to familiarize themselves with the state government and seek collaboration for improved interventions.

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Atima Muktar, commended NEMA for their visit and praised Governor Ododo and his deputy for their dedication to the state’s development.

This development is in line with Governor Ododo’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with various organizations to drive development in Kogi State.