NEMA IN COLLABORATION WITH WORLD BANK GROUP AND KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT HOLDS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE (EP&R) STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT

 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the World Bank Group and the Kogi State Government, convened a Stakeholders Engagement on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The event was led by the Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Dr. Bandele Onimode, who represented the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar. In his opening remarks, Dr. Onimode highlighted that Kogi is one of the seven pilot states selected for the EP&R project, alongside Delta, Anambra, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ondo, and Gombe States. He emphasized that the project is designed to build capacity in disaster preparedness and response, with the goal of minimizing the impact of disasters in vulnerable communities.

Representing the World Bank Group, Mr. Francis Nkoka, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, commended both NEMA and the Kogi State Government for their commitment to fostering safer and more resilient communities during emergencies.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Zonal Director of NEMA for the North Central, Alhaji Waziri Aliyu; the representative of the Executive Governor of Kogi State; the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA); and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency and SEMA.

In his remarks, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo who represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Hillary Ojoma expressed appreciation to NEMA and the World Bank for organizing the workshop. He noted that the initiative would significantly enhance the State Government’s efforts in managing disasters across the state.

Key stakeholders in attendance included the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, HYPREP, Federal and State Fire Services, Ministry of Information, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Department of State Services (DSS), KONGONET, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ministry of Environment, Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and LGA Desk Officers across the state.

The engagement, scheduled to run for three days, is designed as an interactive platform featuring presentations, experience sharing, and group discussions, all aimed at strengthening collaboration and enhancing disaster preparedness and response across all levels.