By: JOSHUA ADINOYI
As part of efforts to avert the negative impact of flood during the 2022 raining season, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with the Kogi State Chapter of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has commenced Sensitization Movement to those living in flood-prone areas within the State Capital, Lokoja and it’s environs.
The Team visited Gadummo and Sarkin Noma, where residents are already affected by the rising waters.
The Kogi State Coordinator, NESREA Field Office, Lanre Jimoh, said the move to Sensitize the people of Kogi State was borne out of the earlier predictions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), that some parts of the Country will experience flood in twenty-twenty-two raining season.
Lanre explained that the Sensitization is also part of preparatory measures to get the people off flood prone areas in view of the impending flood that is to ravage some States.
He pointed out that the Agency is committed to ensuring a cleaner and Healthier environment for all Nigerians, stressing that the cooperation of the people will go a long way at helping them achieve such.
“The Sensitization Exercise carried out by NESREA in conjunction with SEMA in line with NiMET prediction of impending flood that is expected to ravage some parts of the Country
“It is part of our duty as an Agency to go out and Sensitize the people to create the necessary awareness in order to avoid the danger that is inherent
“We are out to make them sea reasons why they need to leave because when flood finally come, life may be lost, property will be destroyed, diseases can be contracted and spread as well” he said.
A relief Officer with the Kogi State SEMA, Richardson Edime, said the need for the people to move to higher grounds cannot be overemphasized, calling on them to heed to the call to avert negative consequences of flood.
Edime enjoined the people to cultivate the attitude of always cleaning their drainages to allow free flow of waters, saying that human activities also contributes to flooding.
He assured of the readiness of SEMA at meeting her obligations as mapped out by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), adding that the Agency is always ready to partner with others.
In a chat with Mrs. Rose Ojone, a resident of Gadummo in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, whose House has been submerged, shares her ordeals and called for urgent intervention from government and well-to-do individuals.
Mrs. Ojone, a mother of six explained that she has been facing difficulties in the areas of feeding and accommodation, calling on government at all levels to find lasting solution to the divergence of waters into residence of Community dwellers.
The District Head of Sarkin Noma in Lokoja Local Government Area, Bala Musa Namama, appreciated NEMA, SEMA and NESREA for their concern for the wellbeing of the people, and advised residents of the Community to move higher grounds in view of the predicted flood.
Namama said safety of lives and property was more important, calling on the people to protect their lives by heeding to all Government advice as regards flooding.
The Sarkin Noma District Head noted that already, some houses in the Community are begining to experience flood, stressing that such was enough for others to act swiftly to Government directives.
Ibaji, Ajaokuta, Idah, Ofu, Kogi, Lokoja, Bassa, Omala and Igalamela are the Nine Local Government Areas usually affected by flood during raining season in Kogi State.
