Flood: NASEMA sensitizes Toto LG riverine communities
….Urge flood-prone communities to Relocate
to safer areas
Over 200 local government areas in Nigeria are projected to be affected by flooding this year, according to recent alerts and risk assessments.
In Nasarawa State, four LGAs namely —Awe, Doma, Nasarawa, and Toto—are under a red alert and considered most at risk due to their proximity to the River Benue and recurring flood incidents. Authorities have begun sensitization campaigns and are setting up temporary settlements for displaced residents in these high-risk areas.
Residents in flood-prone communities are strongly advised to relocate to safer grounds as emergency management agencies activate disaster risk reduction measures
The Director General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), Barrister Benjamin Akwash, has emphasized the importance of timely information and proactive measures in disaster management. He made this statement today at the Ohimegye Palace in Umaisha during a one-day sensitization campaign organized by the agency.
Barr. Akwash revealed that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has issued notifications to relevant agencies regarding potential risks in the area. He further commended His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for graciously approving timely intervention strategies to avert the loss of lives and property.
Quoting a popular saying, Barr. Akwash remarked, “If you are not informed, you will be deformed,” highlighting the critical role of awareness in disaster prevention.
He also expressed his appreciation to community members and stakeholders for their cooperation and for honoring the agency’s invitation to participate in the sensitization exercise.
The campaign underscores NASEMA’s commitment to safeguarding residents through proactive engagement and information dissemination.
Mr Barnabas Asoloko representative of Red Cross sociery call for strict adherence of the warming by the government as avoid casualty.
In his response to the officials, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi Ohimegye of Opanda and president Toto local government traditional council while appreciating them for the early warning signals however expressed dismayed to NASEMA for not keeping to their words of erecting a permanent structure on the land provided to them by the palace since last year.
He also lamented on the substandard nature of some relief packages supplied previously .
The monarch applauded His Excellency Engr A A Sule for the showers of love to the masses, your message will go a long way in guiding my people on what to do while keeping vigil on the looming flooding as envisage.
Hon. Atnadu Sunday Yakubu, the Vice Chairman of Toto LGC and who represented his principal, pharmacist Ahmed Baba Yahaya, expressed gratitude to the agency for their proactive measures.
He assured the local government council’s readiness to partner with the agency by promptly sharing information to help safeguard the riverine communities
