In a proactive move to strengthen disaster preparedness, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called for unified action among emergency response stakeholders in Edo State to confront the growing threat of flooding.
The appeal was made during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin City on Wednesday.
Kenoma Ojuedere, Head of Operations at NEMA’s Benin Office, emphasized the urgency of collaboration, noting that fragmented efforts have hindered the effectiveness of past responses.
“We’ve observed that many agencies operate in silos. If we combine our resources and coordinate as a single unit, we can significantly improve outcomes and save lives,” he said.
The meeting, convened in response to recent early warning alerts, aimed to craft a comprehensive flood action plan that would enhance readiness and minimize casualties and displacement.
Ojuedere stressed the importance of knowing what each stakeholder has available—such as ambulances, health facilities, and emergency vehicles—before disaster strikes.
He acknowledged that limited logistics and resources remain a challenge but expressed confidence that collective planning and support from the state government could bridge the gap.
He appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to bolster emergency infrastructure with additional vehicles and operational support.
Echoing the call for preparedness, Jerry Idahosa, Executive Secretary of the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), highlighted ongoing efforts to sensitize flood-prone communities.
“Awareness is key. When residents understand the risks, they’re better equipped to respond,” he said.
Idahosa also addressed past concerns about the diversion of relief materials, assuring stakeholders that the current administration has implemented strict oversight.
“Since assuming office, I personally supervise the distribution of aid, ensuring transparency and accountability,” he stated.
To improve living conditions for displaced persons, the state has begun renovating Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and plans to deploy tents in areas lacking formal shelters.
Idahosa noted that poor conditions in previous camps—such as inadequate water supply and food—had discouraged victims from seeking refuge, a situation the government is now working to correct.
During the session, Fabian Imogomoh, Head of Disaster Management at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo Command, raised concerns about the continued diversion of food supplies meant for displaced individuals. He urged the government to take decisive action to eliminate the practice.
The meeting drew participation from a wide range of agencies, including the State Ministry of Health, Nigerian Red Cross, Police, NSCDC, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fire Service, and SEMA.
Together, these stakeholders pledged to build a more resilient emergency response system, one rooted in transparency, coordination, and community engagement.
