Kogi State Appeals to Federal Government for Flood Relief Amid Devastating Crisis

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

The Executive Governor of Kogi State His Excellency Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to construct dams to mitigate the devastating floods affecting states in riverine areas.

This call to action came during a meeting with National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials in Lokoja today 17-18-2024, where Ododo was represented by his Deputy Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo.

The governor, represented by his Deputy Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo highlighted President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the progress of Kogi state emphasized the federal government’s capacity to tackle flood challenges.

Ododo also urged the Federal Government to dredge the River Niger and Benue to safeguard riverine states from flood disasters.

In response, NEMA’s Managing Director, Subaidu Umar, pledged to collaborate with the state government to manage flood-related disasters, stressing the urgent need for attention in Kogi State, particularly in riverine communities.

The flood disaster has been described as alarming by the Commissioner of Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, who noted its severe impact on schools.

The Executive Secretary of Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Muktar Atima, also appealed to Federal Government philanthropists and international communities to come to the aid of Kogi State citing the state government’s limited capacity to address the devastation.

As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Kogi State await swift action from the federal government to alleviate their suffering.