From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi Government has collaborated with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other partners to mitigate threats of flood in the state.
In her remarks at the stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, Hajiya Amina Usman-Musa, the Special Adviser to Kogi Governor on Humanitarian services commended the IOM, UNFPA and other partners for their collaboration in support of the state government in flood management.
Usman-Musa reiterated Kogi government’s commitment to mitigate threats posed by floods, this year by increasing the efficiency of early warning system, strengthening preparedness and response.
“Part of the objectives of the meeting is to continue consultation and identify needs related to early warning and preparedness for the anticipated flooding.
“The issue of relocation of the flood victims is very paramount that the Kogi State Government through the Bureau of lands provided land for the construction and the relocation of the affected victims.
“These lands are situated at Karara, Jamata, Wada road bypass, off Ganaja and Area 10 part of the State. These locations were visited during the last stakeholders meeting.
Usman-Musa said Gov. Yahaya Bello, acknowledged the commitment of all the support provided by all the international partners and private companies during and after the previous crises, and implored everyone for their cooperation.
Also speaking, the Humanitarian Programme Analyst at UNFPA, Dr. Matthew Onoja, described UNFPA as the foremost Reproductive Health Agency of the United Nations and had been at the forefront of providing support to people in need in crisis-affected areas.
“The 2023 Flood Outlook issued by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) in February revealed that 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are under threat” Onoja disclosed