By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged the Federal Government to construct additional dams as a solution to the recurring floods affecting riverine areas in the state. The governor made this appeal during a meeting with officials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Lokoja.
Represented by his Deputy, Elder Joel Salifu Oyibo, Governor Ododo emphasized the Federal Government’s capacity to mitigate flood challenges in Kogi State, pointing out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the state’s development. In addition to advocating for more dams, the governor called for the dredging of the Rivers Niger and Benue, as a crucial step to prevent future flooding in riverine communities.
NEMA’s Managing Director, Subaidu Umar, pledged the agency’s cooperation with the state government to manage flood-related disasters. He acknowledged the urgency of the situation, particularly in Kogi’s vulnerable communities.
Mr. Muktar Atima, Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), also appealed for assistance from the Federal Government, philanthropists, and international organizations, citing the state’s limited resources to handle the scale of devastation.
As Kogi State continues to face the threat of flooding, the local population looks forward to timely intervention to alleviate their plight.
