By Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Towards strengthening the State’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) has continued its extensive on-the-spot assessment tour across the 18 local government areas (LGAs) of the State.
The initiative undertaken on the directive of the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, is focused on identifying communities and locations that are vulnerable to environmental hazards such as erosion, flooding, gully formation, and other natural disasters that pose risks to lives and property in the State.
LGAs visited by the Inspection Team as led by the Executive Secretary of EdoSEMA, Hon. Jerry Idahosa, included Egor, Orhionmwon, Akoko-Edo, Etsako East, Ovia South-West, Esan North-East, and Uhunmwonde. The visits followed similar assessments already carried out in Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs.
Hon. Idahosa and his Team conducted on-the-spot inspections of critical and high-risk locations, engaging with community stakeholders and residents of various identified areas, to understand the specific environmental challenges they face. The visits were also marked by courtesy calls on the respective local government chairmen, where the EdoSEMA Boss reiterated the State Government’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction and infrastructural development.
Speaking during the visits, Hon. Idahosa emphasised that the State’s ongoing assessment efforts align with Governor Okpebholo’s broader vision to prioritise infrastructure, ensure sustainable development, and safeguard the welfare of all Edo residents. He noted that one of the primary objectives of the tour is to proactively identify potential disaster hotspots and formulate practical, community-specific recommendations for both immediate and long-term interventions.
“This assessment is not just a routine inspection but it is a deliberate and strategic action plan in line with the vision of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, to build resilient infrastructure and create safer communities. We are committed to compiling a comprehensive report that outlines the severity of the risks identified, while also recommending actionable steps that can be swiftly implemented to mitigate any impending disasters,” Hon. Idahosa stated.
Hon. Idahosa stressed the importance of cooperation and synergy among all tiers of government, local authorities, and affected communities in mitigating environmental challenges. He maintained that disaster management is a shared responsibility and should not be left solely in the hands of the State Government.
“Emergency response is a collective task. We call on the local government chairmen and other relevant stakeholders to use their good offices to support and implement immediate remedial actions. We must all be part of the solution if we are to prevent the loss of lives and safeguard the properties and livelihoods of our people,” he added.
The chairmen of the various LGAs visited expressed appreciation to the State Government and EdoSEMA for initiating the timely assessment aimed at identifying and addressing environmental risks before they escalate into major disasters. They described the initiative as commendable and reflective of a responsive and people-oriented government.
They pledged commitments to collaborating with EdoSEMA and implementing recommended interventions within their respective jurisdictions. The chairmen appealed to the State Governor to ensure swift implementation of the Agency’s expected reports, stressing that early action is vital in preventing the potentially devastating effects of natural disasters, which often result from delayed responses and infrastructural neglect.
They emphasised the need for continuous cooperation between the State and local governments, and highlighted the importance of involving community leaders and residents in the planning and execution of preventive measures. The local officials assured the inspection team of their full support and promised to play their parts in the broader effort to make Edo State more resilient to environmental challenges.
The inspection tour by EdoSEMA, which has garnered widespread commendations, is expected to cover the remaining LGAs in the coming weeks. The Agency has assured that no community will be left out, and that the specific environmental challenges of each area will be duly documented and addressed.
Beyond immediate assessments, EdoSEMA has reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience among residents. To this end, the Agency plans to roll out a statewide public awareness campaign aimed at educating communities on disaster preparedness, emergency response strategies, and best practices in environmental management.
As EdoSEMA continues its assessment across the State, residents are encouraged to cooperate fully with the Inspection Team and to promptly report any signs of potential environmental threats in their localities. The combined efforts of governments, local authorities, and community members are crucial in building a disaster-resilient Edo State, to achieve optimum safety, sustainability, and development.
