Ekiti State is set to review its emergency law and establish local government disaster committees to enhance disaster management efforts.
Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye disclosed this while receiving the new Zonal Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Said Akinyode, in her office.
The review of the law establishing the State Emergency Management Agency will accommodate local government emergency management committees, ensuring effective management of natural disasters from the grassroots to the state level. This move aims to prevent widespread destruction of property and loss of lives.
Afuye emphasized that the proposed review aligns with national and international best practices, prioritizing the safety and well-being of people at the grassroots. Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved funds for sensitizing Ekiti residents on disaster prevention and management.
The Ekiti State government has commended the Federal Government’s swift response to mitigating the plight of natural disaster victims in the state. Afuye reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with relevant agencies to address all forms of disasters.
NEMA’s Akinyode urged the state government to address challenges facing its fire service and establish local government emergency management committees. He noted that incorporating local governments would significantly enhance disaster management efforts at the grassroots.
The state government has also been appealed to provide a warehouse for NEMA to store relief materials, as the lack of storage facilities often hampers their operations. With these measures in place, Ekiti State is poised to strengthen its disaster management capabilities and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.