Kogi State Government has taken delivery of four motorized fiberglass boats donated by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).
Spokesperson of Governor Usman Ododo, Ismaila Isah disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that boats
would boost its preparedness for the 2024 flood season Isah said the boats, intended for search and rescue operations, were received by Governor Ododo.
According to the spokesperson, ss Kogi State braces for what is predicted to be a challenging flood season, the delivery of the boats marks another significant step in strengthening the state’s resilience to natural disasters
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Victor Levi Atuluku represented Governor Ododo during the handover at the N-HYPPADEC headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
“Kogi State, as one of the ten HYPPADEC member states, stands to benefit significantly from the deployment of these boats as part of its flood mitigation efforts,” Isah said
Speaking during the event, DeKogi Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, commended Kogi state’s proactive approach to disaster preparedness.
He acknowledged the deep ties between Niger and Kogi States, lauding the leadership of Governor Ododo in addressing flood-related challenges.
The spokesperson recalls that Governor Ododo chaired the NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Nature-Induced Disasters which designed a national roadmap for Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response (MAPR) to Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification for the nation.
“The Committee’s work resulted in the release of N3bn to each state and the FCT by the federal government for the 2024 flood season.
“The four fiberglass boats are equipped to handle swift water search and rescue missions and will be used to support Kogi State’s ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property during the flood season.
“With arrangements already in place for the safe transportation of the boats to Kogi, the state is intensifying its flood management measures.
“Kogi State, which has historically been one of the hardest-hit by seasonal floods due to its location at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, has maintained a high level of vigilance over the emerging flood situation.
“The state government, in collaboration with N-HYPPADEC, has implemented several proactive measures, including public sensitization campaigns, early warnings to riverine communities, and the establishment of evacuation protocols.
“Governor Ododo’s administration remains committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Kogi residents. The donation of these boats is expected to bolster the state’s capacity to respond swiftly to emergencies and mitigate the impact of floods on vulnerable communities,” the statement concluded.
