NEWS
Abia State Strengthens Grassroots Disaster Response as Government Inaugurates Local Emergency Management Committees Across 17 LGAs
The Abia State Government has taken a major step toward enhancing disaster preparedness and response by officially inaugurating Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in all 17 Local Government Areas of the state. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, marking a renewed commitment to community-based emergency management.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Sunny Jackson, explained that the establishment of the LEMCs is designed to strengthen emergency preparedness, early response, and risk mitigation at the grassroots level. He urged members of the committees to commence work immediately, emphasizing the urgency of building functional structures that can respond swiftly to emergencies within their localities.
Professor Kalu highlighted that the creation of effective Local Emergency Management Committees aligns with Federal Government requirements for states to institutionalize disaster management frameworks at all levels. He disclosed that members of the committees would undergo specialized training, including emergency report writing, to improve coordination, documentation, and response efficiency. He further stressed that emergency management is not a one-off assignment but a continuous responsibility requiring proactive planning, vigilance, and sustained engagement.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), represented by the Head of Operations, Mr. Igwe Nnamdi, underscored the critical role of community involvement in effective disaster management. He noted that emergencies are best managed when local structures are empowered and fully integrated into state and national response systems, describing emergency management as a shared responsibility that thrives on collaboration.
The event also attracted representatives of key security and emergency response agencies, reinforcing the multi-agency approach to disaster management in the state. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), represented by Mr. Kenneth Onyeocha on behalf of the State Commandant, Mrs. Ngozi Uzoma; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), represented by Mr. A. C. Onuegbu; and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, represented by Mr. Okerie Victor, all expressed their readiness to support SEMA and the newly inaugurated committees in ensuring timely, coordinated, and effective emergency response.
Adding practical value to the occasion, the inauguration featured technical sessions and lectures on basic first aid and core emergency management principles. These sessions were designed to equip committee members with essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond effectively to emergencies within their communities.
With the inauguration of the LEMCs, the Abia State Government has reinforced its resolve to build resilient communities, improve disaster response capacity, and safeguard lives and property through coordinated action at the local level.