Katsina State Enhances Disaster Management with Local Government Emergency Committees
In a proactive move to strengthen disaster prevention and response, the Katsina State Government has inaugurated Emergency Management Committees in all 34 local government areas to enhance grassroots-level disaster management.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, represented by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, presided over the inauguration ceremony at the State Secretariat Conference Hall. He emphasized the crucial role of the committees in ensuring swift and effective emergency response across the state.
“The importance of this committee cannot be overemphasized; hence, the need for them to work hard to achieve the desired objectives,” Deputy Governor Jobe stated.
The committees will collaborate with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to identify potential disasters, implement preventive measures, and recommend necessary actions to mitigate risks. To further strengthen their impact, the Deputy Governor urged local councils to fully support their activities and announced the government’s continued backing of SEMA’s operations.
In her remarks, Hajia Binta Husaini Dangani, Executive Secretary of SEMA, highlighted the committees’ responsibilities, including raising public awareness about hazards and educating communities on safety measures. She also noted that in 2024 alone, the Katsina State Government spent over N62,180,000 on managing 99 fire disaster cases, while N298,650,000 worth of grains were purchased for distribution.
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajia Zubaida Umar, represented by Zonal Coordinator Alhaji Yusuf, commended the initiative and assured federal support for Katsina’s emergency management efforts.
Speaking on behalf of all local councils, Funtua Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Lawal Matazu, pledged full commitment to ensuring the success of the committees. The event concluded with a technical presentation by Yusuf Ahmad on disaster management strategies, equipping committee members with essential skills for effective emergency response.
