Food security and nutrition for those that would be internally displaced in the event of another flood in Kogi State would be a priority to the present administration.
Capt. Idris Wada, the Kogi State Governor stated this when he received Mrs. Nicky Smith, New Country Program Director, International Rescue Community (IRC), and Peter Egwudah, Programme Coordinator, Civil Society Coalition for Poverty Eradication in his office.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, commended IRC and CISCOPE for having programmes that are in tandem with those of the State Government in improving the lives of people who were affected by last year’s flood.
Capt. Wada specifically appreciated the support of improved seedlings, provision of clean drinking water and improved sanitary condition given to the people of Ibaji and Idah Local Government Areas by the organization, lauded the synergy that existed between the State and the organizations.
The State Governor described the flood that ravaged the State last year as most devastating and severe, said while the State is praying for the predicted flood not to come this year, Government is however putting in place several measures to ensure that it is not cut unaware if the flood come this year.
Capt. Wada appreciated the support in material terms given to those affected by the flood.
The Governor solicited technical support from IRC, adding that the needs of the State goes beyond Emergency Management.
Earlier in her remarks, Nicky Smith, said the International agency is ready to partner with the State in Disaster Preparedness, providing food security and nutrition as well as working to stimulate the economy of mostly farmers who were affected by the last year’s flood.
Also in his speech, Peter Egwudah said IRC through CISCOPE was able to assist in the area of intervention following the support they got from the European Union Commission for Humanitarian Aid Agency.
He disclosed that CISCOPE intervened in 54 villages by assisting farmers with hybrid variety of seedlings after carrying out a need assessment after the flood disaster.
