Rivers State Government Announces Plans to Establish SEMA

The Rivers State Government has announced plans to create the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency, aimed at enhancing the state’s response to flooding and other emergencies.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the state’s Sole Administrator, explained that the new agency will take over duties currently managed by the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management, and Control.

Ibas highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government and international partners to secure funding for a comprehensive flood management system. This system will cover preventive strategies, emergency interventions during floods, post-flood recovery efforts, and the installation of early warning infrastructure.

Speaking at a sensitisation campaign held on Friday at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Ibas, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, emphasized the importance of community awareness and participation in flood prevention.

He urged the committee to focus on proactive measures, including identifying vulnerable areas, minimizing flood impacts, and educating residents on how to protect themselves.

In a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, spokesperson Juliana Masi quoted Ibas stressing that effective flood management requires cooperation among government agencies, civil society, local communities, and the private sector, underscoring that the challenge cannot be solved by government efforts alone.