The Kogi State Government has taken delivery of four motorized fiberglass boats donated by the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) to support search and rescue operations during flood emergencies.
The boats were formally handed over to the state at a commissioning ceremony held at N-HYPPADEC headquarters in Minna, Niger State. Atuluku Victor Levi, the Commissioner for Transportation, received the boats on behalf of Governor Usman Ododo. The event, which included representatives from other states affected by hydroelectric power operations, was a key moment in Kogi’s ongoing efforts to enhance disaster preparedness.
The four boats, designed for swift water search and rescue missions, will bolster the state’s flood management efforts. Kogi State is particularly vulnerable to seasonal floods due to its position at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers.
Speaking at the event, Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, praised Kogi’s proactive approach to disaster management, commending Governor Ododo’s leadership in addressing flood-related issues. The donation of these boats will aid Kogi in safeguarding lives and property during the flood season.
Governor Ododo has played a significant role in national flood management efforts, having chaired the National Economic Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Nature-Induced Disasters. The committee developed a national roadmap for mitigating and responding to disasters such as floods, erosion, drought, and desertification, leading to the federal government’s release of N3 billion to each state and the Federal Capital Territory for the 2024 flood season.
Kogi State has already implemented several flood mitigation strategies, including public awareness campaigns, early warnings to riverine communities, and evacuation protocols. The addition of the motorized boats enhances the state’s ability to respond swiftly to flood emergencies, reinforcing its commitment to protecting vulnerable communities from the impacts of natural disasters.
As Kogi prepares for a challenging flood season, the delivery of these boats marks a crucial step in strengthening its resilience to future disasters.
