The Abia State Government has officially inaugurated the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) in all 17 Local Government Areas of the state. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Sunny Jackson, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at the grassroots level. He charged members of the committees to immediately swing into action.
Professor Kalu noted that the establishment of functional LEMCs is a requirement of the Federal Government, adding that committee members will undergo training in emergency report writing to enhance their effectiveness. He stressed that their responsibilities are continuous and that proactive engagement in emergency preparedness is critical to risk mitigation and timely response.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), represented by the Head of Operations, Mr. Igwe Nnamdi, emphasized the importance of community participation in disaster management. He described emergency management as a collective responsibility that requires collaboration at all levels.
Also present at the event were representatives of key security and emergency response agencies. 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 pledged their commitment to supporting SEMA in ensuring prompt and coordinated emergency response.
The event also featured lectures on basic first aid and other emergency management topics, aimed at equipping committee members with essential knowledge and practical skills.
