Taraba State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Governor to improve emergency preparedness and response across the state.
The commitment was made during a strategic engagement with the deputy chief of staff to the governor, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al’ameen, who conveyed Governor Agbu Kefas’ resolve to continue supporting the agency to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
Al’ameen said the state government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for SEMA to operate efficiently while addressing operational challenges requiring urgent intervention.
“We are committed to ensuring that SEMA receives the institutional support necessary to effectively respond to emergencies and safeguard the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
The executive secretary of SEMA, Dr Echuseh Audu, commended Governor Kefas for his continued support to the agency and stressed the need for sustained collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Governor, who chairs the agency’s governing board.
Dr. Audu called for improved funding, coordination and resource support to enable the agency respond promptly and effectively to emergencies and disasters across the state.
The meeting reviewed strategies for strengthening emergency response mechanisms, including improved communication systems, resource mobilisation, inter-agency collaboration and proactive planning for flood, fire and other emergencies situation.
The participants also agreed on the need for continuous engagement and for developing a priority-based operational framework to facilitate timely government intervention where necessary.
Dr Audu further stated that the strengthened partnership is expected to enhance emergency preparedness, accelerate response times, improve rescue and relief operations, and boost the resilience of communities vulnerable to natural and human-induced disasters.
Both SEMA and the Office of the Deputy Governor agreed to establish a structured follow-up mechanism to monitor progress in critical areas, including funding, equipment acquisition, personnel training and inter-agency simulation exercises, aimed at strengthening the state’s emergency management system.
