From Joseph Amedu , Lokoj
Rep. Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa Managing Director Chief Executive Officer (Alhaji Haruna Jimoh Gabi Left and Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe Dr Saidu Akawu Salihu Right
National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), has stressed the need for Kogi People to strictly adhere to the ongoing flood advocacy sensitization for safety of their lives and property in the event of natural disaster.
Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of N-HYPPADEC made the call during his visit to the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Dr. Saudi Akawu Salihu and on the spot monitoring of water level along the riverine communities in Lokoja/Kotonkarfe Federal Constituency on Tuesday
The Managing Director who was represented by the Director of Administration and Finance, Alhaji Haruna Jimoh Gabi told His Royal Majesty that they were in his Palace to address the issue of flood with a view to finding lasting solutions to the disaster when it occurs.
Yelwa who said that flood can happen at any time traced its cause to excessive rain fall, release of water from dams, obstruction of water ways, deforestation, disposable of wastes among others, called for the people’s attention to avert the menace saying that prevention is better than cure.
Yelwa vowed that his organisation will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that its flood advocacy sensitization on what citizens should do before, during and after flooding to mitigate the impact is strictly adhered to by the people.
According to the Managing Director “To prepare for flood, people should have a home First Aid Kit, consisting of essential items like: emergency contact numbers, first aid manual, band-aids Hydrogen Peroxide, Thermometer, Sterile gauze pads, Adhesive tape and bandages, safety pins, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, antiseptic wipes or soap and emergency blanket among others
“During flooding if your environment is a flood prone area, evacuate your self and family to a safe place or higher ground, turn off all electricity points in your home, help your neighbours and community as well as most vulnerable segment of the society in the rescue and evacuation process.
“After flood, people should avoid crossing moving water, stay away from damaged area and buildings, help your community in any possible way, search for sources of essential supplies for your family and relatives, give first aid and medical treatment to flood victims, give way to ambulances and emergency workers”
He admonished traditional rulers in Kogi to complement government’s efforts in carrying out N-HYPPADEC Flood Advocacy Sensitization by their subjects.
Responding, the Ohimege-Igu of Koton-Karfe, Dr Saidu Akawu Salihu appreciated the N-HYPPADEC in its partnership for humanitarian activities.
“I Thank N-HYPPADEC for its intervention to save lives and property of his people. It gladden our hearts for N-HYPPADEC concern to the plight of Koton-Karfe Community”
He promised logistics support where possible to the activities of N-HYPPADEC to secure a disaster free society.
