Adeleke pledges stronger partnership with NEMA on disaster management

 Segilola Babalola

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reiterated his administration’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to reduce disaster risks and enhance the safety of residents across the state.

The governor made this known during a courtesy visit by the Director of NEMA, Southwest Zone, Mr. Saheed Akiode, to his office at the State Secretariat, Osogbo. 

Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin, Adeleke outlined ongoing measures aimed at preventing disasters and ensuring quick response when emergencies occur.

He emphasised that as part of his commitment to the safety and environmental protection, the present administration has procured over seven firefighting trucks, clearing of drainage channels, and intensified sensitisation efforts to curb flooding, building collapse, and fire outbreaks, 

“The government of Senator Ademola Adeleke is a listening one, and we are committed to ensuring Osun remains safe from all forms of emergencies. All your recommendations will be presented to the Governor, and we assure you that positive actions will follow,” Adejoorin said.

In his remarks, Mr. Saheed Akiode stressed that disaster management requires collective responsibility, urging both government and citizens to focus more on prevention rather than response, noting that the Federal Government alone cannot shoulder the burden of managing disasters.

Akiode also called for a review of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) structure for greater autonomy, the upgrade of fire services, and the establishment of a NEMA operations office in Osogbo. He emphasized the need for local government emergency committees and consistent public education against building on flood-prone areas.

In their separate remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Engr. Tijani Adekunle, and  Director of Fire Service, Engr. Ismaila Alimi commended NEMA for its guidance and assured that the government would act on the agency’s recommendations. Similarly, they praised Adeleke’s administration for revitalizing fire services through new equipment and staff training.

In his welcome address, the General Manager of the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), Mr. Abiola Oni, expressed optimism that the partnership between the state and NEMA would yield lasting results.