..as Aiyedatiwa urges residents to support government efforts
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the World Bank Group have flagged off Emergency Response Project (ERP) in Ondo State
NEMA’s Director of Planning, Research and Forecasting, Mr. Badele Onimode, explained that the EPR project, supported by the World Bank, is designed to help Ondo State develop a robust emergency response plan.
“This project is taking place in only seven states in Nigeria, and Ondo was chosen because of the state government’s commitment to disaster preparedness. The World Bank will also identify specific projects in the state for possible support,” Onimode said.
He appealed to the state government to ensure the sustainability of the project by integrating it into its long-term development plans.
On the role of the World Bank in the project, Mr. Francis Nkoka explained that the institution’s mandate is not only to provide financial assistance to both the state and federal governments, but also to offer technical support.
He added that the World Bank would work closely with NEMA to guide the process, offering technical expertise in preparedness assessments as well as in enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Meanwhile, the governor of the State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday, while receiving the delegation from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the World Bank Group during a courtesy visit, ahead of the flag-off ceremony for the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) project in the state, said his administration is intentional and deliberate in preventing emergency situations, especially flooding, and will continue to adopt proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
Aiyedatiwa described Ondo State’s inclusion among the seven states selected for the project as a privilege, noting that it was not because the state is the most prone to disasters, but due to its proactive stance and the commitment of his administration to disaster prevention.
The governor urged residents to support government efforts by refraining from dumping waste into drainage channels or erecting structures that could block waterways and worsen flooding.
