Yesterday, the Imo State government officially commissioned 135 individuals as members of the Local Government Emergency Management Committees (LGEMC), designated to respond to flood and environmental crises throughout the state’s 27 local government areas.
These appointees, consisting of five representatives from each local government area, were sworn in during a two-day training event held in Owerri, the state capital.
The inauguration ceremony was conducted by Chief Cosmas Iwu, Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), acting on behalf of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Chief Iwu emphasized that the LGEMC was established to serve as the frontline responders for environmental emergencies within all local government jurisdictions in Imo State.
He highlighted the challenge of delayed response times from the National and State Emergency Management Agencies due to the distance from Owerri to affected communities during flood incidents. The LGEMC members, he explained, will now be positioned locally to provide immediate intervention before expert teams arrive.
“Governor Uzodimma is proactive in disaster management, taking preventive steps rather than waiting for calamities to strike. The LGEMC’s role is crucial in minimizing the impact of floods and other environmental hazards,” the SGI stated.
“Often, disasters occur in remote areas, requiring officials to travel from Owerri, which causes delays. With the LGEMC, trained and equipped personnel are already on-site to manage these emergencies and address minor environmental concerns promptly,” he added.
He recalled the Governor’s innovative use of balloon technology to rescue residents of Chukwuma Nwaoha from flooding, enabling displaced families to safely return to their homes. “With the LGEMC in place, Imo State is well-prepared to tackle floods and similar disasters,” Chief Iwu affirmed.
Mr. Joseph Odoemenam, Permanent Secretary of the Economic Affairs Bureau, Cabinet Office, explained that the LGEMC inauguration will enhance early warning systems and prompt action across all 27 local government areas. This initiative aims to reduce fatalities, injuries, and economic damages caused by disasters, while fostering stronger cooperation among communities, local governments, SEMA, and NEMA.
Odoemenam further noted that the program will increase public awareness and education on disaster readiness, environmental conservation, and the formal establishment of grassroots emergency response frameworks.
“Aligned with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act and the mandate of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Imo State is taking a decisive step to bolster disaster risk reduction and response capabilities at the community level through the LGEMCs. This marks a pivotal move towards decentralizing disaster management responsibilities, ensuring that preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts are embedded within every local government area,” he said.
He added, “The LGEMCs will facilitate improved community involvement, enhance risk assessment and mitigation strategies, promote capacity building, and ensure better coordination with SEMA, NEMA, and other relevant bodies for effective local emergency responses.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Nnamdi Igwe, head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Imo and Abia states, revealed that the LGEMC members will receive comprehensive training and be equipped with essential emergency tools such as fire blankets, extinguishers, reflective vests, first aid kits, and other critical supplies to boost their operational readiness.
Igwe also mentioned that the LGEMCs will mirror NEMA’s intervention strategies at the local government level. Additionally, youth corps members will be trained to support emergency management efforts, leveraging their widespread presence across communities.
