Sequel to the signing of the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency Bill by Governor Henry Dickson on 3rd July, 2013, a nine- man State Emergency Management Agency has been inaugurated.
Speaking during the inauguration in Government House, Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd) called on the committee to borrow a leaf from already existing disaster management agencies to carry out it assignment.
The deputy governor noted that because of the flood experienced last year, the state government is not resting on her oars; it has set up various state organs to tackle disasters and the impending floods in the state.
He explained that the State Emergency Management Agency is a very important Agency that needed to be put in place since it was a federal government directive.
He urged the agency to liaise with the National Emergency Management Agency to attract relief assistance, since they are saddled with the responsibility of giving relief to disaster- prone states.
According to the deputy governor, some of the functions of the agency, include, formulate policy formulation on all activities relating to disaster management and co-ordinate plans and programmes for efficient and effective response to disaster in the state.
Other functions are to develop and maintain an electronic data base, co-coordinate and promote research activities, relating to disaster management in the state as well as monitor the state of preparedness of all organizations or agencies which may contribute to disaster management in the state.
The Agency is also to carry out other functions by educating and informing the public on disaster prevention and control measures and also to co-ordinate and facilitate the provision of resources for search and rescue and other types of disaster curtailment activities in response to distress call amongst others.
In his response, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Col. Roland Yekorogha (rtd) thanked the state government for finding them worthy to be appointed to serve in the agency.
Col. Yekorogha noted that they will collaborate with all relevant agencies related to disaster management in the state to tap ideas to bear in the discharge their assignment.
Other members of the agency are Mr. Monday Gamage, Mr, Blackson Osomkivie, Chief Godbless Fetongha, Mr. Ukie Ugo, Mr. Robert Enaikator, Mr. Michael Ibiene, Doulouebimo Kime and Hon. Angus Dide is to serve as secretary.
Dignitaries present during the inauguration include, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Edmond Allison-Oguru, Chief of Staff Government House, Didi Walson-Jack, Commissioners of Environment, Dr Silvanus Abila, Health Dr Anapurere l Awoli, Information and Orientation, Deacon Markson Fefegha , Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. Thomas Commander, Principal Executive Secretary, Mr. Douye Diri, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Deputy Governor’s office, Navy Capt Suona Obiate Offor(rtd), Chairman Post- Flood Committee, Chief Francis Doukpola and Special Adviser on Relief Matters Mrs Faith Opene.
Ebi Evinson
Senior Special Assistant on Media
to the Deputy Governor
29th August, 2013
