The Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has inaugurated Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) across the state’s 17 local government areas as part of efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the inauguration on Thursday, SEMA Executive Secretary, Sunday Jackson, explained that the committees—chaired by the chairmen of the respective local government areas—will serve as first responders whenever disasters occur within their jurisdictions.

Jackson noted that the initiative followed a directive from the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), mandating all states to establish LEMCs to ensure faster and more effective emergency response.

He emphasised that decentralising emergency coordination would enable quicker assessments and interventions, adding that the state government would provide the committees with the necessary resources to function effectively. He also commended Governor Alex Otti for his proactive approach to disaster risk management.

Also speaking at the event, NEMA’s Head of Operations for Imo and Abia states, Mr. Nnamdi Igwe, described the inauguration of the LEMCs as a critical step in supporting the Federal Government’s disaster management efforts.

“Emergency response should not be concentrated only at the top. It must begin at the local level, where immediate assessments can be carried out,” Igwe said.

The Secretary to the Abia State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, charged members of the newly inaugurated committees to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and dedication, assuring them of the state government’s full support.

As part of the event, emergency response kits were distributed to representatives of the committees in each local government area.