Katsina State Government Inaugurates LEMC’s For 34 LG’s, As NEMA DG Commends State

In a significant move to enhance disaster management at the grassroots level, the Katsina State Government has inaugurated the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) for all 34 Local Government Areas of the state.

The inauguration ceremony, held on February 25, 2025, had the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by the Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Mal. Suleiman Muhammad, as the Special Guest. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Lawal Jobe (H.C.I.B), who represented the Governor, His Excellency Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, PHD, CON. Also in attendance were the Executive Secretaries of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) from Gombe, Jigawa, Zamfara, and Kano states, along with commissioners, heads of MDAs, representatives of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, royal fathers, and other dignitaries.

In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Hajia Binta Hussaini Dangani, emphasized the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and response at the community level. She also commended NEMA for its continuous support and collaboration with the state in building a more resilient disaster management framework.

Delivering the DG NEMA’s speech, the Zonal Coordinator highlighted the crucial role of LEMCs in ensuring timely and effective disaster response. “As the first responders in times of emergencies, you are the strongest link in the chain of disaster prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery,” he stated, urging committee members to remain proactive and committed to their responsibilities.

A key highlight of the event was a presentation on the Disaster Management Framework by Yusuf Ahmed Gyallesu, who provided valuable insights into risk identification, early warning systems, and effective emergency response strategies.

While inaugurating the committees, the Deputy Governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the Board of SEMA, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening disaster management structures at the grassroots level. He called for greater synergy between local governments, traditional institutions, and emergency agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response to disasters.

The ceremony concluded with a resounding call to action for all stakeholders to support and sustain the initiative. With the establishment of LEMCs, Katsina State takes a significant step toward building resilient communities capable of mitigating, preparing for, and responding effectively to disasters.