Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to sustaining its partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to strengthen disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness and response across the state.
The Deputy Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from NEMA, led by the Assistant Director of Operations, Abuja/Uyo Operations Office, Mr. Labaran Ahman, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar.
Odey commended NEMA for its proactive role in disaster management and its sustained collaboration with the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA). He described disaster preparedness as a critical component of the state’s efforts to safeguard lives and property, noting that the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration remains committed to building resilient communities through strategic partnerships.
He assured the delegation of the state’s full support for NEMA’s programmes and activities, emphasizing the government’s readiness to continue working closely with the agency and other development partners to protect lives, preserve livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.
The Deputy Governor also expressed appreciation to NEMA for choosing Cross River as the venue for key emergency management activities, saying the initiatives would enhance the capacity of emergency responders and improve the state’s preparedness for flood-related emergencies.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Labaran Ahman, said NEMA was in Cross River on three strategic assignments aimed at deepening collaboration with the state government and enhancing disaster management efforts.
According to him, the agency has completed an assessment of flood-affected communities in the Southern Senatorial District and has extended the exercise to Abi, Etung, Ikom and Obubra Local Government Areas to evaluate the extent of damage and identify appropriate intervention measures.
Ahman further disclosed that NEMA, in partnership with CR-SEMA and other stakeholders, will next week conduct a flood disaster response simulation exercise at Marina Beach in Calabar South. He explained that the exercise is intended to test the operational readiness of emergency responders, improve inter-agency coordination and strengthen community preparedness ahead of the peak of the 2026 flood season.
He also announced that Cross River State will host the South-South Zonal Workshop on the Review of the National Policy on Relief and Rehabilitation the following week. The workshop, he said, will bring together emergency management stakeholders from across the region to review existing policies, share best practices and strengthen Nigeria’s disaster management framework.
The NEMA delegation included the Assistant Chief Accountant, NEMA Uyo Operations Office, Mr. Awoji Augustine, and the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr. Efa Nyong.