The State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi has tasked staff of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA to ensure prompt response to emergency situations in the State.
Senator Eyakenyi gave the charge during her inaugural meeting with the staff of the Unit, at Government House, Uyo, Tuesday.
The Deputy Governor, who is also the Chairman of SEMA, emphasized that issues of natural disasters, which no one prays for, should be given urgent attention and treated with utmost dispatch as part of government’s effort to curb any unwarranted loss of lives and property.
The SEMA Chairman stressed the important role SEMA plays in the state in matters of natural disasters, but expressed surprise that a proper agency has not been set up since 2010 when its law was enacted.
She said that anything related to the less privileged, victims of flood and other natural disasters should be taken seriously, adding that the only way government could help victims is to intervene promptly,as well as draw from the Federal Government purse and other donor agencies to get relief materials for victims.
The number two citizen emphasized that the administration of Pastor Umo Eno is poised to work and deliver promptly on set targets and programmes and would not tolerate any bureaucratic bottlenecks that could hinder the attainment of the “Arise Agenda.
Senator Eyakenyi called on members of the Unit to work assiduously towards assisting victims of flood and other disasters to alleviate their sufferings.
She announced the flag-off of distribution of relief materials to victims of the 2022 flood disaster in the State.
In her remarks, The Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Jim, who acknowledged the spirit of dedication to service by staff of the Unit,promised to continue to contribute her quota to ensure the success of the Umo Eno administration.
Describing the Deputy Governor as a great achiever, result oriented and a woman of integrity, she urged the management staff and others not to let the new government down.
Meanwhile, the SEMA Coordinator and Head of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Grace Akpan briefed the Deputy Governor on the workings of the Unit.