By Douglas Princemola
The Secretary to the Local Government of Ikeduru LGA, Chief Hon. Bright Ahamefule, has praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for initiating practical steps toward environmental sustainability through the inauguration of the Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) across the 27 local government areas of Imo State.
Chief Ahamefule made this known during the two-day capacity-building and inauguration exercise organized by the Imo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri. The event aimed to formally establish the LEMC structures and equip members with the knowledge and tools required to respond effectively to emergencies at the local level.
According to the SECLOG, the initiative is a welcome development, especially for rural communities that are often the worst hit by natural disasters such as erosion, flooding, and windstorms. He noted that prior to this intervention, local councils lacked organized frameworks to tackle such emergencies promptly, often relying solely on state or federal agencies which take time to respond.
With the LEMC now in place, there is growing hope that community-based disaster response will become more timely, coordinated, and efficient. The committees are expected to serve as first responders during emergencies and will also engage in public awareness, risk reduction education, and community mobilization.
Participants at the event received training on disaster preparedness, risk assessment, early warning systems, and emergency coordination. Resource persons from SEMA, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other partnering agencies facilitated the sessions.
Chief Ahamefule called on members of the newly inaugurated committee in Ikeduru and other LGAs to take their roles seriously and collaborate with traditional rulers, town union presidents, youth groups, and civil society organizations to ensure full community participation.
He also appreciated the Director General of Imo SEMA for her leadership in ensuring that each local government has a functional and capable emergency response team.
The event brought together local government chairmen, secretaries, councillors, department heads, and other critical stakeholders from across the state. Many attendees welcomed the development as timely, considering recent weather-related challenges affecting many parts of Imo.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration has continued to promote policies that address the needs of the people at the grassroots. The creation of LEMCs is seen as part of a vision to strengthen local governance, protect lives and property, and improve environmental management across the state.
With the committees now established, Imo communities are better positioned to manage risks, respond quickly to emergencies, and reduce the impact of environmental hazards particularly in erosion-prone areas.
