In a significant move to bolster community-level resilience, the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has officially inaugurated Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This strategic decentralization of emergency coordination marks a pivotal shift from a top-down response model to a more agile, community-first approach to disaster management.
Emergency
By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN)
The formal inauguration ceremony in Umuahia underscores a growing recognition that effective disaster response begins at the grassroots. The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, charged the newly appointed committee members with a grave responsibility, emphasizing the critical nature of their roles while pledging the state government’s full support for their operations.
Dr. Sunday Jackson, Executive Secretary of Abia SEMA, outlined the core mandate of the LEMCs: to act as the official first responders within their respective LGAs. With the LGA Mayors serving as chairmen, these committees are positioned to leverage local knowledge and authority for rapid assessment and initial action—a crucial advantage in the “golden hour” following a disaster where local action saves lives.
This initiative is not occurring in a vacuum. Jackson clarified that the drive stems from a direct mandate by the Federal Government, channeled through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), instructing all states to establish such local structures. This creates a cohesive, tiered response framework: LEMCs (Local), SEMA (State), and NEMA (Federal), ensuring resources and coordination can scale efficiently with the magnitude of an incident.
“The importance of decentralising emergency coordination cannot be overstated,” Jackson asserted. “A flood in Umunneochi or a fire outbreak in Aba should not have to wait for directives from the state capital before localized containment efforts begin.” He promised that SEMA would facilitate the provision of necessary resources, building on capacity-building training already conducted for LEMC members in September.
The event also highlighted the collaborative nature of modern disaster risk management. Mr. Nnamdi Igwe, Head of Operations for NEMA in Imo and Abia States, provided a crucial federal perspective. He stressed that LEMCs are the eyes, ears, and initial action arms of the national disaster management system. “You are the first responders,” Igwe told the committees. “Your ability to conduct preliminary assessments and stabilize a situation before state or federal teams arrive fundamentally changes outcomes.” He commended the concurrent Basic First Aid training provided by the Nigerian Red Cross Society and called for more stakeholders to invest in building the committees’ practical skills.
The proactive stance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration received particular praise. Jackson credited the governor for creating the “enabling environment” for disaster risk reduction, signaling political will at the highest level—a key ingredient often missing in disaster preparedness frameworks. This aligns with global best practices, as outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which emphasizes local governance and political commitment.
The practical implications were echoed by committee members like Mr. Celestine Nnabugwu, Head of Service for Isialangwa South LGA, who hailed the inauguration as a “good development.” Domiciling response capabilities locally means familiar faces leading reactions to familiar hazards, fostering community trust and streamlining logistics.
The ceremony concluded with a tangible commitment: the distribution of emergency starter kits to representatives from each LGA. While the contents of these kits were not detailed, they typically include basic first aid supplies, communication tools, and protective gear, symbolizing the transition from planning to operational readiness.
Looking Ahead: The inauguration of the LEMCs is a foundational step. Their ultimate success will depend on sustained funding, continuous simulation drills, seamless communication linkages with SEMA/NEMA, and the integration of traditional community warning systems. If supported effectively, Abia State’s model could serve as a blueprint for sub-national disaster governance in Nigeria, transforming communities from passive victims of hazards to active managers of their own risk.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some emergency kits were given to the representatives of the committees in each LGA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LEO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
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