By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has pledged a strategic partnership with the National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) to enhance forecasting and planning aimed at preventing future disasters across the state in a bid to shift from reactive to proactive disaster management,
Speaking through his deputy, Sam Ode, on Wednesday during the official handover of relief materials donated by HYPADEC, Governor Alia said the collaboration would focus on early warning systems and coordinated response mechanisms to mitigate both natural and man-made disasters.
“We can’t continue to wait until disasters strike before we act. Moving forward, we will work closely with HYPADEC on disaster forecasting, planning, and preparedness to protect our communities and minimize damage,” the governor said.
He commended HYPADEC for consistently contributing to Benue State’s socio-economic development, particularly in assisting communities affected by floods and attacks.
“HYPADEC has not only supported economic growth but has also lifted many out of poverty and responded swiftly to emergencies,” he added.
The governor emphasised the need to integrate disaster preparedness into the state’s broader development agenda, promising continuous engagement with HYPADEC to build community resilience.
Earlier, HYPADEC’s Acting Managing Director, Jimoh Gabi, stressed the importance of citizen-led intelligence gathering in curbing insecurity. He urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, warning that security cannot be the sole responsibility of uniformed personnel.
“We must all be vigilant and assist with intelligence if we truly want to prevent the recurrence of attacks,” Gabi noted while also acknowledging the agency’s limited resources.
Despite funding challenges, Gabi said HYPADEC had mobilised critical relief items for victims of recent attacks in Benue.
Items donated include mattresses, bags of rice, palm oil, bathing soap, treated mosquito nets, washing detergent, Hero Hunter machines, rubber mats, and cartons of seasoning cubes.
He called on the state government to ensure fair and transparent distribution of the materials to affected communities.
