HON. COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH, KOGI STATE – DR ZAKARI USMAN COMMISERATES WITH FLOOD VICTIMS

Over the weekend, on Saturday October 15, 2022, the Hon. Commissioner for Health – Dr Zakari Usman led a team within the Health sector to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps around Lokoja and commiserated with families affected by the flood experienced in many LGAs of the State.

In his entourage were the Executive Director State primary Health Care Development Agency – Dr Abubakar Yakubu, the Executive Secretary State Health Insurance Agency – Dr Aledare Adekunle, the Permanent Secretary of The State Ministry of Health – Mrs Falilat Yinka Razak and the State Epidemiologist – Dr Austin Ojotule.

Others include the Agency’s Director Community Health Services and Social Development – Dr Ajayi Onimisi Abdullahi, the State NMA Chairman – Dr Baoku Olusola and the BHCPF FP – Dr Emmanuel Bola Jonah.

At the camp in Adankolo, Dr Zakari who spoke in Hausa language to the IDPs identified with their situation as it is not easy for any man to watch his house flooded, leaving with his family and belongings in search for where to lay their heads. He encouraged them to take heart as it is a natural disaster that could not be averted and what is left for everyone is to think of how to remain safe and healthy. To end up in a school where they are exposed to all sorts of danger and health risks such as Malaria, Cholera, snake bites, injury from broken bottle/nails /sharp objects and even theft of belongings from invaders is sad and can pose psychological and emotional trauma.

“Mun kawo gaisuwa daga Shugaban Kogi Alh Yahaya Bello, kan wahala da ya zo muku domin ambaliyan ruwa. Zama anan zai kawo ciwo iri iri kamar zazabi, amai da zawo. Shi ya sa mun zo, mu likitoci daga Ministry of health mu gani yanda kuke da kuma abubuwa da kuke bukata domin gwomnati ta san yanda za ta yi muku taimako”. 

He stated that the mission of the team was to also identify with them at such trying times, interface with the IDPs and do a baseline assessment of their basic and health needs to seek possible and immediate solution to their needs. He added that other forms of support such as food, drugs, LLIN and other non-food materials will be provided.

Furthermore, Dr Zakari advised the leader of the camp – Mohammed Ismaila to have assistants on security, welfare and a women leader to assist with talks and guidance to teenage girls around in an attempt to curb promiscuity and other dangers connected therewith.  He added that the young men in the camp can organize themselves and dig a pit away from their shelter for refuse dump and encourage weekly environmental sanitation. Speaking to the SEMA representative at Adankolo Camp– Mr Aliyu Adoga , the Commissioner advised to have a comprehensive data of the persons at the camp identifying pregnant women, the aged, persons with various forms of ill-health and special needs. It was gathered that there are 5 pregnant women at the Adankolo camp and the ES of the State Insurance Agency assured them of free delivery under the Bello Care Initiative.

Adding his voice, the Executive Director Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency – Dr Abubakar Yakubu prayed for divine intervention to stern the tide of the flood and appreciated the people for the peaceful way they have co-existed.

Dr Yakubu seized the opportunity to make passionate appeal to NGOs, Development Partners and well-spirited individuals to rally round and support the State in meeting the basic needs of these displaced persons.

‘what has happened is beyond what any State Government can contain, the people need support and the State Government cannot do it alone. In cases like these, we should be prepared for outbreaks.  We appeal for support in food and drugs to assist these people’.

At the LGA Primary School Gadumo, another IDP camp, Dr Zakari expressed sympathy to the victims who lost their homes, means of livelihood and even loved ones and the psychological trauma they are experiencing. He encouraged them to move beyond the tragedy. The Hon. Commissioner said the team was on ground to do a holistic assessment and see how much succor can be made available as part of the State’s rapid response to bridge gaps and manage the situation.

Dr Zakari interacted with the Gadumo camp leaders – Mr Saka Zaccheus and Pastor Zakari Baba Yusuf as well as the SEMA officer – Mrs Adama Fatima.

Sharing similar fate like other camps of needs of food, portable water, drugs and mosquito nets, the Hon Commissioner assured the victims that the health sector will speedily interact with other relevant Government bodies for immediate attention and provision of needs.

He also advised the victims to be security conscious and help to guide the children and young adults around from any form of molestation.

The Camp leaders appreciated the Hon. Commissioner and his team for the visit and expressed hope to get more positive response to their needs sooner. They also assured the delegation to work according to the advice given.