From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State government has taken a monumental step towards enhancing its emergency management capabilities with the official launch of Benue Electronic Emergency Management System, Benue E-Emergency Platforms.
Speaking during the launch at BSEMA’s headquarters Monday in Makurdi, Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr James Iorpuu said the digital platform is capable of transforming how emergencies are reported, analysed and responded to in the state.
Iorpuu expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia for his visionary leadership and commitment to digital governance.
According to him, the launch marks Benue SEMA as the first sub-national emergency management agency in Nigeria to fully deploy an end-to-end e-emergency management system.
He explained that the platform would allow citizens report emergency situations 24/7 via the agency’s website and social media channels, including floods, fire outbreaks, communal clashes and disease outbreaks.
He also explained another notable feature to be the introduction of drone surveillance services which, according to him, would provide real-time images and videos of emergency response across the affected communities.
Iorpuu noted that the digital revolution is expected to guarantee a smarter, faster, more transparent and collaborative emergency response mechanism, adding that the platforms will showcase Benue Digital spirit to the world.
The permanent secretary, State Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Board urged the people to adopt and use these digital channels, advising them to shun unofficial links that heighten tension without bringing positive intervention.
