The Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has inaugurated the Anambra State Emergency Management Board (ASEMAB), with a former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Paul Odenigbo, as its Executive Secretary.

The Governor performed the function at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia.

The board, which will be headed by the Governor himself, has as members Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners or their representatives of line ministries, including Health, Works, Housing , Information, Culture and Tourism, Transport, Women Affairs, Environment, Science and Technology, Lands, Economic Planning and Budget.

Other members include Mr Vincent Ezewuzie, Chukwudi Onyejekwe, Dr. Eugene Anowai as well as representatives of the Nigeria Red Cross Society and the police. Inaugurating the board, Obiano said a distinguishing feature of any responsive government is the crave to improve the welfare and the living condition of the citizenry.

The Governor, who noted that his administration has put machineries in place to mitigate disasters, however, said the inauguration of the board has become necessary to anticipate and prepare adequately for curtailing loss of lives in any eventuality.

Congratulating them for being selected to serve the state, the Governor charged the members of the board to be dedicated in their assigned task, assuring them that his administration will provide them the support they need to deliver on their mandate.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Akabuike, had explained that the board whose charge it is to coordinate emergency responses for the State in the event of any disaster, will also organise capacity building for officials of line ministries and agencies to engender the desired preparedness in the task of responding to emergencies in the state.

He further revealed that the board became necessary as a state arm to work in collaboration with National Emergency Management Agency in coordinating responses for fire outbreaks, road accidents, flooding, building collapses, outbreak of epidemics and other disasters.

Responding,  the Executive Secretary of the agency, Chief Odenigbo, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to join his government in the task of saving lives and promised to live up to expectation in delivering on their mandate.

Also speaking with CEOAFRICA  state Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Professor Peter Katchy, commended the Governor’s genuine commitment towards the people’s welfare, describing him as God-sent.