By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has officially launched the Benue Electronic Management System (Benue E- Emergency Platforms) at BSEMA headquarters in Makurdi,the state capital.
Performing the ceremony at BSEMA headquarters, State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia disclosed that the platforms would help in monitoring security situations as the State Government was determined to end insecurity in the state.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Deborah Serumun Aber, Gov. Alia lamented that a lot of people were suffering in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps, adding that the State Government was concerned about saving the lives and property of Benue residents.
Governor Alia who appealed to the residents to make adequate use of the platforms wherever they are, also cautioned against using them to insult other people, stressing that such would not be tolerated.
He appreciated the effort of BSEMA boss, Sir James Iorpuu for embarking on the people-oriented project, describing the e- emergency management system as laudable.
Earlier in his speech, Permanent/ Executive Secretary, BSEMA, James Iorpuu noted that the platform was a revolutionary digital framework that transforms how emergencies are reported, analysed, and responded to in the State.
The BSEMA boss acknowledged the Governor’s “unwavering commitment to advancing digital governance and responsive leadership in Benue State continues to inspire us across all sectors. I equally applaud our strategic partners, the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), for championing the digital infrastructure revolution through which government entities such as BSEMA are proudly transitioning into a new era of open, swift, and technology-enabled emergency management.”
Iorpuu added: “From today henceforth, BSEMA becomes the first sub-national emergency management agency in Nigeria to fully deploy end-to-end E-Emergency management systems. Through our official website https://sema.benuestate.gov.ng/, and our integrated social media channels, citizens can now report emergency situations ranging from: Floods & erosion disasters, Fire outbreaks and victims support, Market disasters, communal clashes, Disease outbreaks, Herdsmen attacks & violent displacement, Road traffic crashes, IDP camp needs and critical incidents.
“In a historic leap forward, BSEMA with technical expertise of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC ( BDIC) has now introduced drone surveillance services in capturing realtime emergency response images and videos across affected communities — including activities within all IDP camps. These drone-enabled situational reports shall henceforth be available to the public on all our digital platforms, ensuring transparency, accountability, and faster mobilisation of aid and partnerships.”
As he expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his leadership, the BDIC for providing the transformational technical backbone, and to all stakeholders partnering to make Benue safer, he also called on all to “embrace this digital revolution to protect lives, restore hope, and build resilience — because Benue must survive, thrive, and lead the way.”
Other speakers including the Managing Director, Benue Digital Infrastructure Company, Mr. Terwase Gbande, revealed that the provision of the digital platforms would enable BSEMA to respond to emergency cases even as BSEMA could easily be reached anywhere in the world.
