The General Manager of the Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA) Mr. Biola Oni has commended the 8th Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Rt.Hon. Adewale Egbedun as the Speaker for its staunch commitment to the growth and safety of Osun State through the passage of life-changing bills since its inauguration.
In particular, the Agency lauded the House for the recent passage of the “Osun State Emergency Management Agency (Amendment No. I) Bill, 2025” sponsored by Hon. Adeyemi Adewumi representing Obokun State Constituency, describing it as a landmark legislative achievement that will significantly enhance the state’s capacity to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.
According to the Mr. Oni, the amendment is historic, as it represents the first update to the Osun State Emergency Management Law since its enactment in 2008, ensuring that the legal framework now aligns with the modern realities and growing demands of emergency management in the state.
“The passage of this amendment bill is a bold and forward-thinking move by the 8th Assembly,” the General Manager stated. “It strengthens OSEMA’s financial and operational capacity, enabling us to save more lives, reduce losses, and restore normalcy faster in times of crisis.”
Oni noted that over the years, many residents of Osun State have suffered immense losses due to both natural and man-made disasters, including flooding, fire outbreaks, communal clashes, and road accidents. However, limited resources and outdated legal provisions had hampered effective intervention.
He emphasized that the new amendment provides for the establishment of functional Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) across all local government areas in the state. These committees are to serve as first responders during emergencies, ensuring swift and coordinated action at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the amendment will encourage partnerships with individuals, corporate bodies, and development partners, creating opportunities for people of goodwill to contribute to an Emergency Trust Fund dedicated to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
He added that the bill when signed to law by Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke would also pave the way for the acquisition of modern rescue equipment and improve the management and funding of resettlement camps for displaced persons, ensuring that victims of disasters are given prompt and dignified assistance.
Recalling some of the major emergencies that have affected the state in recent years, including the Hausa-Yoruba clash in Ife, the Ifon-Osun and Ilobu–Erin-Osun communal conflicts, flooding in Iwo and Imesi-Ile, fire incidents in Ipetumodu, and tragic road crashes across the state, the OSEMA boss expressed optimism that the amended law would help minimize casualties and losses in future incidents.
He concluded by reiterating OSEMA’s readiness to implement the provisions of the new law and its commitment to ensuring that no Osun citizen is left unaided in times of distress.