The Abia State Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has extended its 2025 Flood Preparedness, Mitigation, and Response Sensitization Programme to Umuahia South Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to curb flood risks across the state.
Speaking at the sensitization event held at the Umuahia South Council Hall, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Team Leader, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, said the campaign aims to equip local communities with practical strategies to reduce the impact of flooding, in line with forecasts from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). He commended Governor Alex Otti for his consistent support and urged residents to promptly report any flood-related incidents for swift intervention.
Also addressing the gathering, Alphonsus Onuegbu, Head of Disaster Management at NSCDC Abia Command, and Chimaroke Ufomadu, Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Abia, cautioned against activities that trigger man-made disasters, such as building on waterways and indiscriminate refuse dumping. They noted that enforcement of the 2004 Environmental Law (as amended) is being strengthened through media campaigns.
In their expert presentations, the SSA to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; DG of the State Orientation Agency, Lady Urenma Abazie; and the Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Chris Ike, underscored the importance of tree planting as an ecological buffer. They also called on traditional rulers to lead flood-preparedness efforts in their domains.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution, Eze Prof. Cyril Udeaga, Chairman of Ubakala Clan Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Boniface Izuogo of Olokoro, praised the government’s proactive measures and pledged to sensitize their communities. They, however, highlighted local concerns such as uncontrolled sand mining by youths.
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