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 tackle flood risks across the state.
Speaking at the sensitization forum held at the Umuahia South Council Hall, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Team Leader, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, said the initiative aims to educate and equip communities with practical strategies to minimize the effects of flooding, in line with NiMet’s forecasts. He commended Governor Alex Otti for his continuous support and urged residents to promptly report any flood incidents to relevant authorities for immediate action.
Also addressing participants, Head of Disaster Management, NSCDC Abia Command, Mr. Alphonsus Onuegbu, and Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abia State, Mr. Chimaroke Ufomadu, warned against human activities that trigger disasters, such as building on waterways and indiscriminate waste disposal. They noted that the enforcement of the amended 2004 Environmental Law is being intensified through media advocacy.
In expert presentations, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; the Director-General of the State Orientation Agency, Lady Urenma Abazie; and the Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Chris Ike, stressed the role of tree planting as a natural flood buffer and called on traditional rulers to lead grassroots preparedness campaigns.
Responding on behalf of their communities, the Chairman of Ubakala Clan Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Prof. Cyril Udeaga, and Eze Boniface Izuogo of Olokoro, praised the government’s proactive approach and pledged to intensify sensitization efforts. They also raised concerns over unchecked sand mining activities by local youths, which they said worsen environmental degradation.
