The Imo State Representative on NDDC Governing Board, Dr Kyrian Uchegbu (2nd left), in a handshake with a representative of NEMA, Mr. Chidi Ogunda (1st left) during the Sensitisation/Enlightenment Campaign on impending flood in Imo State.
Second right, the NDDC Director, Community and Rural Development, Mrs. Chinenye Umeh, while first right is the NDDC Assistant Director, CRD, Mr. Diete Amiefamonyo.
As part of measures to mitigating the impact of the impending flood in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has kicked off a one-day sensitisation and enlightenment campaign for rural communities in Imo State.
Speaking at the flag-off of the campaign in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Representative on the NDDC Board, Dr. Kyrian Uchegbu, stated that the adverse effects posed by flood in any part of the country or in the West Africa sub-region could be mitigated through adequate and useful information and sensitisation.
He highlighted the importance of creating awareness to prepare people and reduce the effects of flooding, which had caused significant damage in Imo State and surrounding areas over the years. He urged residents of flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and prepared.
Noted Uchegbu: “The challenges and Impact of flood, especially in Imo State, Nigeria and the West Africa sub region, are indeed enormous and causing damages to our economic life, but with proper enlightenment and education, it can be mitigated and that is why we are here”.
In her remarks, Mrs. Chinyere Umeh, a director in the NDDC Directorate of Community and Rural Development, explained that the sensitisation programme would enable members of the public to know the first step to take in the event of flood before other measures.
She described flooding as a ” force majeure” that could be mitigated through adequate knowledge that would be garnered from the sensitisation lectures.
Stated she: “Flooding is a major concern, which is why our Managing-Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has tasked us with sensitising the region’s residents and implementing measures to mitigate the effects”.
She expressed optimism that the sensitisation and awareness campaign would help save lives and protect properties in vulnerable communities.
The campaign came on the heels of repeated warnings and notices from the office of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on the possibility of flooding in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking at the event also, Mr. Chidi Ogundu, a representative of NEMA, noted that heavy rains and storms, exacerbated by global warming, were overwhelming the already strained drainage systems. He stressed that “prevention, mitigation, and preparedness are essential for effective response, recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction”.
