Niger Delta
Flood Sacks A’Ibom Monarch, Villagers
Ikot Obio Atai community in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been deserted, the throne of monarch ravaged and the King sent on exile.
The community is not facing any war nor any other social upheaval like banditry but natural terror: flood, which has sent nearly half of the community packing.
Armed with no weapon or idea on how to combat the vicious flood, the village head, Chief Mkpong Okon Mkpong, fled from his palace at No. 85 Urua Ekpa Road to Udo Usanga Street in Uyo LGA, to rule over his community.
The flood, which has taken more than three kilometres of the village, equally affected many adjoining streets in the area, including Afaha Oku, Imo, Udo and Usanga, among others.
More than 120 houses have also been taken over by the flood, while more than 500 residents have been sacked from their houses, turning them to refugees in their homestead.
A dangerous gully erosion along Akpan Etong Street has swallowed some houses even as a man was reported to have died recently in the menacing flood
Though Ikot Obio Atai or Urua Ekpa Road is in Itu LGA, the affected communities are within Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) and the flooded area is less than two kilometres from the main gate of the town campus of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO).
Kufreabasi Edidem, who represents Itu constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, who is also an indigene of Ikot Obio Atai, said he was the chairman of Itu Council Area during the administration of Godswill Akpabio when the flood menace started.
He recalled that all the state government did was to refer him to the then deputy governor, who facilitated officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to visit the village and share relief materials to the victims.
Edidem claimed that as a member of the House of Assembly, he brought the state Commissioner for Environment and Works to inspect the flood site.
He said he forwarded the complaint to the state government, with the hope that the flood site would be included in the 2022 Akwa Ibom State budget.
“By God’s special grace, I am sure it will be in the budget by next year,” he said
On why he has not brought the issue before the Assembly under matter of urgent public importance, Edidem retorted: “ Do you want the thing on the floor or you want the problem solved? So if you want the problem solved, it is when you are a legislator and you don’t have good relationship with the executive and the executive does not listen to you that is when you bring matter to the floor of the house to catch the attention of the executive. But if the executive is already listening to you. The commissioner for finance and commissioner for environment followed me, they made the engineering drawings and they are working on the next year budget. It has been put in the budget, so what do you want the matter on the floor? It is for sensationalism or what?”
A garri seller, who identified herself simply as Mercy, lamented that the flood had sacked many residents of the area and crippled their businesses as students of UNIUYO, who were the bulk of tenants in the area as well as patrons of businesses have left the environment.
She stated that there was no natural stream or body of water, rather the new roads like Udoette, UNIUYO and Itam Market areas, among others contribute to the flooding of the area which is the lowest point around.
A resident and a keke rider in the area, Titus Ekpe Sunday, said, “My room is flooded anytime it rains. When it rains for about two or three hours, we relocated from our rooms. If you were here the other day when it rained, you will not come up to this point.”
Sunday explained that they have no option than to live there because they do not have money to rent new accommodation or build new houses, stressing: “After the rain, we scoop the water and go back to our wet rooms.”
Mr. Ekpe Asukwo, landlord of 41 Urua Ekpa Road, lamented that residents cannot quantify their losses over the years because of the menace, appealing to the state government to come to their rescue.
The sacked village head of Ikot Obio Atai, Chief Mkpong, said the flood problem was beyond the village’s capacity to handle, noting that the community had written several letters to successive governments in the state to no avail.
“The community has written to the various governments but nothing has happened. Since 1999, nothing has happened. If it was possible, the community would have addressed the problem. It is difficult for us. Governor Udom Emmanuel should come and help us. We are all members of PDP. It is sad that even the village head ‘s house is under water yet they say that Akwa Ibom State is beautiful,” he said.
The two leaders made the assertion during the public presentation of Elder Braeyi Ekiye’s book titled, “Redefining Nigeria: Essays on State, Nation, Leadership and Democracy”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Government House, Yenagoa on Thursday.
The Tide gathered that the author, Elder Ekiye was Speech Writer to Second Republic Governor of Old Rivers State, the late Senator Melford Obienne Okilo between 1979-1983.
In his remarks, Jonathan described the book as a bold and timely contribution to the national discourse, emphasizing that the work was a testimony of a life dedicated to service and the development of the nation.
Jonathan, who was represented by the former Governor of Adamawa State, Hon. Boni Haruna, said Elder Braeyi Ekiye had served Bayelsa and the country in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom, diligence and distinction, noting that the book was a product of experience, and pivotal to national discourse.
“Since independence, the nation has been in search of a true definition of who we are and what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people”, Jonathan said.
He noted that the footprints of the book, which revolves around state, nation, leadership and democracy, were the exact issues Nigeria has been grappling with today as a nation, maintaining that no nation could grow beyond the quality of the conversations it has about itself.
“This book represents a bold and timely contribution to our national discourse. At his age, if Elder Braeyi Ekiye could still find the energy and clarity to write and publish a book such as this, it is a testimony of a life dedicated to service and national development.
“He has served this state and this nation in various capacities with integrity, humility, wisdom and distinction. This book, therefore, is a product of experience and not just theory.
“The title, Redefining Nigeria, is profound and timely. We are gathered here to discuss how to redefine the Nigerian state. Of course, since independence, Nigeria has been in search of a definition – who we are, what we want to be and how we want to live together as a people.
“The state we have is not yet the nation we desire, and the nation we desire cannot emerge without a purposeful leadership, and a purposeful leadership cannot thrive without deepening our democracy”, the ex-President added.
Diri, who spoke at the event through his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, stressed that Brayi Ekiye’s book asked questions every serious-minded citizen should ask, noting that the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy were fundamental to building a just, equitable and progressive nation every patriotic Nigerian deeply yearns for. According to the Bayelsa helmsman, the issues raised by the book resonated in the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission, which stands as a reference point for justice for the Niger Delta that continues to carry much of the nation’s economic burden.
He described the evolution of the book as quite timely, and maintained that engagements which strengthens democracy, good governance and nation-building were always encouraged by his administration.
“Redefining Nigeria asks questions that every serious-minded citizen must confront. What binds us together as a nation? How should power and resources be shared among the various units of our federation? What does a citizen owe the state and what do leaders owe the people who entrust them with power?
“These are the questions of state, nation, leadership and democracy that the subtitle promises, and the author approaches them not as an outsider but as one who has watched our national journey closely and cared about where it leads.
“For us in the Niger Delta, these are not idle questions. Our region has carried much of the nation’s economic weight while bearing its heaviest environmental cost. Our creeks, farmlands and fishing waters tell that story more eloquently than any statistic.
“We have insisted that the restoration of our environment and the dignity of our communities must be at the centre of any honest conversation about the future of Nigeria, and why the findings of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission remain a reference point for justice in our region. Our people have earned a voice in shaping the federation, and books such as this one help to make that voice heard”, he said.
In his presentation, the book Reviewer, Prof. Godini Darah, described Elder Ekiye’s 413-page work as encyclopedic and thought-provoking and emphasized the need for people to document their experiences and knowledge to guide others.
According to him, the 413-page book, which has three sections, highlight issues arising from petroleum resources in the Niger Delta, examines Nigeria’s democracy and managing the polity in the interest of the people.
Making reference to a comparison drawn by the author between political elites of the South East Asian countries and those of Nigeria, Prof. Darah opined that the nation has failed to make appreciable progress due to lack of real patriots and nationalistic leaders.
“The Asian elites are developing their countries to meet up the standard of America, Canada, Britain, Belgium, Germany, Italy and so on. So, their politics is concerned about how their own multinational companies can match Julius Berger, Coca-Cola.
“In contrast, the Nigerian political elites are not struggling to put our products in the world market. They are rather struggling to be agents of Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, and they are ready to sell this country for nothing”, he alleged.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, praised the author for translating his reflections about the country into a book which will outlive him and benefit posterity.
While underscoring the deprivations the Niger Delta region has suffered despite its huge contributions to the national coffers over the years, Amb. Igali expressed hope that Nigeria could be built as a united and prosperous country on the basis of equity, fairness and justice.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Forum, who doubled as Chairman of the occasion, also congratulated Elder Ekiye on his efforts and stressed the importance of books towards the development of individuals and nation-building.
In his remarks, the author of the book described his work as part of ongoing efforts to chart a progressive course of the evolution of a new Nigeria that could proudly stand as a united, secured and prosperous nation in the world.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, represented by Chief Kelvin Tawari, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, His Majesty Peremobowei Erebulu, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia, were among notable figures that launched the book.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Deaconess Oborevwori made the commitment while speaking at the 3rd edition of the Delta State Food Bank Initiative, held at the event centre, Asaba, on Wednesday.
The initiative, aimed at alleviating food insecurity and improving the welfare of vulnerable households, impacted 2,500 women across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGA) of the state, with 100 beneficiaries drawn from each of the LGAs.
In her address, the First Lady emphasised the importance of supporting women, noting that they often bear the responsibility of ensuring that food was available for their families.
She explained that the food bank initiative was introduced out of her passion for improving the welfare of women and families, particularly those facing economic hardship.
According to her, supporting women has a wider impact on society because of their central role in family welfare and development.
She said the initiative was designed to put smiles on the faces of women across Delta State while providing practical support to those struggling to meet their families’ basic needs.
The First Lady also stressed that development goes beyond the construction of roads and other physical infrastructure to include human capital development and programmes that directly improve people’s lives.
She called on individuals to extend a hand of compassion to the less privileged by offering support within their means, while urging beneficiaries to utilise the assistance judiciously to meet their families’ essential needs.
Beyond the food bank initiative, the First Lady highlighted her commitment to supporting vulnerable residents through the You Matter Charity Foundation, which also conducted free medical outreaches across the federal constituencies in Delta State.
She said efforts must be made to create opportunities for all residents to benefit from government programmes and social intervention initiatives.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Ezinne Kathrine Onyeme, spoke on the importance of compassion and care for women and families.
She acknowledged the entire families. enormous responsibilities women carry in providing food and meeting the needs of their households, stressing that supporting women ultimately means supporting entire families.
She commended the initiative for reaching out to women in need and providing assistance that could ease some of the challenges they face in caring for their loved ones.
Delivering a message on the theme, “Whatever You Do for Others, You Do for Christ”, Pastor Solomon Nathaniel highlighted the importance of compassion, generosity and service to humanity.
He encouraged participants to extend kindness to others, particularly vulnerable members of society, noting that acts of service and assistance to those in need reflect the values of Christian faith.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Pat Ajudua, commended the First Lady for sustaining the food bank initiative and remembering women across the state through programmes designed to improve their welfare.
She acknowledged the importance of interventions that address the needs of vulnerable women and their families, describing the initiative as a demonstration of concern for their well-being.
A major highlight of the event was the symbolic handover of food items to the chairpersons representing the 25 local government areas of Delta State which were distributed to the beneficiaries at the venue.
Through the third Delta State Food Bank Initiative and the activities of the You Matter Charity Foundation, the Office of the First Lady has continued to emphasise the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable residents through practical social intervention programmes.
The initiative highlights the role of community support and targeted assistance in strengthening families and improving the well-being of women across Delta State.
He stated this at this year’s World Food Day (WDF) celebration with the theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa Governor said the global theme could not be more fitting and called on the youths to embrace agriculture as a career, instead of staying idle and waiting for white collar jobs.
He also encouraged civil servants and families to take up backyard farming and urged financial institutions to make credit accessible to smallholder farmers in the state.
While appreciating the grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs who shared their success stories, Diri described them as living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa was not only a way of life, but also a business that could create jobs and wealth.
According to him, the State was blessed with water and fertile land and that his administration has secured some strategic partnerships to ensure food security.
He noted that the State flagged-off its maiden dry season farming programme at its Otuasega Farm in Ogbia Local Government Area, and in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria installed rice mills at the Niger Delta University and the Federal University, Otuoke.
The Governor explained that the intention was to enable made-in-Bayelsa rice move from the fields to the markets and that thousands of farmers from across the eight rm inputs.local government areas of the State have received seedlings and farm inputs.
The Bayelsa helmsman further stated that through partnership with the CSS Integrated Farms, young people have been trained in modern farming methods.
He, therefore, encouraged the youths to embrace innovation considering the state’s peculiar terrain, plant flood-tolerant seed varieties, as well as apply modern aquaculture to complement the wild fisheries that pollution has depleted.
Diri also tasked them to engage in soilless farming, partnerships, ensuring processing, storage, and cold chains to prevent food wastage.
He commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the LIFE-ND programme for building agribusinesses among young people, as well as the Peremabiri Farmers Cluster for demonstrating what well organised and innovative farmers could achieve.
On the need to protect farmers, the Governor cautioned herders against attacks on farmers in the state, saying that the state’s law which criminalises open grazing was still in force.
Commending the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for organising the celebration, the Governor charged it to work towards meeting the targets set by the government to enable the people of the state buy Bayelsa rice during this year’s yuletide season.
“Let me be frank, government cannot do it alone, and it should not try to do so. Our role as a government is to create an enabling environment and provide access roads.
“Our focus on roads cannot be derailed. We must construct bridges to farms and support farming settlements. We must also continue to improve security for farmers and their crops.
“The actual farming must be done by our people. I, therefore, call on our youths to see agriculture as a career, not a punishment.
“We are already witnessing some changes. In fact, many people from outside the state are taking advantage of the beauty and productivity of our soil, and are engaging in fishing and farming.
“We are calling on our youths in Bayelsa to return to agriculture and increase their participation, so that they can also account for a significant proportion of those registered under the relevant agricultural programmes.
“The grant beneficiaries and agripreneurs sharing their stories with us today are living proof that agriculture in Bayelsa is not only a way of life but also a business that can create wealth and jobs”, he said.
In his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, said since 2020, more than 17,300 farmers have received direct support through various programmes, including the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, Diri BOOST, and the Prosperity Farmers Grant Scheme.
He noted that this year alone, 2,106 farmers, fishers and processors across all eight local government areas have received grants and that beneficiaries were expanding their cultivation efforts and laying a strong foundation for statewide agricultural prosperity.
According to Prof. Sese, the state’s 410-tonne-a-day rice milling plant was now fully operational and performing at optimal capacity, turning paddy into polished, made-in-Bayelsa rice.
“We are cultivating 106 hectares of rice and buying paddy from the communities we supply, so that while you plant, you know a buyer is waiting.
“The Bayelsa rice plant is currently undergoing laboratory analysis for food and nutritional certification and will soon be launched into the market.
“The Governor has charged us to produce 300,000 kilogrammes of made-in-Bayelsa rice by the end of 2026, so that Bayelsa can feed Bayelsa, and we are, of course, working towards that goal. Bayelsa is indeed strengthening its drive towards food sufficiency and economic prosperity”, the Commissioner said.
In his remarks, National President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi, said the association was pleased with the State Governor’s strides in the agricultural sector .
Accordingly, Dr. Mudi, on behalf of AFAN, presented an Award of Excellence to the State Governor as the Best Governor in Agricultural Connectivity and Farmers’ Support in the country.
He explained that the award, launched in August, was being presented by AFAN to 12 state governors, two from each geopolitical region after conducting its research and assessment of the state governments agricultural programmes.
Dr. Mudi also presented a crown-shaped trophy to Diri, stating that it was being presented to only six governors in the country, and urged all communities and farmers’ associations that have not registered to do so and become members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa