Environment
HYPADEC To Address Ecological Problems In Catchment Areas
The Management of the Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) has pledged to address all ecological problems in the commission’s catchment areas.
Managing Director of the commission, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt at a five day retreat for the development of strategic plan for the commission.
Alhaji Sadiq said large number of communities within the commission’s catchment area are devastated by flooding occasioned by the sitting of the Hydro Power Dam in the area.
He said most of the communities are flooded as well as their farms and classrooms.
The HYPADEC MD also said the commission has conducted a need assessment in the various communities with the view to finding out their problems, stressing that the commission has already commenced the provision of water to over 150 communities.
He said WAEC and NECO form have also been purchased to school children.
Earlier in an address, the managing director said the commission which was established far back 2010 only become operational January this year.
“As you are aware, the Hydro electric power producing areas development commission was established by the federal government to address ecological challenges and promote socio economic development of communities affected by the operations of Hydro electric dams in the six states of Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and plateau.
“The commission though established as far back as 2010 could not become effective until January this year.
He said the challenges of the communities are enormous as it represents five decades of sacrifice in terms of means of livelihood, beautiful vegetation and cultural artifacts among other by the affected communities for the country to have electricity from operations of Hydro electric dams.
Sadiq said the enormity of the challenges facing the commission demands the management to commit itself and bring the necessary experience to bear in discharging its responsibilities as pioneer council and management in delivering on it mandate.
He said within the last one year, the commission has recorded feats that are gradually changing the narratives of the living conditions of communities in the HYPADEC states.
Declaring the event opened, chairman of the commission, Hon Barrister Joseph Tarfa Otyau said the retreat was to enable the management workout strategic programmes towards addressing the plights of the host communities.
He said with the caliber of staff at its disposal HYPADEC will surely succeed in its assignment.
It would be noted that HYPADEC, which is made up of six states which include Niger, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Benue and Plateau has its headquarters in Minna Niger State.
By: John Bibor
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.
The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.
He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.
NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.
He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
“The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterway.
A cleaner environment begins with collective responsibility. That commitment was evident across Umuahia on Saturday as thousands of residents turned out to participate in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with officials describing the compliance level as one of the most encouraging in recent months.
The impressive turnout has renewed hope that Abia’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment is steadily becoming a culture rather than a routine exercise.
The July monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia recorded about 80% compliance.
The Abia State Ministry of Environment described the turnout as a strong indication that residents are embracing Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment, while calling for the establishment of Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups to sustain the momentum.
The Abia State Government has commended residents of Umuahia for their impressive participation in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing the turnout as a strong indication that citizens are embracing the state’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise across major parts of the Umuahia metropolis, the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and urged residents to sustain the momentum.
According to him, the success recorded during the exercise reflects growing public support for the environmental agenda of the Labour Party-led administration.
“I think, so far, so good. At this point, what we need to do is sustain the momentum. We should move forward with establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch so that residents can monitor compliance and ensure the initiative is sustained,” he said.
Mr. Oriuwa further applauded both residents and the organisers for the success of the exercise.
“Well, I must say I am very impressed. I appreciate the organisers for putting this programme together. It has been highly impressive, and I believe participants have learnt a great deal. From what I have observed so far, everything has been well organised, and I think they are doing an excellent job. I encourage them to keep up the good work because programmes like this are beneficial to everyone,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that environmental sanitation should become a daily culture rather than an activity observed only on designated sanitation days.
Drawing from an Igbo proverb, he explained why communities must collectively protect their environment.
“An Igbo proverb says that a goat owned by the public often goes hungry. That is why establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch is important. It will encourage residents to take collective responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that sanitation efforts are sustained.”
He also urged government agencies to strengthen enforcement by deploying environmental health officers to carry out routine inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation laws.
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