Environment

Rivers Youth Protest Over Flood Disaster

Published

8 years ago

October 22, 2018

Orashi Youth Movement,
a socio-political orgnisation in the Orashi region of Rivers State has put the death toll in the current flooding ravaging the region to nine.
Although this could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The president of the association, Mr Chiowkwa Nweze said that half of the region is being submerged by flood.
Mr Nweze who disclosed this in Ubeta in Ahoada West Local Government Area at a peaceful protest said the flood has rendered thousands of people homeless, while farming and fishing which are the main occupations of the people have been adversely affected.
According to him, the urgent intervention of the authorities will save the people from further problem stressing that the protests of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and other companies operating in the area to assist the flood victims.
The youth president used the occasion to thank the chairman of the four local government councils in the Orashi region for their support to those displaced by the incident.
He particularly thanked the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Hope Ikiriko for taking proactive steps to help the victims through the provision of camps for the internally displaced persons from the communities.
Meanwhile, the Eze Igbu Ubie of Ubie Kingdom in Ahoada West Local Government Area, HRM Eze Augustine Okpokiri has decried the continuous silence by the Federal Government to the flood disaster in the state.
Eze Okpokiri who said this while receiving the youths at his palace at Ubeta said that it would be morally wrong for the Federal Government to play politics with the lives of the people.
“We did not choose where we live. We were born and inherited this place whether good or bad. So the lives of the people should not be politicised”.
The royal father also stressed the need for companies operating in the area to rise up to the challenge of assisting the people, stressing that having operated in the region for years, it behooves on them to come to the aid of the people in their moment of need.
Also speaking, a youth, Reuben Prince decried the destruction of properties and farmlands by the flood.
Meanwhile, some residents of Okogbe community in the Ahoada West Local Government have lamented the negative impacts of the flooding in the community.
Mrs Nkechi Oko told newsmen that she has lost her farm to the flooding.
“My crops, my house, my land have been submerged. This is not the first time this kind of flood has occurred.
“In 2012 a similar incidence occurred, and it affected all my farm produce” she said.
A fish farmer who spoke under anonymity complained that all his fishes have escaped from his pond, adding that now hunger is starring him in the face.
“We are hungry. The flood has kept us stagnant, we hardly eat, we have lost our homes, we have lost our identities, we have nowhere to run to”.
The fish farmers who is a retiree described diseases and hunger as their major challenges, stressing that they need food and clean water to survive.

John Bibor, Tamunoseipiriala Okweinkiki&Emeka Igbe

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

3 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.