News
Flood: Concerns Mount Over Effect On Structures
The last is yet to be heard on the flooding in cities as concerns are mounting over its effects on submerged homes.
Built-environment professionals monitoring the development have reinforced the need for the Federal and state governments to embark on a post-disaster survey of buildings in affected states.
They’re also recommending structural integrity or non-destructive tests of the buildings, especially the ones above one-floor to determine their continuous fitness for habitation and mitigate building collapse incidents across the country.
The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) data revealed that as of October 24, 181,600 houses have been partially damaged and 123,807 houses totally damaged and 392,399 hectares of farmlands have been totally damaged.
Also, 3,219, 780 persons have been affected by the 2022 flooding, 1,427,370 persons internally displaced, 2,776 persons injured, while 612 people were killed.
Prior to the ongoing flooding crisis, cities across the country had recorded repeated structural failure with over 461 buildings collapsing between 1974 to July 2021, and more than 1,090 deaths, including billions of naira worth of properties lost to such disasters.
Out of the figures, Lagos as the busiest construction site accounted for the largest chunk. For instance, over 34 cases were recorded between January and September 2022 in the state according to statistics from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
Speaking on the development, a past president of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Mr. Kenneth Nduka told The Guardian that the greatest enemy of any building is water.
He said during flooding, water penetrates the structure passing through the capillary elements of the structure whether wood/metal or concrete.
On the severity of damage to buildings, he explained: “If water passes through the wood, it will eventually rot because water dries out slower in building materials. The material composition of the wood structure will decompose and you can have rot, algae growth and strength of the wood structure is compromised.
“If water enters concrete, it absorbs it and compromises the bounding power. The same thing if water goes into the block work, it becomes wet and loses strength. Then, the chemical composition of the block or concrete will be affected. If it is reinforced concrete, water will be retained in it and encourage rust.
“Afterwards, the building can experience concrete cancer as the rot would manifest, start leaking and showing on the reinforcement. Once that occurs, the integrity of the structure is compromised.”
Nduka observed that efforts are always made to ensure that the foundation of buildings is anchored on firm ground but, he said when the water content of soil is overwhelming, the soil will move and stability of the foundation will be compromised, thereby affecting the structural integrity of the building.
He said: “Everything installed in a building, including tiles and paints will be affected because of water. When the flood goes down, there is what is called efflorescent; water coming out of the block concrete will create moles, which have been proven to be carcinogenic, with health implications that reduce the life span of the building.”
On the environmental impact of the flooding, he noted that most reptiles and animals look for where to hide for safety and there may be openings created by the movement of water, reptiles may move into the ceiling of buildings and multiply. He calls for fumigation of affected buildings to ensure that the environmental health of the structure said occupants is assured.
The former NIOB’s boss said to avert collapse, buildings that are above one-floor need structural integrity tests to ascertain fitness before accommodation.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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