Niger Delta

A’Ibom, C’River Deploy Preventive Measures Against Flood, Erosion

Published

2 months ago

June 12, 2026

Akwa Ibom and Cross River States stakeholders have said that intensive preventive measures are in place to contain flooding, save lives and property, and also prevent further worsening of erosion areas in both states.

The stakeholders disclosed this while responding to The Tide’s sources’s survey on actions by erosion-prone states to mitigate floods.

They said plans were underway to evacuate people living in the worst flood-prone areas, while efforts were also being made to reclaim lands devastated by erosion.

However, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Rivers State called for the establishment of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) backed by law to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.

In Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, said the state government was taking several steps to check flooding and protect the ecological environment.

He said the government had already taken measures to mitigate erosion across the 31 local government areas by investing billions of naira in intervention projects.

Umanah said the government had reclaimed the erosion site on Atiku Abubakar Avenue and recently ordered the desilting of drains on the road to contain the predicted incoming flood.

He recalled that one of the first projects inaugurated by former President Goodluck Jonathan in the state was the 1.48km underground drainage line on Atiku Abubakar Avenue.

Umanah added that the government had also constructed erosion-control drainage lines off the Two Lanes that channelled water away from Oron Road.

He explained that the drainage line was connected to underground lines running towards the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

He said the Governor also directed the construction of the adjoining Afaha Ube Street and side drains to link Ikot Ekpene Road with immediate effect in order to control flooding in the area.

The Commissioner added that work was ongoing along Uyo Village Road to reclaim about 4.3km of gully erosion that had almost destroyed several parts of the city, including the Government House.

“If you go to the perimeters of the Government House, you will see the totality of that area being remediated”, Umanah said.

He said the government had almost solved the devastating gully erosion that occurred on a previously abandoned refuse dump site along Uyo Village Road, reclaiming the area for a middle-class housing estate and recreational centres.

He said as part of its ecological remediation efforts, the government reclaimed 73 hectares of gully erosion spread around Etim Usanga, Udo Umana, and Usanga streets, off Brook Street.

Umanah said the government had invested billions of naira in the Ibom Arise Park Project, deploying massive reclamation efforts to arrest severe land degradation and turning a threatening ecological disaster site into an eco-friendly tourist and resort destination.

“There has been so much investment made by this administration in erosion control in the state.

“As you know, Uyo is on flat land and is very prone to erosion and other water-related challenges.

”Since the coming of the administration of Governor Umo Eno, erosion control and ecological remediation have been among the main actions of the government to save Uyo from collapse”, he stated.

Umanah said the Governor had directed the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), Mr. Akpan Ikim, to ensure adequate desilting of side drains across the metropolis.

The Commissioner said residents living in low-lying coastal areas had also been directed to relocate to upland areas to avoid impending danger.

He said the government had warned against indiscriminate waste dumping that blocks drainage channels and against building on waterways, adding that structures on waterways would be demolished.

He said a committee, comprising the commissioners for Environment and Water Resources, Health, Agriculture, Internal Security, Lands, and AKSEPWMA, had been set up to interface with federal agencies in proposing mitigation actions against flooding.

The AKSEPWMA Chairman, Ikim, said the main approach to flooding was heavy infrastructure for long-term control, routine desilting, and community cleanup for immediate risk reduction.

In Cross River, the government said plans were underway to tackle major erosion and flood-prone areas ahead of intensified rainfall forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Mr. Obeten Otu, Acting Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), said the erosion project was previously funded by the World Bank.

He said the project is now being financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), following the World Bank’s exit on 30 June 2022.

He explained that current intervention efforts in Cross River focused on severe and catastrophic gully erosion sites across the state to prevent further environmental degradation.

“NEWMAP-EIB has deployed Gully Rapid Action Slope Stabilisation (GRASS) measures to minimise erosion impacts pending permanent remediation works”, he said.

The State Governor, Bassey Otu, had approved the commencement of engineering designs for six gully erosion/flood control sites that required revalidation, and 10 new engineering designs for the state’s most severe erosion sites.

“Cross River has more than 75 gully erosion sites, making it impossible to address all affected locations simultaneously.

”The International Conference Centre axis in Summit Hills, Calabar, is one of the most critical erosion locations earmarked for intervention”, he said.

Otu added that NEWMAP-EIB always collaborated with NiMet and the Cross River Basin Authority to monitor flood and erosion risks and strengthen early response measures statewide.

The Executive Secretary of the Calabar Urban Development Agency (CUDA), Dr. Effiong Ayi, said the government had adopted science-based and community-focused measures to mitigate flooding and protect lives and property.

He listed ongoing interventions as dredging of waterways, widening canals, clearing drainages, and demolishing structures obstructing flood channels.

“We are not leaving anything to chance; our goal is to prevent avoidable loss of lives and property through early and coordinated action.

”Sensitisation campaigns are ongoing in flood-prone communities to educate residents on evacuation routes, flood risks, and environmental sanitation”, he said.

Ayi noted that the state would soon launch radio awareness campaigns and establish a task force against indiscriminate dumping of refuse in waterways.

He urged residents to obey environmental laws, avoid building on waterways, and report blocked drainage systems to relevant authorities.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Antigha Gill, said 13 local government areas of the state had been identified as high flood-risk zones.

Gill said SEMA, in collaboration with NEMA, had commenced community sensitisation campaigns across vulnerable areas.

He said the agency had engaged traditional rulers, youth groups, emergency responders, and community stakeholders on flood preparedness and response measures.

“We are telling residents what to expect, protective measures to take, and where to seek refuge when flooding occurs”, Gill said.

He disclosed that the state fire service had also been mobilised to support rescue operations during possible flooding incidents.

He added that government efforts focused on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and reducing the long-term effects of climate change and poor land use.

The DG said SEMA would expand sensitisation campaigns to other parts of the state, as it had begun stockpiling emergency materials and relief items ahead of the peak rainfall period.

In Rivers State, NEMA urged states to establish SEMAs backed by law to strengthen disaster preparedness and response.

The Acting Director, South-South Zonal Directorate of NEMA, Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe, also urged states to establish functional Local Government Emergency Management Committees for effective disaster response.

He said the appeal followed flood predictions indicating that 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would experience moderate and high flood risks in 2026.

According to him, local emergency committees should serve as first responders, while SEMAs would complement local efforts before seeking national intervention when necessary.

“Disaster management is everybody’s business. We must work together to effectively manage this impending flood,”, he said.

On evacuation plans, Ebhodaghe said emergency frameworks had identified high-risk areas and mapped out safe zones across the country.

Niger Delta

Community Elects Monarch After 55yrs Interregnum … As King-elect Preaches Unity

Published

23 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

The Otakeme Community of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have elected the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of a firm, “Renew Empire Nigeria”, Engr. Gospel Obolo as its new paramount ruler.

The Tide learnt that the election was conducted after 55 years of interregnum over the stool.

Otakeme is the closest neighbouring community to Otabagi, host community of the Oloibiri Oil wells where oil and gas were first struck in commercial quantity in West Africa.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after a close door meeting with community stakeholders midweek, the monarch-elect promised to lead a consultative reign.

He, however, expressed regrets that the community which boasts of an array of intellectuals and major elites across boards had remained without a monarch for so long, and promised to partner indigenes of all walks of life from the community in the discharge of the duties of his royal office.

While pleading with stakeholders and community elites to consolidate on the existing peace in the community, he added that already he has initiated a consultation tour of major cities and towns across the country to meet with indigene of the community in the diaspora.

“It’s sad that our community, Otakeme, has been without a king for 55 years. Otakeme is supposed to be one of the communities in Ogbia that others should emulate in terms of communal living, but regrettably we’ve lost a lot due to disunity which resulted in the absence of a paramount ruler for this long number of years.

“We’ve begun a diaspora consultation with stakeholders to solidify our unity and continue on the path of development. There is a lot to do for our people, and I want to assure everyone from the community that we’ll work together to develop Otakeme community”, he said.

Meanwhile, the monarch-elect has called on youths of the community to maintain peace and tranquility, saying his emergence signals a new era of innovation, peace, development and unity in the ancient community.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

NDDC Honours 78 Employees For Long Service … Hails Commitment To N’Delta Dev

Published

23 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has honoured 78 members of staff with Long Service Awards in recognition of their dedication, loyalty and invaluable contributions to the growth of the intervention agency and the development of the Niger Delta region.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said staff welfare remains a central priority of the Board and Management, describing employees as the institutional memory and driving force of the Commission.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku congratulated the recipients for their years of meritorious service and commended them for their commitment, which, he said, had contributed significantly to the Commission’s achievements over the years.

He noted that the awards were not only a celebration of longevity in service, but also a recognition of the dedication, professionalism and mentorship demonstrated by the recipients in helping to strengthen the Commission.

“The awardees have devoted decades of their lives to the NDDC, mentoring younger colleagues and playing vital roles in addressing the challenges confronting the Commission.

“Today, we celebrate your dedication, loyalty and commitment to service”, he said.

Ogbuku added: “We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your immense contributions. Each of you has helped shape our processes and our success story. We thank you for investing your talents and time in advancing the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.”

Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, praised the award recipients for serving the Commission and the Niger Delta with distinction, noting that the recognition reflected years of exemplary service, unwavering commitment and professional excellence.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management for the recognition, describing the award as a source of motivation and encouragement.

She said the honour would inspire staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate of driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region while sustaining excellence in service delivery.
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Niger Delta

Dickson Vows To Defend Democracy … Says ‘No Amount of Intimidation Will Break Us’

Published

23 hours ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has said he his committed to defending Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

He said no amount of intimidation, political persecution or propaganda would deter him from pursuing what he described as the collective struggle to rescue the nation’s democratic values.

In a lengthy message of appreciation to his supporters, Dickson expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their steadfast support, solidarity and prayers throughout what he called his political journey to strengthen the country’s opposition.

The senator said for the past eight months he had remained away from home while focusing on building the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in Nigeria.

He credited the party’s rapid growth to the commitment of its members, candidates and political partners, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

“I thank God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also thank our party officers at every level and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust and unwavering support”, Dickson said.

He stated that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, insisting that the survival of a vibrant multi-party system was essential to the country’s future.

According to him, ongoing legal battles and what he termed “contrived anti-democratic shenanigans” would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist attempts to undermine democratic institutions.

The former governor also accused unnamed political figures whom he said he had helped to attain positions of authority of turning against him by allegedly weaponising state institutions, removing political opponents from office, victimising innocent citizens and spreading propaganda.

Despite what he described as nearly seven years of sustained persecution against him, his family and supporters, Dickson said the loyalty of his followers had remained unshaken.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace politics driven by ideas, conviction and principles rather than personal gain, appointments or what he called “stomach infrastructure.”

He said the enduring legacy he hoped to leave behind was a generation courageous enough to reject injustice, defend truth and demand accountability from leaders.

Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally appreciate party members and supporters across the state.

He called on citizens to reject violence and intimidation, urging them instead to participate actively in peaceful democratic processes and protect the sanctity of their votes.

The senator warned that politicians who relied on intimidation, abuse of state institutions and violence would ultimately be rejected by the electorate.

Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered nearly two decades of investigations, allegations, political conspiracies and intimidation, yet continued to emerge stronger.

He argued that despite governing Bayelsa during a period marked by severe economic recession, his administration recorded lasting achievements across critical sectors and laid a solid foundation for the state’s development.

“I have seen it all and survived it all. The God who has stood by me has not abandoned me. He remains on His throne, watching and judging the actions of all men”, he declared.

Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that justice, democracy and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.