The Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control has reiterated that the Rivers State government remains committed to educating citizens and adopting other measures to mitigate the impact of floods.
Speaking during its sensitisation campaign in Zone 3, Khana Local Council, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika, stressed that the administration of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) is determined to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to reduce the impact of flooding.
Worika, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Alwell Okerenku, said: “Our task is not merely to respond to disasters after they happen, but to anticipate disaster areas and mitigate their impact. This sensitisation campaign is a key part of that effort. By educating our citizens, raising awareness of flood risks, and promoting practical prevention measures, you are helping to build a more resilient Rivers State.”
He explained that the administration “is fully committed to strengthening collaboration between ministries, local governments, and community organisations, while also engaging with the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for improved flood management and control systems, covering pre-flood efforts, during flood, and post-flood intervention projects, as well as early warning infrastructure.
“The Rivers State government will continue to invest in flood control infrastructure, improve drainage systems, strengthen disaster management agencies, and collaborate with NEMA, security agencies, and other relevant bodies,” he added. He further assured that the government is enforcing environmental laws to prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse. illegal sand mining, and construction on flood plains, all of which worsen flooding.
According to him, “efforts are also ongoing to establish a Rivers State Emergency Management Agency (RSEMA), which would, among other functions, eventually take over the responsibilities of the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management and Control.
“I urge our traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and religious organisations to actively participate in spreading these messages. Let us keep our drainage clear, resist building on waterways, and report early signs of flooding promptly to the relevant authorities.
“Flood emergency preparedness, management, and control is, however, a shared responsibility and non-negotiable. To my dear citizens of Rivers State, government action alone is not enough. Flood prevention starts with each of us. Let us regularly clear our drainages, avoid blocking waterways, heed early warnings, and participate actively in community flood preparedness.”
Earlier, the Head of Operations of NEMA in Rivers State, Eric Ebhodaghe, speaking on the topic “Floods Management, Preparedness, Mitigation and Response,” noted that citizens must be responsive to their environment by avoiding building on waterways, dumping refuse inside water channels and drainages, and by obeying environmental laws.
The Chairman of Khana Local Council, Thomas Bariere, suggested that councils in flood-prone areas should establish standing flood management committees to regularly interface with the state committee on issues relating to flood management and control.
Representatives from the Nigerian Red Cross and the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management of Rivers State University also delivered sensitisation messages to stakeholders in the zone.
