NDDC, Lopeng Energy Launch Flood Sensitization Campaign in Delta State
By Emmanuel Enebeli
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), (Directorate of Community and Rural Development) in collaboration with Lopeng Energy Limited, has launched a two-day flood sensitization campaign aimed at preparing communities in Delta State for the approaching flood season.
The programme, held on September 16 and 17, 2024, in Oleh and Eku, focused on equipping vulnerable communities with essential strategies to mitigate the impact of floods.
With the theme “Community First,” the initiative brought together participants from flood-prone communities across Delta State’s three senatorial districts. The sessions, hosted at Agbasol Hotels in Oleh and Edewor Event Centre in Eku, were designed to raise awareness about the critical role local communities play in preventing flood disasters. Special attention was given to the devastating floods of 2012 and 2022, which caused significant damage to lives and property.
Some Participants at a two-day flood sensitization campaign by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with Lopeng Energy Limited for Vulnerable Communities in Oleh, Delta State
Mrs. Chinyere Umeh, Director of Community and Rural Development at the NDDC, highlighted the importance of collective community action in flood prevention.
“Floods, like earthquakes and tornadoes, are natural events beyond our control, but through preparation and community engagement, we can lessen their impact,” she said, stressing the need for empowering community leaders to spread vital information and mobilize local efforts to prevent disaster.
The program featured expert advice from disaster management professionals. Mr. Chidi Ogundu, South-South Director of the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), called on participants to ensure that waterways, drainage systems, and canals remain free of blockages. He urged residents to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels, which exacerbates flooding, and called for collective responsibility to keep these paths clear during heavy rains.
Climate change also took center stage during the campaign. Mr. Abraham Eruja, a supervisor from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, explained how rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns, caused by climate change, have increased the frequency and severity of floods. He encouraged participants to protect the environment through actions like tree planting to help combat global warming.
Mr. Gold Akporoye, Deputy Director of Community Development at the NDDC, reiterated the importance of flood preparedness, particularly for coastal communities. He commended the NDDC, under the leadership of Managing Director Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for its proactive efforts in equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to face potential floods.
Participants expressed gratitude to the NDDC for organizing the sensitization programme, noting that the campaign had provided them with practical steps to reduce flood risks. Many also stressed the importance of avoiding harmful practices like blocking drainage systems and indiscriminate tree felling.
The event, which attracted over 200 participants, included hands-on simulation exercises to test participants’ understanding of flood preparedness. Flyers containing safety tips for flood management were distributed, carrying the message: “Flood Destroys Lives and Property: Save Life First.”
This initiative by NDDC and Lopeng Energy is part of a broader effort across the nine states of the Niger Delta region to equip communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to face the anticipated flood season.
