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NDDC’s Chief Promotes Collaboration To Prevent Flood Disasters

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Dr. Ogbuku

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has called for collaborative efforts to mitigate the effects of persistent flooding in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku made the call at a one-day workshop in Port Harcourt organised by the NDDC Directorate of Environmental Protection and Control on the implementation of flood disaster emergency response strategies throughout the Niger Delta region.

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The NDDC Chief Executive Officer workshop, which focused on the theme “Enhancing Resilience; Mitigating Flood Disasters in the Niger Delta,” demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to addressing the challenges of flood disasters in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He stated, “The Niger Delta, which is distinguished by its distinctive topography and proximity to water bodies, experiences frequent flooding. Coastal and riverine communities are particularly vulnerable, as they are located in low-lying areas. According to recent data, flooding caused more than 100 fatalities in the region between January 2021 and April 2023. As the rainy season approaches its peak, immediate action is required to reduce flood damage.

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Ogbuku emphasised the importance of taking proactive measures in flood disaster management, noting that all intervening organisations must demonstrate a commitment to ensuring a safer and more resilient future for the Niger Delta people.

He noted, “Our success in mitigating flood disasters is dependent on collaboration. We must collaborate closely with local communities, state governments, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and international partners.

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The NDDC boss acknowledged Climate Change’s existential threat, noting that it had the potential to cause massive devastation in the Niger Delta region, with enormous socioeconomic consequences.

He stated that the NDDC was currently constructing multi-purpose emergency shelters throughout the Niger Delta region and that the project was designed in response to the frequent flooding challenges that Niger Delta residents face.

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According to Ogbuku, the emergency shelters, which could house more than 1,000 people, were intended to serve as a temporary refuge during flood emergencies.

According to him, the facility includes critical amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police station, and recreation centre, which will provide comprehensive support to communities in times of crisis.

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“When completed, the emergency shelters will provide temporary housing and critical services to communities in the event of an emergency. We discovered that during floods, displaced people seek shelter in school buildings, which comes at a high cost because schools are forced to halt academic activities.”

Professor Andrew Obefemi, former National President of the Nigerian Cartographic Association and keynote speaker, advised intervention agencies to implement more long-term measures to mitigate the perennial flood in the Niger Delta region, noting that the challenge of ravaging flood would be addressed holistically.

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Prof. Obafemi, who spoke on “Understanding the Niger Delta Context, Present Data on Historical Floods, Vulnerable Areas, and Existing Infrastructure,” emphasised the importance of information and relevant data in preventing flood disasters. He stated that projects such as the Niger Delta Environmental Survey were required for a reliable data bank.

Earlier in his welcome address, NDDC Director of Environmental Control and Protection, Engr. Onuoha Obeka lamented that the Niger Delta region, which is known for its rich biodiversity and vital economic contribution to Nigeria, has been plagued by recurring flood disasters.

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He emphasised the importance of a strong and efficient emergency response strategy to mitigate the impact of disasters and protect the lives and livelihoods of those in the region.

Obeka stated that the workshop would assist the NDDC in identifying ways to improve the collective capacity to respond effectively to disasters and strengthen community resilience in the face of adversity.

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He explained, “This workshop provides a platform for us to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative strategies aimed at strengthening our emergency response mechanisms and promoting long-term recovery efforts in the aftermath of flood disasters.”

“Implementing the initiative to provide water level gauges/sensors at strategic locations around the river system in the region will provide an early warning mechanism that can help to evacuate people before significant havoc is wreaked during flood events.”

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“Let us all embrace the spirit of unity. Empathy and determination. Let us be inspired by the Niger Delta people’s resilience and strength, and commit to building a more resilient and prepared region that can withstand natural disasters and emerge stronger in the face of adversity.”

 

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