Ibeno stakeholders hail Gov. Eno’s swift flood response, seek lasting coastal protection
Tony Okoh, Uyo
Stakeholders in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have applauded Governor Umo Eno for his prompt intervention following the devastating floods that recently affected several communities in the coastal council, while urging the state government to implement lasting measures to address recurring flooding, coastal erosion and ocean surge.
The commendation came from the Ibeno Clan Council and other community leaders, who described the Governor’s response as timely, compassionate and reflective of an administration committed to the welfare and safety of residents across the state.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Upenekang, the Secretary of the Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia, praised Governor Eno for immediately directing an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities and mobilising relevant government agencies to provide emergency relief and support to victims.
According to Chief Udofia, the Governor’s swift intervention through the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other intervention bodies helped to reduce the impact of the disaster on affected communities.
“The rapid response by Governor Umo Eno clearly demonstrates a leadership style that is compassionate, responsive and people-centred. His intervention brought hope to affected families and reassured our people that the government stands with them in this difficult period,” he said.
The Council also commended the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) of Seplat Energy, led by Mr. Sam Ekpenyong, for undertaking emergency flood-control measures in Upenekang, Iwuoachang, Mkpanak and other vulnerable communities.
Chief Udofia noted that the emergency interventions helped to keep the flood situation under control despite heavy rainfall and rising water levels experienced across the area.
The stakeholders’ endorsement comes on the heels of Governor Eno’s recent unveiling of a comprehensive flood management strategy for Akwa Ibom State. The initiative includes the development of a new flood and drainage master plan, the establishment of a specialised environmental task force, stricter enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises and the demolition of structures obstructing natural drainage channels.
According to the stakeholders, the measures demonstrate proactive leadership and offer hope for a long-term solution to perennial flooding across the state.
They, however, urged the government to develop a dedicated flood-control master plan specifically for Ibeno Local Government Area, taking into account the unique environmental challenges confronting the coastal communities and integrating the plan into the state’s broader flood management framework.
Chief Udofia disclosed that the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, had encouraged the local government and the Ibeno Flood Management Committee to submit proposals for emergency interventions and sustainable flood-control projects.
He added that the Commissioner acknowledged the severity of the environmental challenges facing Ibeno and assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to developing a comprehensive flood-control blueprint for the area.
Beyond the impact of heavy rainfall, the stakeholders also expressed deep concern over the growing threat posed by ocean surge and coastal erosion, particularly in communities such as Akata, Ntafre, Itak Abasi, Okoritak, Okpo Ita and Iwuo Okpom Opolom.
They lamented that rising Atlantic Ocean tides continue to encroach on coastal settlements, revealing that Akata community has reportedly been divided into two sections and rendered inaccessible due to advancing seawater.
The Council appealed to Governor Eno to extend intervention efforts to communities threatened by coastal erosion and ocean encroachment to prevent further destruction of homes, loss of livelihoods and displacement of residents.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Glory Ekah Effiong, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Eno for ordering an immediate assessment of the affected communities.
She described the Governor’s swift intervention as another demonstration of responsive governance and assured residents that no affected community would be neglected.
The Council Chairman disclosed that vulnerable residents, including widows, elderly persons and severely affected families, were being relocated to safer locations as part of emergency humanitarian efforts while additional relief interventions were being coordinated.
Other stakeholders also commended the Governor’s intervention, describing it as evidence of a government that listens to the people and responds promptly during emergencies.
“We are grateful to Governor Umo Eno for his rapid response and pray that both immediate and long-term solutions will be implemented to address the perennial flooding and coastal erosion challenges facing our communities,” they said.
The stakeholders further appreciated members of the state’s rapid response team, humanitarian organisations, including the Nigerian Red Cross Society, community leaders and volunteers for their invaluable contributions to rescue operations and relief efforts.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Akwa Ibom State Government, development partners and other stakeholders to secure sustainable solutions to the environmental challenges confronting the coastal communities of Ibeno Local Government Area.
