Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged residents to regularly clear drains in their vicinities to prevent flooding and other ecological disasters.
The governor made this call on Saturday at the Government House Monthly Prayer Service in Uyo.
Eno warned against the practice of indiscriminate refuse disposal and blockage of drainage channels, citing a prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) that Akwa Ibom would experience heavy rainfall in 2025, with an attendant risk of flooding and cholera outbreak.
“Akwa Ibom has been mentioned as one of the states that will experience flood this year. Therefore, we must prepare,” he said.
The governor emphasised the importance of community participation in preventing flooding, urging residents to clean up their surroundings and organise community service to support the government’s efforts.
“Please, clean the drainages around you, and also organise community service for this.
”Government will embark on desilting of the drainages, but support the effort of government to succeed,” Eno said.
To enforce this, Eno directed the Ibom Community Watch, a security outfit in the state, to develop strategies to monitor and prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which often leads to blockage of drainage channels.
He also sympathised with those who had already been affected by natural disasters, assuring them that the government would provide relief materials.
In a related development, Rev. Peter Omiunu of Flourishing Harvest International Church delivered a Message titled:”God of Great Wonders,” urging the congregation to trust in God.
Omiunu who took his text from the book of Psalms 77:14-20, admonishing the people to continue trusting and believing in God, who is unfailing and full of great wonders.
The governor’s call to action highlights the importance of community participation in disaster prevention and management.
By working together, residents and the government could mitigate the impact of flooding and other ecological disasters.
The state’s prediction of heavy rainfall and potential flooding underscores the need for proactive measures to prevent disaster.
The government’s efforts to desilt drainage channels and monitor refuse disposal were crucial steps in this direction.
The governor’s appeal to residents to take ownership of their environment and support government efforts is a timely reminder of the importance of community responsibility in disaster prevention.
The prayer service provided a platform for spiritual reflection and guidance, as the congregation sought divine intervention and protection from natural disasters. Rev. Omiunu’s homily served as a reminder of God’s unfailing love and provision, encouraging the people to trust in His goodness.
The government’s proactive measures and the community’s response would be crucial in preventing flooding and other ecological disasters in Akwa Ibom State. By working together, residents can ensure a safer and more resilient environment for all.
