The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), South South Directorate, together with the Port Harcourt Operations Office, today, September 8th, 2025, joined the Rivers State Central Working Committee on Flood Management for an awareness and sensitisation programme held at Khana Local Government Area.
Leading the NEMA team was Dr. Godwin Tepikor, Director of the South South Directorate, accompanied by Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe, Head of Operations, Port Harcourt Office. The programme, convened by the Rivers State Government, was aimed at preparing communities across the state for the 2025 flood prediction and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, His Excellency Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, who also gave the opening remark. The programme brought together executive chairmen of local government areas identified as flood-prone, representatives of the Nigerian Red Cross, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.
As part of the event, Mr. Eric Ebhodaghe delivered a presentation on flood management, preparedness, mitigation, and response at the state, local, and community levels. He explained the causes of flooding, highlighting poor waste disposal, building on water channels, and poor urban planning as major contributors. He urged residents to strictly adhere to early warning systems already activated and advised them to evacuate to safe grounds whenever floods threaten lives. He assured the gathering of NEMA’s readiness to support the state in effectively managing any flood emergency.
The Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Thomas Bariere, also spoke, recommending that local government chairmen be incorporated into the flood management committee to strengthen grassroots coordination. Other agencies made presentations, and an interactive session allowed participants to ask questions and share experiences.
8 September 2025
