Stakeholders in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have commended Governor Umo Eno for his swift intervention following the recent floods that devastated several communities, destroying homes, displacing residents and disrupting economic activities.
The commendation came from the Ibeno Clan Council and other community leaders, who described the governor’s response as timely, compassionate and reflective of his commitment to the welfare of vulnerable communities across the state.
Speaking with journalists in Upenekang, the Secretary of the Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia, praised Governor Eno for immediately ordering an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities and directing relevant agencies to provide relief and emergency support to victims.
According to him, the governor’s prompt 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.
“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 government stands with them in this difficult period,” Udofia said.
The council also commended the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) of Seplat Energy, led by Mr. Sam Ekpenyong, for carrying out emergency flood-control measures in Upenekang, Iwuoachang, Mkpanak and other flood-prone communities.
Udofia said the intervention helped keep the flooding under control despite the heavy rainfall and rising water levels experienced in recent weeks.
The stakeholders’ endorsement comes amid Governor Eno’s recent unveiling of a comprehensive flood management strategy for Akwa Ibom State, which includes the development of a statewide 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.
They described the measures as a proactive approach to addressing recurring flooding across the state.
The Ibeno Clan Council also called for the development of a dedicated flood-control master plan for the local government area to address its unique environmental challenges and integrate it into the state’s broader flood management framework.
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 long-term flood-control projects.
He said the commissioner acknowledged the urgency of the environmental challenges confronting Ibeno and pledged the state’s support for the development of a comprehensive flood-control blueprint for the area.
Beyond flooding caused by heavy rainfall, the stakeholders expressed concern over the increasing threat of ocean surge and coastal erosion affecting communities including Akata, Ntafre, Itak Abasi, Okoritak, Okpo Ita and Iwuo Okpom Opolom.
According to the council, advancing Atlantic Ocean tides have continued to threaten coastal settlements, with Akata community reportedly split into two sections and rendered inaccessible due to encroaching waters.
The stakeholders appealed to Governor Eno to extend intervention efforts to communities affected by coastal erosion and ocean encroachment to prevent further loss of land, homes and livelihoods.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. Glory Ekah Effiong, thanked the governor for ordering an immediate assessment of the affected communities, describing the move as another demonstration of responsive governance.
She assured residents that no affected community would be abandoned, adding that widows, elderly persons and severely affected families were being relocated to safer locations as part of ongoing humanitarian interventions while additional relief measures were being coordinated.
Other stakeholders also commended the governor’s intervention, describing it as evidence of a government that responds promptly to the needs of its people.
“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 also appreciated members of the state’s rapid response team, humanitarian organisations including the Red Cross, community leaders and volunteers for their contributions to rescue and relief operations.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working with the state government and development partners to achieve lasting solutions to the environmental challenges confronting the coastal local government area.
