26/08/2025
Environment: Hon John Chukwuma Ogbodo, the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government and the South East Zonal National Emergency Management Agency Director Call for Flood Alert and Preparedness, Urges Opening of Blocked Canals and Drainages
The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, represented by Mrs. Ngozi Echeazo called for proactive flood preparedness in response to the alarming forcast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). The forecast indicates that 176 Local Government Areas across 33 states are at high risk of flooding this year.
She said this during a public awareness campaign on “Flood Preparedness and Basic First Aid Treatment” held at the Nkanu West Local Government Headquarters, Agbani.
She said that according to recent statistics, Enugu State falls within the moderate flood risk areas, alongside 293 LGAs across 31 states, including Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, and Enugu East LGAs in Enugu State.
The Director General cauttioned the teaming people of Nkanu West Local Government Area attendance citizens against unsafe practices that could trigger flood and endanger lives and properties during the predicted flood period.
She further urged residents to imbibe preventive measures, such as clearing blocked canals and drainages, to minimize disaster risks.
She also advised the public to follow proper channels when seeking NEMA’s assistance during emergencies. She said “Our office operates at all three tiers of government. If you feel threatened, first write to your Local Emergency Management Agency (LEMA), then to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and finally to the federal NEMA office,”
In his remarks, the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, expressed gratitude to the leadership of NEMA for the awareness initiative and assured the agency of his Government support whenever needed. He noted that the Enugu State Government under His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah have already commenced preventive measures by ensuring that waste is cleared from waterways and streets, while the Local Government has provided waste bins at strategic locations to encourage proper waste disposal.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the chairman, Barr. Onochie Igweshi, the Secretary of Nkanu West LGA, commended the NEMA team for the visit and prayed for their safe return to their destinations.
In attendance are the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West, Engr. Friday Nnam; Chief of Staff to the Local Government, Barr. Chidiebere B.C. Ani; Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Nnamani Emmanuel Onyekachi; traditional rulers; Presidents General; Councilors; women leaders; and other community participants, stakeholders and the general public.
Nkanu West LG Media Team