Sunday July 19, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Our Correspondent
Stakeholders in Ibeno Local Government Area have lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his prompt intervention following the devastating floods that recently ravaged several communities in the coastal council, 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 on Sunday, Secretary of the Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia, praised Governor Eno for immediately directing an on-the-spot assessment of affected communities and deploying relevant agencies to provide relief and support to flood victims.
According to him, the Governor’s swift action 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), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other intervention bodies helped to mitigate 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,” Chief Udofia 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 flood-prone communities.
Chief Udofia noted that the interventions helped to keep the flood situation manageable despite the intensity of recent rainfall and rising water levels.
The endorsement by the stakeholders comes amid Governor Eno’s recent unveiling of a comprehensive flood management strategy for Akwa Ibom State, which includes the development of a new flood and drainage master plan, establishment of a specialised environmental task force, enforcement of monthly environmental sanitation exercises and demolition of structures obstructing natural drainage channels.
Stakeholders described the measures as a bold and proactive approach to tackling perennial flooding across the state.
Aligning with the Governor’s vision, the Ibeno Clan Council called for the development of a dedicated flood-control master plan for the local government area to address its peculiar environmental challenges and integrate it 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 urgency of the environmental challenges confronting Ibeno and pledged government support towards developing a comprehensive flood-control blueprint for the area.
Beyond flooding caused by heavy rainfall, stakeholders expressed concern over the growing threat of ocean surge and coastal erosion affecting communities such as Akata, Ntafre, Itak Abasi, Okoritak, Okpo Ita and Iwuo Okpom Opolom.
According to the Council, rising Atlantic Ocean tides have continued to threaten coastal settlements, with Akata community reportedly split into two sections and rendered inaccessible by advancing waters.
The stakeholders therefore appealed to Governor Eno to extend intervention efforts to communities threatened by coastal erosion and ocean encroachment in order to prevent further loss of land, homes and livelihoods.
Also speaking on the disaster, Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Area, Hon. (Mrs.) Glory Ekah Effiong expressed profound gratitude to Governor Eno for ordering an immediate assessment of the affected communities.
She described the Governor’s response as another demonstration of responsive governance and assured residents that no affected community would be abandoned.
The Council boss revealed that vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly persons and severely affected families, were being relocated to safer locations as part of emergency humanitarian measures while further interventions are being coordinated.
Other stakeholders also praised the Governor’s intervention, describing it as evidence of a government that listens and acts in times of need.
“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.”
The stakeholders equally 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 efforts.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working with government and development partners to secure lasting solutions to the environmental challenges facing the coastal local government area.
