EMERGENCY INTERVENTION PLEA
6th NOVEMBER, 2024
To the Honourable State Governments, Federal Government, and International Agencies.
….it is imperative that the same level of attention and support provided to Maiduguri flood victims is extended to these affected communities. – SWUYN
It is also crucial that the government takes profound measures to put a permanent stop to this ravaging issue instead of just providing temporary relief. – SWUYN
The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN), through the office of the National President, Amb. Preye Tambou, urgently appeal for your intervention in the devastating flood situation in the Niger Delta region and other affected parts of Nigeria.
The increasing current floods have left countless communities displaced, destroyed livelihoods, and exacerbated the already dire youth unemployment crisis, affecting 64 million unemployed and 1.6 million under-employed youths. The situation demands immediate attention and action.
We appeal for the intervention of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, Social Development, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), national and international NGOs, private-public companies, and wealthy individuals and families. We implore you to provide emergency assistance, mobilize resources, and collaborate with local organizations to effectively respond to this flood crisis. The youths of Nigeria, who constitute a significant portion of the population, deserve urgent attention and support.
The devastating floods in the communities are a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The Niger Delta people, particularly the Ijaw ethnic group found primarily in the region’s riverine areas, have been severely affected by these floods, which have destroyed homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
Affected Areas:
Two-thirds of the Bayelsa State is inundated by devastating floods currently. Communities like, (Yenagoa LGA) – Biseni clan, Okordia clan, Zarama claan, Okutukutu, Azikoro, Opolo, Igbogene, Ikibiri, Tombia, Asaingbene, Polaku, Agudama Ekpetimo, Bumoundi gbene, Akaibiri. (Ekeremor LGA) – Obirigbene, Amabolo, Amanagbene, Aleibiri. (Southern ijaw LGA) – Oweikorogha, Aguobiri, Igeibiri, Obololi, Luduon, Peremabiri, Otuan, Oyunma. (Ogbia LGA) – Ayakoro, Okodi, Ayama, Otuabula, Ologoi, Otukpen, Amadige and so on.
Similar to Bayelsa, Delta State is also experiencing extensive flooding. Some flood ravaged Delta communities are, (Patani LGA) – Abari, Patani, Agoloma, Adubo. (Bomadi LGA) – Bomadi, Esanma, Ogbeinama, Akugbene, Okoloba, Ogodobri, Ezebri. (Burutu LGA) – Ayakoromo, Torugbene, Tamigbe, Tebegbe, Ogbobagbene, Tuomo, Oboro, Okpokunou, Enekorogha, Edegbene, Ekogbene, Dunugusu, Okrika, Gbekebor, Obotebe.
Rivers State: Communities along the River Niger are also affected. Some flooded communities in Rivers State are Okrika, Ogu, Bori, Kono, Bonny Island, Finima, Opobo, Nkoroo, Kalabari, Ahoada, Egbema, Omoku, Akabuka, Obio/Akpor, Ogbumnuabali, Rumuekpe, Emohua, Oyigbo, Etche, Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor amongst others.
These communities are in dire need of humanitarian aid, infrastructure repair, and economic empowerment to recover from the devastating floods. The government and relevant authorities should provide immediate assistance to alleviate the suffering of the affected residents. This includes investing in flood control measures, improving drainage systems, and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
It is imperative that the same level of attention and support provided to Maiduguri flood victims is extended to these affected communities.
The Federal Government, State Government, members of National and State Assemblies, corporate bodies, and individuals, including the President’s family, should demonstrate the same energy and commitment they showed in Maiduguri.
It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of all affected communities, regardless of location, background or tribe. It is also crucial that the government takes profound measures to put a permanent stop to this ravaging issue instead of just providing temporary relief.
International Examples
Other countries have successfully tackled flood issues, providing valuable lessons for Nigeria:
- Israel’s Desalination Plants: Israel built desalination plants to convert seawater into potable water, reducing reliance on rainwater and mitigating flood risks.
- Kenya’s Sand Dams: Kenya implemented sand dam technology to harvest and store rainwater, providing clean water and reducing flood risks.
- Peru’s Ancient Farming Methods: Peru revived traditional farming practices, reducing soil erosion and flood risks.
- The Netherlands’ Flood Protection: The Netherlands invested in comprehensive flood protection systems, including dams, levees, and floodwalls, to safeguard against flooding.
The government must prioritize permanent solutions, collaborating with international organizations and local communities to, develop and implement effective flood control measures, invest in sustainable water management practices, support research and development of innovative flood mitigation technologies.
By learning from international examples and investing in permanent solutions, Nigeria can reduce the impact of flooding in Niger Delta communities and create a safer, more sustainable future.
Thank you for your prompt consideration.
Amb. Preye Tambou
National President, SWUYN
