The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, expressed that the effects of flooding and erosion on the residents of Rivers State, particularly those in coastal areas, are significant concerns for the government.
Governor Fubara reflected on the repercussions of flooding for both humans and wildlife, which can result in loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation.
He made these comments today in Port Harcourt at the launch of a book titled ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,’ authored by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor stated that his administration would continue to promote and implement adaptation strategies to address flooding.
He remarked: “The Rivers State Government will persist in undertaking and endorsing adaptive measures, such as the construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoration of coastal ecosystems for resilience, and, where necessary, relocating communities along the coastline.
“These concerns are currently receiving the critical attention and intervention through the recent approval of shoreline protection construction for over five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs.”
“It’s important for all stakeholders committed to protecting and preserving the marine environment to advocate for mitigation strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and rising sea levels. We should promote clean energy and discourage fossil fuel usage.”
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Governor Fubara additionally urged residents to avoid constructing buildings on waterways.
“We must also encourage our community to refrain from developing properties on or near natural water bodies, as well as from engaging in indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities along our coastlines without regard for mangroves and swamps,” he emphasized.
He expressed gratitude to the author for his valuable contributions to the existing body of knowledge in Rivers State and beyond.
Additionally, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, who served as the Royal Father at the event, remarked that the book is timely for stakeholders tasked with addressing the challenges posed by global warming.
“Global warming is a pressing issue. If it is not tackled globally, coastal regions will eventually find themselves submerged. Nigeria’s coastline is alarming, with numerous mangroves having disappeared,” he pointed out.
The book’s Reviewer, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, noted that the 14-chapter book is timely as it bridges the knowledge gap regarding coastal flooding and erosion in developing communities.
“A significant aspect of the book that distinguishes it is its thorough exploration of flood and erosion control practices from around the globe,” he added, emphasizing that the book is rooted in comprehensive field investigations.
