The Abia State Government has officially launched a grassroots sensitization exercise on the downscaling of the 2026 Flood Early Warning Strategies. The programme, themed “Strengthening Disaster Preparedness Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” is aimed at improving community preparedness and reducing the impact of flooding across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Centre in Umuahia, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, stressed the importance of turning flood warnings into prompt preventive actions at the community level. He noted that flooding continues to threaten lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, making it necessary for government and stakeholders to intensify awareness and preparedness efforts among residents.
Dr. Meribole, who was represented by the Director of Information in the Office of the SSG, Mr. Uma Ibem Oke, explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that timely and accurate flood information reaches communities across the state. He added that the programme will also empower citizens with the knowledge needed to take necessary precautions before disasters occur.
The SSG called on community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to actively participate in the sensitization exercise and help spread the information widely to achieve maximum impact.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, described the event as an important step in advancing the government’s efforts to protect lives and property. He commended the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its continued collaboration with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in addressing climate-related disasters, especially flooding.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr. Sunny Jackson, explained that the downscaling exercise became necessary following predictions by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook. According to him, Abia State is among the 27 states identified as being at high risk of flooding this year.
Dr. Jackson listed some of the local government areas predicted to be affected by flooding, including Arochukwu, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Ukwa West, Ukwa East, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South. He emphasized the need to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms at the community level to reduce the impact of flooding. He also appreciated NEMA for initiating the downscaling exercise and commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to disaster management in the state.
Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who was represented by the South-East Zonal Director of NEMA, Mr. Walson Brandon, stated that the recurring incidents of flooding in Nigeria require urgent and collective action. She emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to prevent avoidable flood disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
The event also featured a presentation on disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies based on the outcome of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction. The presentation was delivered by the Head of Partnership and Coordination at NEMA, Mr. Evans Ugoh, who highlighted practical measures communities can adopt to reduce flood risks.
As part of the sensitization exercise, the team later visited Umuogu Mgbaraka Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area, where residents were educated on effective strategies for preventing and minimizing the impact of flooding in their communities.
