Chief Onuorah Calls for Urgent Dredging of River Niger, Building of Dam to Tackle Flooding Of Riverine Communities As He Joins APGA
In a call for action that highlights one of the most pressing environmental and infrastructural concerns facing riverine communities, Chief David Edochie Onuorah, an international businessman and newly inducted member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to address the perennial flooding that devastates parts of Anambra West Local Government Area and neighboring riverine communities. Chief Onuorah’s statement came shortly after his official induction into APGA, during which he cited the stellar leadership of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, as his reason for aligning with the party. However, while his political shift is significant, his remarks on flooding and infrastructural development are what has garnered attention from both local residents and national policymakers.
His call for urgent dredging of the River Niger, the construction of critical dams, and the implementation of long-term flood control measures is a response to the annual devastation experienced by communities in the region. These floods not only claim lives and destroy homes but also disrupt agricultural activities, destroy farmlands, and contribute to the displacement of thousands of families. The solution, according to Onuorah, lies in proactive government action that will put an end to this recurring nightmare. The challenge of flooding in riverine areas is one that calls for immediate attention, comprehensive planning, and long-term infrastructure development. Onuorah is pushing for a coordinated effort between the Federal Government, Anambra State, and international development partners to address the root causes of the floods that continue to ravage communities every rainy season.
Flooding in Anambra West and neighboring riverine communities such as Mmiata, Nzam, Umuenwelum, and Umuikwu has been a recurrent problem for many years. The situation worsens during the rainy season when the River Niger swells beyond its banks, inundating vast areas of farmland and residential buildings. The impacts of these floods are far-reaching, with displaced families often finding themselves without homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services. Agriculture, which is the backbone of the local economy, is often destroyed, leading to long-term economic setbacks for farmers who depend on the land for sustenance and income.
In his address, Chief Onuorah emphasized that it is no longer acceptable for these communities to continue suffering from the same fate year after year. His frustration is evident in his statement: “It is unacceptable that our people continue to suffer the same fate every rainy season.” Onuorah’s call for action stems from the understanding that these communities are not only facing natural disasters but are also enduring man-made vulnerabilities. Poor planning, lack of adequate infrastructure, and ineffective flood control measures have compounded the problems faced by the people living in these areas.One of the most immediate solutions Onuorah is advocating for is the dredging of River Niger. Dredging, which involves the removal of sediment from the riverbed, is crucial for increasing the flow capacity of the river and reducing the risk of flooding. The River Niger, which is the third longest river in Africa, plays an essential role in the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly those living along its banks. However, sediment buildup over time has significantly reduced its capacity, contributing to the frequent flooding that has become an annual crisis. By dredging the river, the authorities could significantly enhance the waterway’s capacity to handle high volumes of water, reducing the likelihood of overflow that devastates surrounding communities.
Moreover, Onuorah has also called for the construction of dams along the river to regulate water flow and ensure that floodwaters are safely contained. Dams can serve as a strategic measure to control seasonal floods and store water for other essential purposes such as irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Many countries around the world have successfully implemented dam projects to mitigate flooding in riverine areas, even in regions with lower elevations than the communities in Anambra West. For Onuorah, it is frustrating that the Nigerian government has not yet prioritized such a critical measure despite the decades-long problem of flooding in these areas.
Onuorah’s statement that “countries around the world have successfully tackled similar challenges in areas with even lower elevation than these communities” underscores his belief that with the right political will and technological know-how, Nigeria can also overcome this challenge. He points out that while short-term relief efforts, such as the provision of food, shelter, and emergency aid, may temporarily address the immediate needs of flood victims, the real solution lies in addressing the root causes of the floods. Dredging the River Niger and building dams are long-term solutions that could provide lasting protection for vulnerable communities.
In his speech, Chief Onuorah made it clear that the time for temporary solutions has passed. He stressed the need for long-term flood mitigation strategies that go beyond emergency relief. Communities in Anambra West and other riverine areas have suffered enough, and it is time for the government to prioritize sustainable flood control measures. This means not only dredging the river and building dams but also implementing a comprehensive flood management plan that includes proper land use policies, the construction of adequate drainage systems, and the enforcement of building regulations in flood-prone areas.
Onuorah pointed out that “countries around the world have successfully tackled similar challenges” by implementing integrated flood management strategies that combine structural measures like dams and dikes with non-structural measures like early warning systems and community education. He believes that Nigeria should learn from the successes of other countries and adopt a more holistic approach to flood control. For Onuorah, the flood crisis in Anambra West is not just a local issue but a national one that requires urgent attention from all levels of government.
The role of international development partners also cannot be overlooked. Onuorah’s call for collaboration with international agencies highlights the importance of global partnerships in tackling the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. By working together, the Nigerian government, state governments, and international partners can secure the funding, expertise, and technology needed to implement effective flood control measures.
In addition to his call for urgent flood mitigation measures, Chief Onuorah also commended the Federal Government and elected representatives for their ongoing efforts to construct the Otuocha-Ibaji-Kogi-Abuja road. This project, which is set to become a key economic corridor, is expected to improve trade, enhance accessibility, and promote development in Anambra West and the surrounding regions. Onuorah described the road as a “lifeline for our people,” emphasizing its importance in boosting commerce, attracting investment, and improving the quality of life for the residents of these communities.
However, while Onuorah praised the government for its efforts, he also urged authorities to ensure the timely completion of the road. Delays in the completion of critical infrastructure projects like this one can have devastating effects on the local economy, making it harder for businesses to thrive and for communities to benefit from the potential growth the project promises. Onuorah’s message was clear: “I encourage all stakeholders to see the project through to completion.” His call for timely completion of the Otuocha-Ibaji-Kogi-Abuja road is consistent with his larger vision of infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and social welfare in Anambra West and beyond.
Chief Onuorah’s decision to officially join the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been welcomed as a major boost for the party, especially in Anambra West. His influence, both as a businessman and as a respected leader in the region, is expected to help mobilize support for APGA and further solidify the party’s presence in the area. Onuorah’s alignment with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration signals growing recognition of the strides APGA has made in fostering development in Anambra State.
By joining APGA, Onuorah has chosen to align himself with a party that has demonstrated commitment to the development of the state. Governor Soludo’s leadership has been widely praised for his emphasis on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and Onuorah sees the party as a vehicle for driving the change needed to address the challenges facing his community.
As the rainy season approaches, the affected communities remain hopeful that increased advocacy from stakeholders like Chief Onuorah will push the government to take meaningful steps toward finding a lasting solution to the flood menace. Onuorah’s call for urgent dredging of the River Niger, the construction of dams, and the implementation of long-term flood control strategies offers a blueprint for addressing the persistent flooding that has plagued riverine communities for far too long.
With the added support of influential figures like Onuorah, there is renewed optimism that the government will take action to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people who call Anambra West and surrounding riverine areas home. Through a combination of effective leadership, infrastructure development, and community engagement, the challenges of flooding can be mitigated, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for the region’s residents.
