The Rivers State Government has announced plans to establish the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency.
The Sole Administrator of the state, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, explained that the proposed agency will assume the responsibilities currently handled by the Central Working Committee on Emergency Preparedness, Flood Management, and Control.
Ibas noted that the state government is collaborating with the Federal Government and international partners to mobilise resources for a comprehensive flood management system.
This, he said, will include “preventive measures, interventions during flooding, post-flood recovery initiatives, and the deployment of early warning infrastructure.”
Speaking at a sensitisation campaign organised by the Central Working Committee on Flood Management and Control at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas stressed that the initiative is part of the government’s proactive strategy to tackle flooding through awareness, preparedness, prevention, and community participation.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the Administrator urged the committee to prioritise “proactive interventions” by identifying vulnerable areas, reducing flood impacts, and equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
In a statement by the Head Press Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, Ibas further emphasized that effective flood management requires strong collaboration across government, civil society, local communities, and the private sector, adding that the challenge cannot be addressed by government alone.
