The Hydro Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has called on traditional rulers and local government authorities to sensitize people living in flood-prone areas ahead of the 2023 rainy season. The aim is to forestall the devastating effects of floods across the country.
States that are usually affected by the disaster caused by floods during the rainy season are Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kebbi, Kwara, and Taraba. The Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, made the appeal during the 2023 stakeholders meeting on flood mitigation and other related issues in Niger State.
Yelwa stressed that sensitizing people on environmental issues was crucial to mitigate the impact of flooding. He added that HYPPADEC’s efforts in 2022 greatly reduced the number of flood casualties compared to previous years.
The Managing Director also emphasized the need for attitudinal change among communities living around flood plains. He noted that despite efforts to move them from their ancestral homes due to the flooding, they have remained, taking advantage of the rivers to boost their socio-economic activities.
During the meeting, the Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, observed that floods had caused a lot of havoc on communities in the state. He noted the need for partnerships to reduce its impacts on the state.
In his remarks, the State ALGON Chairman, Suleiman Yerima, who is also the Chairman of Borgu Local Government, commended HYPPADEC for its efforts in ameliorating the suffering of communities in the state. He, however, called for more interventions in areas such as health, education, security, and agriculture.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mokwa Local Government, Abdullahi Jibrin Muregi, decried the years of monumental destruction of lives and properties by floods. He noted that about 17 local governments were affected in the state during the 2012 and 2022 floods.
Muregi called for the collaboration of all critical stakeholders in the sector to reduce the impacts of floods on people. He commended the federal government for setting up HYPPADEC.
