19/07/2026
To:
The Rivers State Government,
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA),
The Federal Ministry of Works, &
The Federal Ministry of Environment
AN OPEN URGENT APPEAL FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN ELEME LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, RIVERS STATE
The Eleme Graduates Forum (EGF), an umbrella body representing graduates of Eleme, hereby calls on the Rivers State Government and the aforementioned federal agencies to urgently intervene in the severe flooding currently plaguing communities in Eleme Local Government Area.
The Situation
Following several days of heavy rainfall, many communities in Eleme, particularly Alesa, Alode, Onne, Ebubu and Ogale, have been terribly flooded. Homes, roads, businesses, and farmlands have been submerged, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance.
Eleme communities are alien to flooding due to the topology of its landscape which allows for the easy and smooth flow of water into nearby rivers immediately after rainfall. However, the recent and unanticipated flooding has been worsen by:
Ongoing construction work on the East-West Road, which has disrupted the natural flow of floodwater and caused water to overflow into nearby communities.
Poorly maintained and blocked drainage systems.
Impact on Residents
The flooding has caused serious hardship for many families. Several residents have lost their homes, businesses, personal belongings, and important documents. Many have been forced to seek temporary shelter in very inconveniencing environments.
In addition, dangerous reptiles and other wild animals have been driven into residential areas by the flood, posing a serious threat, especially to women and children. Many families have lost their food supplies and are struggling to meet their daily needs.
Stagnant floodwater increases the risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
Why Immediate Action Is Needed
If urgent action is not taken, the situation may worsen, leading to:
- Increased hunger and hardship among affected families.
- Higher security risks due to displacement and loss of property.
- Serious public health challenges caused by contaminated water.
- Disruption of economic activities in Eleme, which hosts major industries and contributes significantly to the economy of Rivers State and Nigeria.
Our Appeal
We respectfully call on the relevant authorities to take the following immediate actions:
- Emergency Relief: We urge NEMA and the Rivers State Emergency Management Agency to provide food, clean water, mattresses, medical supplies, and other relief materials to affected families. Financial support should also be considered to assist displaced residents.
- Drainage and Road Assessment: We appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently inspect the drainage system along the East-West Road project and implement lasting solutions to prevent future flooding.
- State Government Intervention: We respectfully call on His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, to declare an emergency response for the affected communities and provide immediate assistance through the relevant state agencies.
Conclusion
Eleme is home to several strategic industries and remains a major contributor to the economy of Rivers State and Nigeria. At this critical time, we appeal to all relevant government agencies to act without delay.
The people of Eleme deserve urgent support. We cannot afford to wait until more lives are endangered or the humanitarian situation becomes worse than it currently is.
Engr. Eric Chujor
President
EGF
Caleb Akaraosaro
Secretary
EGF
