Ex-President’s Community Cries For Help Over Flooding

Otuoke community in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa have called for the attention of  the federal and state governments to intervene against predicted flooding.

John Okubowei, chairman, Otuoke Community Development Association (CDA), made the call on behalf of the community on Sunday in Otuoke.

He noted that the association had identified canals, creeks and some blocked natural waterways, which needed to be opened to avoid a repeat of the 2022 flood disaster in the community.

Mr Okubowei said the community, as a kind self-help following her experiences in the 2012 and 2022 ravaging floods, had since cleared the blocked natural waterways and even pulled down structures erected on them.

According to him, the community did not have the wherewithal to procure equipment and manpower for the desilting and opening of creeks and canals identified as possible flood flashpoints, hence their appeal.

Otuoke is the host community of the Federal University in Bayelsa, and also the hometown of former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan.

It would be recalled that Otuoke community was among the worst hit by the 2022 flooding, which caused havoc on both humans and infrastructure.

The flood displaced many residents and destroyed properties, even as warnings have been given to signal another impending flood few months from now.

“In 2012, this community like many others in and outside Bayelsa suffered from ravaging floods. Last year 2022, this community was among the worst-hit by floods in the state.