In a heartfelt display of empathy and compassion, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has paid a condolence visit to Eligbolo Community to commiserate with families who lost their loved ones during the recent flash flood that devastated the area.
Despite the downpour, Dr Gift Worlu personally led a delegation to the affected community to console the bereaved families and inspect the canal where the raging waters passed. The Council Boss, visibly moved by the extent of the tragedy, offered prayers for the repose of the departed souls and comfort for the grieving families.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Gift Worlu described the incident as both painful and avoidable, lamenting the consequences of unplanned development and poor drainage management within the local government area.
βUnfortunately, since we took over, it has been one problem after another,β Dr Worlu said.
βBut I am not afraid. I believe that together, we can tackle our problems and defeat them. This is the time for all of us to wear our thinking caps as a people. We must begin to plan our communities properly and understand that water will always find its level. When we build on waterways and block canals, the result is what we are seeing today.β
The Chairman revealed that most flood channels and canals across Obio/Akpor have been obstructed by indiscriminate building and uncontrolled development, making desilting operations increasingly difficult.
βWe have built houses so close to the canals that heavy equipment can no longer access them for cleaning. When the waterways are blocked, floodwater remains with us, leading to loss of lives and property. Prayer alone cannot solve this problem β only planning, enforcement, and community cooperation can,β he emphasised.
Dr Worlu further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth organisations to partner with the local government in enforcing environmental and building regulations, stressing that the government alone cannot solve all challenges.
βThe community must take ownership of their environment. If the government says no building beyond a certain point, the people must help us enforce it. That is the only way we can prevent more disasters like this,β he stated.
He assured residents that the Council will intensify flood control measures by clearing blocked drains and canals while collaborating with relevant agencies to improve water flow in the affected areas.
Responding on behalf of the affected families, Mr Peter Ekpo expressed profound appreciation to the Obio/Akpor Chairman for his compassion and presence during their period of grief.
βOn behalf of all the bereaved families, I sincerely thank our Chairman, Hon. Dr Gift Worlu, for leaving his busy schedule to be here despite the rain,β Mr Ekpo said emotionally. βYour visit has given us hope and comfort. It shows that you truly care about your people. We appreciate your promise to take action to prevent future occurrences. May God bless and strengthen you as you continue to lead with compassion.β
Meanwhile, the Chairman also inspected drainage systems in front of the Council Headquarters at Rumuodomaya and visited the Rumuokoro Police Station to assess the extent of flooding in those areas. He said the Council will tackle the root causes of the recurrent floods and recommend immediate remedial actions to prevent future occurrences, while describing the incident as human rather than natural disaster.
He assured residents that the Council will intensify flood control measures by clearing blocked drains and canals while collaborating with relevant agencies to improve water flow in the affected areas. He also called on residents to desist from acts that destroy the environment to avoid “nature’s rage”.
Signed:
Office of the Chairman, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
October 14, 2025
