Post by SSA.NEWMEDIA.ABIA (@SSANEWMEDIAABIA)
Commissioner for Environment Inspects Erosion Sites in Bende and Umuahia North, Reaffirms Government's Commitment to Environmental Remediation.
The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, on Monday, July 6, 2026, undertook an on the spot assessment of major erosion sites at Amaewu Amamba in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, and Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Ogbonna, who was accompanied by the Abia State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Dr. Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe, stated that the State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti remains fully committed to addressing environmental challenges affecting communities across the State. He emphasized that the Governor is working diligently to ensure that erosion-ravaged communities across the state receive the necessary interventions, noting that the situation at the affected sites requires urgent attention.
He disclosed that the Amaewu Amamba erosion site in Uzuakoli has already been captured under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) intervention programme.
The Commissioner also appealed to the residents to support government efforts by adopting environmentally responsible practices. He warned against dumping of refuse into erosion gullies, stressing that such actions do not control erosion but instead obstruct natural water channels, accelerate land degradation, and worsen environmental hazards.
At the Atta Emede Ibeku erosion site, Ogbonna announced that remediation works would soon commence through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Environment and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA). He appealed to residents whose homes are closest to the erosion site to vacate the area immediately in the interest of their safety, emphasizing that while damaged properties can be restored or replaced over time, human lives cannot.
Responding on behalf of their communities, the President-General of Ohabuike Amamba, Uzuakoli, Hon. Nelson Umezurike, and the community leader of Emede Ibeku, High Chief Uzoka Ihekwumere, expressed appreciation to the Abia State government under the able leadership of Governor Alex Otti for the assessment visit.
They described the visit as a source of hope and reassurance, adding that it demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the devastating erosion challenges confronting their communities.
They lamented that, beyond the destruction of residential buildings, large expanses of farmlands and access roads leading to farms have been washed away, making farming and daily livelihoods increasingly difficult. They appealed to the state government to expedite intervention efforts to restore hope and improve the living conditions of the affected residents.
Success Chidinma Obioma
PRO, Ministry of Environment
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