Youths of Ogidi community in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra State have called for the federal and state government intervention following a massive flood that has annually submerged homes along the St Monica’s junction axis of the Awka- Onitsha old highway.
Following a torrential rainfall on Monday, several houses were submerged on both sides of the road, as residents affected by the flood are already packing their belongings and relocating to safer areas of the state.
Several vehicles were also stuck in the flood that had completely taken over about a two-kilometer stretch of the ever-busy road, and, as a result, motorists have been diverting to nearby villages where youths mounted tolls and forced the drivers to pay before being allowed to pass.
As a result, youths in Ogidi took to the flooded highway with placards and called on both the federal and state governments to intervene immediately to save the community from further destruction.
The President of Ogidi youths, Mr. Chris Obi Okafor, who led the protest, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Soludo to save the community by tackling the problem without delay.
In an emotion- laden speech he made while kneeling on the flooded road, Okafor lamented that the economy of the area has been grounded because of the flood, which, he added, has been a recurring feature every rainy season.
He said, “Every rainfall in our community has become a nightmare. What used to be a blessing from God has now become a season of fear, sorrow, and destruction. The flood disaster in Ogidi has gone beyond ordinary suffering; it has become a humanitarian crisis.
“Our fathers can no longer go to their farms with peace because cash crops and economic trees worth millions have been washed away. Businesses are collapsing daily. Roads have become rivers. Homes are flooded. Movement has become almost impossible.
“Even the palace and surroundings of our revered Traditional Ruler, Igwe Ogidi, are not spared. Whenever rain falls, the area becomes impassable. If the palace of our traditional ruler can be overtaken by flood, then tell us, where exactly is safe in Ogidi?”
Okafor said further: “Our children are the ones suffering the most painful fate. Each time rain falls, many children cannot go to school. Imagine the future we are creating when our children are forced to stay at home every rainy season. Imagine the dreams that are dying silently because a child cannot cross flood waters to access education.
“What becomes of a community whose children are denied learning because of the flood? What becomes of tomorrow when today is already destroyed?
“We are only in the month of May, and Ogidi is already submerged. We tremble whenever dark clouds gather because we know that what follows next is destruction, fear, hunger, and tears. We cannot imagine what will happen when the rains come in full force.
“We plead with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent federal intervention before lives are lost. The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, we speak to you today with heavy hearts. Ogidi has supported this government with our whole being.
“We have stood faithfully with the progress of Anambra State, but today, our people look back in pain and ask: In what way have we offended the government?
“Mr. Governor, please do not ignore our cries. We have no other place to run to. Do not allow Ogidi to perish in silence.”
He also called on the Federal Ministry of Works, the Anambra State Ministry of Works, emergency management agencies, and other relevant authorities responsible for tackling erosion and flood disasters in Nigeria to come to their aid.
Addressing the youths, the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alexander Onyido urged them not to take the laws into their hands, even as he commended them for being peaceful.
The Royal Father said he would lead a delegation of the community to see Governor Soludo on the issue.
He recalled that the governor had promised to tackle the flood and wondered what is causing the delay.
