“Sharing rice is not a solution” — Stakeholders demand permanent IDP camps
By Sandra Kenneth
AHOADA — Stakeholders across the flood-prone Orashi region of Rivers State have slammed the government over what they call “complete lack of disaster preparedness” for the 2026 rainy season. They argue that relying on post-disaster relief distribution is a mockery of victims and fails to address the recurring crisis.
“Governments Only Run Campaigns”
Hector Ekaikita, Youth Leader and Activist from Akoh Kingdom, Ahoada East LGA, faulted all levels of government for limiting interventions to awareness campaigns.
“There is a high risk of flooding in our communities. It is shocking that governments only run campaigns without actual interventions to cushion the effects or, at the very least, ensure proper preparations for the people,” Ekaikita told Exceed FM correspondent.
“Our people suffered severe setbacks years ago; some are still homeless, and many have yet to recover. This complete lack of government preparedness proves that they do not have our interests at heart.”
Demand for Permanent IDP Camps
Onem Okenya, Immediate Past President of the Engenni Youth Assembly, Ahoada West LGA, called for structural solutions instead of temporary fixes. “To date, no area in this region has a permanent IDP camp,” Okenya said.
“Are they waiting for the floods to peak before they begin scrambling for emergency shelters?” He specifically demanded: Construction of permanent IDP camps across Orashi Guaranteed deployment of medical personnel to the centers during flood crises Stop converting schools and public facilities into temporary camps “Why should schools be shut down so that classrooms can be used as IDP camps? There are budgets allocated for disaster management, and if they are insufficient, proper provisions must be made,” he added. “Relief Materials Have Become Politicized”Okenya also criticized the emergency aid model:
“Sharing noodles, rice, and relief materials is not a solution—these efforts have become entirely politicized. Instead of distributing food that rarely reaches the actual victims, the government should build durable structures to help us survive when the floods hit.” Economic Devastation LingersGodspower Itode, Youth President of Abua, Abua/Odual LGA, highlighted the long-term impact. “Numerous mud houses destroyed during the previous flood season remain unbuilt due to a lack of funding,” Itode said.
He added that delayed government response has historically contributed to a high casualty rate across Orashi communities. ContextThe criticism comes days after NiMet issued a flash-flood alert for 27 states, including Rivers, warning of intensified rainfall from July 1-10, 2026.
