RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
The Rivers State Government has announced the presentation of relief materials to Degema and Tai Local Government Areas to support residents affected by recent flooding across the two councils.
According to information provided about the exercise, the materials were handed over at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Operational Base in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, for onward distribution to affected communities.
The presentation reportedly involved the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Michael John Williams, and his counterpart from Tai, Dr Mbakpone.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Flood Prevention and Management Committee, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said the intervention formed part of efforts to provide immediate assistance to residents experiencing hardship caused by flooding.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, Odu explained that the initiative was being implemented under the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
She emphasised the importance of supporting vulnerable households while the government continued efforts to address the underlying causes of recurring flooding.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor, who was reportedly present during the presentation, said the intervention was intended to reduce the difficulties faced by residents whose communities had been affected.
The latest reported exercise follows earlier flood relief interventions in other parts of Rivers State, including Khana, Gokana, Oyigbo and Eleme.
In previous statements, the state government said it was coordinating assistance through local government authorities, traditional institutions and community representatives to identify households requiring support.
The government has also outlined plans to improve drainage systems, clear obstructed waterways and pursue longer-term measures to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding.
Residents of Degema had earlier appealed for urgent intervention after heavy rainfall reportedly submerged homes, damaged farmland and disrupted economic activities.
The flooding also raised concerns about displacement, food insecurity and health risks among affected households.
Although the latest report indicates that materials have been presented to representatives of Degema and Tai, the quantities supplied and the number of intended beneficiaries were not disclosed.
Confirmation of their distribution to individual households is also pending.
The state government has maintained that emergency assistance must be accompanied by sustainable flood prevention measures to protect lives, property and livelihoods.
