By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on market women in Akwa Ibom State to regularly clear drainages and dispose of waste properly to prevent flooding in the state.
Mrs. Mmandu Aisueni, Head of Operations at NEMA Akwa Ibom, made the call during a sensitization rally on Monday, May 19, 2025, for traders at Akpan Andem market, Udo Umana, Johnson, and Ndiya Streets in Uyo metropolis.
The event was organized in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Aisueni, represented by Principal Accountant, Mr. Awoji Augustine, highlighted the dangers of improper waste disposal, emphasizing its role in environmental degradation and ecological disasters.
She stressed that proper waste management is crucial for creating a healthier and more sustainable environment.
The sensitization campaign is part of NEMA’s efforts to prepare traders for the rainy season, as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted that Akwa Ibom will experience one of the highest rainfall levels in 2025, with the possibility of increased flooding and the spread of cholera.
The rainfall is expected to last between 250 to 290 days.
“We have been educating traders on the importance of maintaining a clean market and the dangers of dumping refuse in gutters,” Aisueni said.
She further said that the use of multiple languages during the rally—English, pidgin, and Ibibio—was aimed at ensuring broader understanding of the message.
The State Coordinator of NESREA, Mrs. Deborah Dasimaka, expressed concern over the widespread use of non-biodegradable polythene bags in the market.
She warned that these bags, which do not decompose, often end up clogging drainage systems and contribute to environmental pollution.
“As a coastal state, Akwa Ibom is especially prone to flooding, and it is crucial for everyone—not just traders—to stop disposing refuse in the drains,” Dasimaka said.
NEMA officials distributed handbills and placards with messages such as “Stop disposing refuse in gutters,” “Do not block drains,” and “Keep your environment clean” to further raise awareness.
The agency’s initiative is part of ongoing efforts to prevent potential flooding and protect public health in the state.