A severe flood has struck Ogidi, a community in Idemili North Local Government area of Anambra state, Nigeria, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido, has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and provide relief to the affected residents. The flood has submerged and destroyed numerous buildings, blocked the Onitsha/Enugu old road at Ukwuoji, and caused significant economic losses.
The flood disaster has occurred during the celebration of the new yam festival, a significant event in Igbo land that brings people together to give thanks for the year's harvest and pray for a bumper harvest in the coming year. According to Igwe Onyido, the festival is a time for the community to unite with their in-laws, friends, and well-wishers, and it has become a tourism site, attracting visitors with its colorful masquerades, dance troupes, and native doctors.
Igwe Onyido expressed disappointment that Governor Soludo, who visited the community last year and pledged to fix the Onitsha/Enugu old road, has not fulfilled his promise. He noted that the road is crucial to the Southeast region, connecting Onitsha, Enugu, Otukpo in Benue state, and other major towns. The flood has made it difficult for residents to access the road, causing them to incur extra fuel costs to navigate the area.
The traditional ruler also highlighted the significant economic losses suffered by the community, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed by the flood. He emphasized that the damage has affected not only residents but also visitors and traders who rely on the community's economic activities. The new yam festival, which usually attracts a large crowd, has been disrupted, causing further economic hardship.
In addition to his concerns about the flood and infrastructure, Igwe Onyido shared his community's cultural practices during the new yam festival. He explained that the ancestors are first given new yams to eat in a bid to appease them before the community partakes in the celebration. This tradition is an essential part of Igbo culture and is observed annually.
Igwe Onyido also spoke on politics, advising politicians not to view politics as a do-or-die affair. He emphasized that one who harms others is not considered a strong person. The traditional ruler also revealed that he supports elders in the community who have attained 75 years of age and above with monthly stipends to aid their upkeep.
The flood disaster in Ogidi has brought to the forefront the need for urgent intervention to mitigate the effects of flooding in the community. As residents and visitors alike continue to grapple with the aftermath of the flood, Igwe Onyido's call for assistance from Governor Soludo and other stakeholders remains a pressing concern.
Key points
- The flood has caused widespread destruction and displacement in Ogidi, Anambra state, Nigeria.
- The traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Pharmacist Alex Onyido, has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene and provide relief to the affected residents.
- The flood disaster has occurred during the celebration of the new yam festival, a significant cultural event in Igbo land.
