… Sets benchmark in disaster
preparedness
… Set to update Child Rights Law
BY WISDOM AGBONTA
Benin City – The Edo State Government, through the State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EdoFEWMA), is implementing a comprehensive strategy to tackle the flood threats projected in the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).
Following NIHSA’s identification of several communities across Edo State as high- and moderate-risk flood zones, the government has swiftly embarked on a robust, community-oriented response aimed at safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure.
Driven by a strong commitment to reducing disaster risks, EdoFEWMA has intensified a multi-faceted action plan focused on early interventions, active community engagement, and enhancing infrastructure resilience.
The Agency has launched widespread public sensitisation campaigns across the state, using both data and local knowledge to educate residents on the importance of maintaining environmental hygiene, particularly the need to keep floodwater channels clear as the peak flood season approaches.
Hon. Ahmed Musa Momoh, Chief Executive Officer of EdoFEWMA, recently conducted a series of technical inspections in flood-prone areas, including Gapiona Ponds 6 and 7, Amagba-Ogunmwenyi Boundary Road, and Sam Excellence Atekha Pond.
These visits were aimed at assessing local vulnerabilities, monitoring ongoing desilting operations, and engaging directly with affected communities.
During the inspections, Hon. Momoh voiced concern over the persistent habit of indiscriminate waste disposal into floodwater infrastructure, warning that such practices compromise drainage systems and heighten the risk of severe flooding.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritising all communities identified as high-risk zones in the flood outlook.
“Governor Okpebholo envisions an Edo where residents are free from the threats posed by floods and erosion, a safe and resilient state where sustainable development is not hampered by preventable disasters,” Hon. Momoh affirmed.
He further assured that the ongoing efforts in Benin City would be replicated in other vulnerable parts of the state, stressing the importance of timely execution and collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Through these early and coordinated interventions, Edo State is setting a benchmark for effective flood preparedness and disaster risk governance in Nigeria.
“The State Government continues to lead by example, demonstrating that with the right policies, technical expertise, and active community participation, the dangers of seasonal flooding can be significantly reduced to protect both people and critical infrastructure,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a bid to address contemporary issues affecting children in Edo State, the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Ministry of Justice, have held a stakeholders’ engagement to finalise the review of the Edo State Child Rights Law which was domesticated in 2007.
Speaking at the session, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi Esq., explained that the review process reflects the government’s firm commitment, alongside partners like the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme to protect children under a modern and comprehensive legal framework.
She stressed that the evolving nature of societal challenges and the growing complexity of issues confronting children made a responsive and updated law imperative to ensure continued effectiveness.
Chief Idaomi noted that while the 2007 Child Rights Law has served as a foundation for child protection in the state, 18 years of implementation have revealed its inadequacies in addressing emerging realities.
“This necessitated an urgent review and amendment to align the Law with present-day challenges,” she added.
Also addressing the engagement, the State Attorney Genera and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, represented by Chief Magistrate A. I. Adamaigbo, provided valuable guidance on the review process.
A comprehensive overview of the law generated insightful contributions from stakeholders, expected to improve its practicalbility and ensure alignment with current legal standards.
Once passed, the amended law will significantly enhance institutional and legal mechanisms for promoting the rights, protection, and development of children in Edo State.
Present at the meeting were Rt. Hon. Mrs. Marie Edeko Esq. of the Edo State House of Assembly; Commissioner for Water Resources and Energy, Dr. Washington Osa Osifo; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien; State Coordinator of RoLAC, Uche Nwokedi, among others.
