Since 2012, flooding has become a frequent and devastating occurrence in Nigeria, resulting in significant damage to communities, infrastructure, lives and properties. 2022 witnessed severe flooding that inflicted immense hardship on numerous Nigerian communities– especially those situated in the Niger Delta. The floods, which is now an annual phenomenon, led to the loss of lives, displacement of residents, destruction of homes, and disruption of livelihoods. The floods are a critical consequences of climate change having far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability and social well-being. Unfortunately, governments at the national and sub national levels have not been responsive in developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to reduce adverse impacts occasioned by the floods; practically leaving affected communities to their fates.
In anticipation of the impending floods in 2023, it is imperative to engage all relevant stakeholders towards producing a flood response strategy that anticipates the dangers, and provides for the shelter, health and overall wellbeing of communities in the short and long term. This conference will bring together community members, government agencies, experts and an array of stakeholders. The primary aim of the conference is to develop strategic responses that can effectively mitigate the impact of flooding and bolster community resilience.
The Conference will attempt to respond to a range of strategic questions including, how the government can improve early warning systems and evacuation plans to ensure reduced loss of lives and property. Others include measures communities can adopt to enhance adaptation for further occurrences and promote sustainable post-flood recovery, what policy frameworks and/or collaborative efforts are in place to support communities in mitigation and management of future floods in Nigeria, what plans the National Emergency Management Agency has made in response to the floods, etc.
The Conference will provide a platform for affected community to engage national and subnational government actors towards evolving a shared response to the flood disaster.
Date: 13th July, 2023
Venue: Yenogoa, Bayelsa State.
Time: 10:00am
Join Via Zoom: https://bit.ly/3O2pEDp
