Group photograp of participants at the WISER workshop on Weather and Climate Change in Lagos on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Leading media executive and publisher of Business Hilights Online Newspapers in Lagos, Hon. Prince Stan Okenwa has called on the Federal Government and international donor/development agencies to come to the aid of Ihiteowerri Ward in Orlu LGA of Imo State for the immediate control of threatening erosion sites in the communities.
Speaking passionately during his presentation as a special guest at the workshop organized by the Federal Government, several United Nations agencies, NIMET, Met Office, UK Int’l Development, WISER, The Rockefeller Foundation, McEnies at the NiMet Conference Centre in Lagos on Tuesday, he said “ In South East and Imo State in particular, the impacts of weather and climate change are primarily seen through unpredictable rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and severe environmental degradation. Ihiteowerri Ward in Orlu LGA of Imo State, where I came from is made up of four communities including Amanator-Ihiteowerri; my community, Obinugwu, Isi-Ihiteowerri and Ihiteowerri communities.
The workshop was organized to raise awareness on the dangers of weather and climate change as it affects vulnerable communities in selected states of Imo, Beyelsa, Borno, Enugu, Jigawa, Oyo, Cross River, Benue and Kano States of Nigeria.
Okenwa argued that “Increased rainfall without a clear pattern has led to severe gully erosion and flooding, particularly in urban areas like Owerri and Orlu, where roads and homes have been destroyed or abandoned,” disclosing that “In Ihiteowerri Ward, there are approximately 10 pronounced erosion sites directly attributed to rainfall and floods.”
“In fact, a secondary school in Ihiteowerri, another in Obinugwu and several private compounds have been cut off even as several classrooms and school building blocks have gone down.
“My specific discoveries show that these weather and climatic changes directly affect the entire state’s agriculture-dependent economy, social live and public health.
“In fact, many of my people are getting confused over the observed weather and seasonal disruptions which disorganize farming calendar and the frustration is pushing many farmers out of the profession into other vocations.
Still in Imo State and Orlu areas in particular, “Smallholder farmers in Imo State report that excessive rainfall and flooding are the most significant threats, causing crop damage and delayed germination. Over 81% of rural households attribute food insecurity to these climate-related disasters.”
“On Rising Temperatures: Data shows a steady increase in mean annual temperatures, warming at about 0.02°C per year. This “global warming” effect in the state has been linked to increased heat waves and thermal discomfort for residents.
“Public Health: Warmer temperatures and fluctuating rainfall have increased the breeding of mosquitoes, leading to a significant rise in malaria cases. In Orlu, research suggests over 51% of malaria cases can be attributed to temperature increases.
“Water Resources: In Ihiteowerri Ward, there are several seasonal rivers but in the last couple of years, some of these rivers are no more. Otherwise, increased evaporation and irregular rain are drying up local streams and rivers, while flooding often contaminates existing drinking water sources.
Okenwa revealed to both the federal government officials and international development agencies present that “Farmers face higher production costs, decreased cash savings, and reduced market value for assets like livestock due to climate-induced pests and diseases.
“However, Ihiteowerri Ward is working with Africa Environmental & Economic Peace Mission (AEEPM) a registered NGO in educating the populace and creating awareness on how best to adapt to the emerging climatic challenges. Am an Environmental Expert and the founder/coordinator of AEEPM.
“On a state scale, Imo State is currently working with organizations like Spaces for Change to develop its first comprehensive Climate Change Policy to address these vulnerabilities.
Continuing, he disclosed that “The crux of weather and climate change in rural communities is enormous and the government is doing very little in mitigation, thus putting the populace under pressure of losing their livelihood.
“More need to be done to salvage the situation especially in the South East and Imo State in particular.
“May I humbly thank the organizers for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to make presentations on how the changing climate and weather is affecting my people in our villages.
I believe with workshops and meetings like this, better ideas will be developed to mitigate and adapt to the changing conditions. Again, both the Federal Government and international donor agencies are called upon to come to the aid of vulnerable communities like Ihiteowerri ward for assistance,” Prince Okenwa added.
