Work To Commence On Ebem Ohafia Gully Erosion Sites, Mayor Reassures Residents

The Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief Eleanya Kalu Unu, has announced that work will officially commence next week on the devastating gully erosion site at Ndia Agwu Eziukwu, Ebem Ohafia, in a renewed commitment to address the alarming environmental threats facing the community.

This announcement was made during an inspection visit to the erosion site on Wednesday, August 28, 2025. The Mayor was accompanied by top officials of the council, including the Head of Works Department, Head of Service, Councillor representing Ebem Oha Ward, Hon. Ukariwe Inyima, his Chief of Staff, and notable stakeholders from the community such as Chief I. I. Onwuka and Mr. Kalu Ogboso Nnoke, the 2nd Assistant Secretary General of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU).

Speaking during the tour, Mayor Eleanya Kalu Unu declared that the gully erosion problem in Ebem will no longer be left to escalate. He assured residents that his administration, in collaboration with the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, is fully committed to protecting lives, preserving heritage, and restoring safety to erosion-threatened areas.

“We are not here for talks. Work on the site will start next week. This erosion menace must be stopped,” the Mayor said.

The Head of Works Department urged the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU) and the entire community to support the Mayor’s efforts, especially in the mobilization and transportation of materials, as well as providing security and logistics for the smooth execution of the project.

In response, Mr. Kalu Ogboso Nnoke, speaking on behalf of the EODU, thanked the Mayor for the initiative and expressed hope that the promise would be faithfully executed.

He also used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Alex Otti, whom he described as “Chioma Nde Ebem”, for listening to the cries of the community and supporting efforts to combat erosion.

“We’re grateful for your words today, but our people have seen many promises in the past. We hope this time, work will truly begin,” Nnoke said.

This move by the Mayor follows a strong SOS alert raised last week by the Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), Mr. Ifeanyi Okali.

Speaking to newsmen, Okali expressed deep fear that the lives and properties of his kinsmen, including the traditional ruler, were under imminent threat of being wiped out by the rampaging erosion, especially during the ongoing rainy season.

He explained that although several age grades and EODU had previously attempted to control the situation through communal efforts, the ecological disaster has now surpassed the community’s capacity.

“We are pleading with President Bola Tinubu, Governor Alex Otti, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, and relevant agencies to intervene urgently before we lose the entire community,” Okali warned.

As expectations rise, residents of Ebem Ohafia are hopeful that this renewed promise by the local government will translate into real action and not just another abandoned commitment.

With the site marked and officials mobilized, the countdown begins for what could be a turning point in Ebem’s long battle with gully erosion.