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Anambra: 25,000 poultry birds lost to flood in Ogbaru Community, residents send S.O.S to FG, State Govts
• Over 400 company workers rendered jobless
Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state, a major food producing area of the South East zone of Nigeria, has been ravaged by a devastating flood again destroying about 25,000 poultry birds, farms and property worth several millions of naira.
The development has thrown the people of the agrarian community into another round of agony, pain, anguish, huge losses and severe economic hardship just as many have lost their homes and sources of livelihood.
The victims have therefore cried out to the Federal and Anambra state governments as well as relief agencies to urgently come to their rescue.
Ogbaru is a local government area of Anambra State that lies along the coastal area, East of the River Niger and arguably the third longest River in sub-sahel.
Ordinarily, the people of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State ought to be thrilled during rain season but due to perennial flood which ravages the area has continued to put them on precarious position each year.
To the locals, the ecological challenge is perceived as a huge curse, hence the rain season is a wish they never want to bear successive years.
Little wonder, Mrs. Ujunwa Akpati, an indigene and teacher at Shining Light Academy, Odekpe, in the community was apprehensive as rain season approaches.
Ironically, Ogbaru which has a reputation for being the food basket of the country is prone to flood menace which washes away roads, bridges, farms, schools, churches and residential houses.
Findings show that Ogbaru clan is made up of 15 indigenous communities. They are Odekpe Ohita; Atani; Akili Ozizor; Ochuche Umuodu; Umuzu; Amiyi; Ogbakuba.
Others are Mputu, Umunankwo, Ogwuaniocha; Ossomala; Obeagwe; Akili Ogidi; Ogwuikpele, and one non-indigenous community).
One of the bridges destroyed by flood in Ogbaru
Further checks revealed that the communities are rich in agricultural produce which can feed the nation. Yam, cassava, maize, rice, potato, beans and okro are harvested in large quantum.
Interestingly, Ogbaru hosts the eight viable oil wells in Anambra State, a development that has naturally and logically caused Anambra to be admitted into the enviable league of oil producing states.
Little wonder, the proximity of Ogbaru to River Niger makes it susceptible to flood especially when the river overflows its banks, and there has been several incidents of flooding in the area over the years – with its accompanying devastation of farmlands, buildings, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and churches.
A visitor to Ogbaru will see that recently, flood destroyed the multi-billion-naira automated Matucci Farms Limited located at Agbobo Umuoga Ossomala community, leading to the shutting down of the company.
Speaking to newsmen at Ossomala, the Director of the farm, Sir (Dr) Patrick Sule Ugboma (Ide of Ogbaru) disclosed that the farm lost about 25,000 poultry birds to the recent flood in the area, while properties worth several millions of naira were also destroyed.
Sir (Dr) Patrick Sule Ugboma (Ide of Ogbaru), Director, Matucci Farms Limited, Agbobo Umuoga Ossomala community
Dr Ugboma said that over 400 workers of the company lost their jobs following the flood disaster.
The Ide of Ogbaru noted that the ugly development has adversely affected the economy of Ogbaru in particular, and the state in general.
It could be recalled that a major flood disaster which struck Ogbaru clan in 2022 led to the loss of lives, and submerging of farmlands, residential buildings, schools, churches and health facilities.
Sunday Mesiobi, 70, a native of Ogbe-Akpoma, Atani community was reportedly found dead in his abode following a deluge that surged into his house and drowned him apparently while he was asleep.
That was not all. A fatal boat mishap which occurred at Umunnakwo community that same year and period, claimed 76 lives. The victims were reportedly escaping from the menacing flood that swept through various Ogbaru communities when the boat in which they were travelling in capsized.
Meanwhile, basic infrastructure in Ogbaru especially roads, bridges, electricity, schools, and farmlands have been destroyed due to the constant flooding of the area, and other ecological challenges; eliciting appeals by Ogbaru people to both the state and federal governments; relevant government agencies, to come to their rescue.
For instance, on behalf of the community, Sir Ugboma passionately urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (N.D.D.C) to consider the construction of the Onitsha-Atani-Ossomala-Ogwuikpele-Ase Azaga-Ndoni Road, which is in a state of total collapse.
Sir Ugboma noted that “this vital economic impactful road will link the Ogbaru LGA in Anambra State with their kith and kin in Delta, Imo and Rivers States,” stressing that the agriculture, which is the main stay of the people’s economic life has suffered unduly by the neglect of the community by successive state and Federal Governments.
“The Ogbaru people in Anambra, Delta, Rivers and Imo constitute the food basket of these states and the central road connecting the clan, the Onitsha – Atani – Ossomala – Ogwuikpele – Ase azaga – Ndoni road is in total collapse. We therefore presently find it extremely difficult to move our cash crops from the farms to the hinterland,” he lamented.
He explained that Ogbaru, in generic terms, is a clan of people of identical culture, language and way of life, remarking that the people, who are mainly spread along the coasts of the River Niger and across the four states are mainly farmers and fishermen.
While remarking that the communities in Ogbaru are largely agrarian, the community leader, and renowned philanthropist regretted that although the terrain is very fertile for crop production and fishing, the area is very prone to perennial flooding due to its proximity to the River Niger.
“These perennial floods have badly affected farming activities and further impoverished the people. Most of the communities have become inaccessible due to the decrepit state of the only road leading into all the communities.
“Furthermore, about a half of these communities have been in total darkness for upwards of ten years in most cases. Ogbaru Local Government has been totally neglected by successive Local, State and Federal Governments despite its food-basket status.
“It is equally noteworthy that Ogbaru hosts the eight viable oil wells in Anambra State which had conferred Oil- producing status of the state. Despite the oil revenue accruable to Anambra State from the Ogbaru Oil Wells, basic infrastructure is nearly non-existent, the few existing ones are in total collapse, while poverty among the people is on continuous, upward rise,” he cried out.
Daily News Nigeria reporter who visited the area observed that some portions of the Onitsha-Atani, Ossomala-Ogwuikpele-Ase azaga-Ndoni road, have failed, while several bridges on that same road especially the Ossomala bridge at Umunnakwo community, have collapsed following a combination of flooding and erosion menace.
Some of the residents going either to Ogwuikpele from Umunnakwo or travelling from Ogwuikpele to neighbouring communities were seen crossing the river by wooden boats following the collapse of the Umunnakwo bridge.
In an interview, some residents wondered why despite being the food basket of the country, as well as an oil producing area, both the state and federal governments had over the years neglected Ogbaru town.
“Ogbaru people have been marginalized for too long by the state and federal governments. We don’t have good road network; our communities have been despoiled by flood, and all this marginalization is taking place despite our being food and oil producing areas,” laments Chief Daniel Nwabueze, a community leader in Atani,
Chief Nwabueze urged the federal government to repair the dilapidated roads in Ogbaru, as well as dredge the River Niger to obviate the flooding of the area due to the overflow of the river during heavy rainfall.
He also called on the Anambra State Government to promptly supply yam seedlings, and other farming implements to farmers in the area to boost agricultural production.
“Since we are a food producing area, the Anambra state government should come to our rescue by giving us money to farm; give us farming incentives on time. We don’t want government to give us mattresses, pillow, bread, rice, each time we have flood here in Ogbaru. We want net to catch fish since we’re fishermen.
Mrs. Akpati, also complained about the yearly flood that wreaks havoc in the community, especially the destruction of farmlands, roads and houses, saying this has deeply affected the economy of the clan.
“Even though we produce yam, cassava, pepper beans, rice in large quantities, we don’t have good roads to take our farm produce to the markets, and this development has impoverished both farmers and residents here,”
“We are having serious problem of flood in this area. About this time las year, everybody living in this community (Odekpe) relocated to the upland because the flood we witnessed then submerged several buildings and farmlands. And so, we’re calling on the government to come to our rescue”, she added.
Also speaking, Chief Okwudili Ozegbe, chairman, Odekpe Community Vigilante, decried the longstanding neglect of the area by both the federal and state governments.
He appealed to the two levels of government to come to the rescue of the town by finding a lasting solution to the constant flooding of the area as well rebuilding the dilapidated roads in Ogbaru LGA.to enable farmers convey their farm produce to neighbouring towns.
“We are facing several challenges in this community, but the major ones are flood and bad roads, and so we are appealing to the federal and state governments to come to our rescue.
“We are farmers and also fishermen, but unfortunately we’re unable to carry our farm and aquatic produce to Onitsha market and the various markets in our neighboring communities due to bad road,” Chief Ozegbe bemoaned.
Suffice it to postulate that there is an urgent need to salvage what is left of Ogbaru town, and only governments prompt intervention can heal the wounds.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has been honoured with two major awards by organised labour, emerging as the “Most Labour-Friendly Governor” and “Best Performing Governor” in Nigeria.
The recognition came as thousands of workers across the state commended his administration’s sweeping reforms, security measures, infrastructural expansion, and improved welfare policies.
The recognitions were made on Friday at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration, organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which attracted a large turnout of workers from both the public and private sectors, gathered to mark the annual May Day and reflect on labour conditions in the country.
In his address, the NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, said the honours were in recognition of Governor Mbah’s deliberate efforts to transform Enugu into a modern, secure, and worker-friendly state, noting that while insecurity and poverty remain major challenges across Nigeria, the governor had “changed the narrative” in Enugu through decisive leadership and targeted reforms.
Nwigbo highlighted key achievements of the administration, particularly the restoration of security, which he said has enabled workers to carry out their duties without fear.
He pointed to the successful eradication of destructive sit-at-home orders and the deployment of real-time surveillance systems, which have significantly reduced crime and improved economic activity over the past few years.
Beyond security, the labour leader praised the governor’s expansive infrastructure drive, citing the construction of Smart Green Schools and Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all 260 political wards, describing them as “enviable investments” in human capital development.
He also commended the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, saying they have improved connectivity and enhanced productivity.
On workers’ welfare, Nwigbo listed several landmark policies, including the implementation of an ₦80,000 minimum wage, above the national benchmark, payment of wage awards for 12 months, and the approval of a ₦32,000 minimum pension, stressing the settlement of pension arrears, regular promotions, and improved allowances for health workers as evidence of the administration’s labour-friendly posture.
Similarly, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Simeon Akaeme, applauded Mbah for what he described as “bold and pragmatic leadership” that has delivered tangible results across multiple sectors.
He stressed that the administration’s projects were not abstract but have directly impacted the lives of workers and residents.
Akaeme highlighted major infrastructure milestones, including the construction of a 40-kilometre dual carriageway linking Nkanu East, Isi-Uzo, and Udenu local government areas; the development of the 300-bed Enugu International Hospital for advanced medical care; and the completion of a 5,000-capacity International Conference Centre.
The labour leader also stated that the modernisation of public transportation through the rollout of CNG buses, the construction of state-of-the-art bus terminals, and the soon-to-be-rolled-out taxis have eased movement and reduced travel costs.
In the area of economic transformation, the TUC chairman commended the launch of Enugu Air, the revitalisation of key state assets such as Hotel Presidential and Niger Gas, and ongoing investments in tourism and agro-industrial development, including a 300,000-hectare land bank for smart farm estates across the 17 local government areas.
He further praised the government’s commitment to transparency and digitalisation, noting that reforms in revenue collection have boosted internally generated revenue without increasing the burden on citizens.
According to him, the deployment of a tech-driven security architecture has led to a significant reduction in violent crime and safe living.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Dr. Felix Nnamani, praised the governor for transforming the state’s civil service through digitisation and e-governance, noting that the reforms have improved efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.
He also commended the administration’s strong commitment to workers’ welfare, including prompt salary payments, regular promotions, and an enhanced minimum wage.
While urging workers to remain dedicated and expressing confidence that the administration’s policies would sustain growth and deliver long-term benefits for the people, Nnamani lauded Mbah’s strides in strengthening security and fostering accountability, insisting that the safer environment has boosted productivity and economic activities across the state.
Responding, Governor Mbah thanked workers for their support and reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising their welfare.
Mbah, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, described workers as the “engine room of government” and assured that all entitlements would continue to be treated as a first-line charge.
The governor emphasised that his administration’s reforms are driven by a people-first philosophy and pledged to sustain efforts to build a secure, prosperous, and inclusive economy.
He also called for greater collaboration, urging workers to provide data and feedback that would enable the government to address workplace challenges more effectively.
…says Nigeria is at ‘war’
*Declares Nigeria one of world’s most dangerous places to live
*Threatens to direct workers to stay at home over killings, kidnappings nationwide
In a sweeping, fiery, and deeply critical address that touched virtually every sector of national life, Nigeria’s organised labour on Thursday declared that the country is drifting toward a dangerous tipping point, warning of a collapsing social contract, a failing economy, and a worsening security crisis that could force workers off their jobs nationwide.
At the 2026 May Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, delivered a joint speech that combined stark economic analysis, political warnings, and an unmistakable threat of mass action if conditions do not improve.
They described Nigeria as a nation where “poverty tightens its grip daily,” institutions are weakening, and citizens are increasingly left to fend for themselves in the face of violence and economic hardship.
Workers create wealth, live in poverty
Setting the tone early, labour leaders reminded the nation of the central role workers play in sustaining the economy, contrasting it sharply with their current condition.
They said: “Workers remain at the very heart of every industry, every economy, and every success story known to humanity. Without workers, no wheel can turn; without workers, no nation can be built.”
Yet, they lamented, those same workers “create immense wealth yet receive only a fraction of it,” enduring exploitation while “poverty tightens its grip around them.”
They described Nigerian workers as people who “rise before dawn and return home at dusk, exhausted yet unbroken,” but increasingly unable to meet basic needs despite their efforts.
Growth without relief, reform without impact
Labour took direct aim at the government’s economic narrative, arguing that macroeconomic indicators have become disconnected from reality.
According to them; “We are told that GDP growth may reach about 3.6%… yet poverty continues to rise. We hear official inflation figures… but these numbers do not reflect the reality experienced daily by workers.”
NLC and TUC argued that Nigeria’s economic model has produced a distorted outcome, saying “Paper growth without jobs, stability without prosperity, and reform without relief.”
They insisted that the benefits of economic policies are being captured by a narrow elite, noting that “An economy that serves only the top 1% while leaving the 99% behind cannot be sustainable. Perhaps, it is working for the ultra-few 1% and not the 99% majority.”
Nation sliding deeper into poverty
Labour painted a bleak picture of living conditions across the country, citing data that shows poverty now affects about 65% of Nigerians — roughly 150 million people.
“Approximately 10,000 people are pushed into poverty every day,” they said, warning that deprivation has reached “alarming levels.”
They described overcrowded cities strained by rural displacement, rising food insecurity, and the re-emergence of diseases linked to extreme poverty in internally displaced persons camps.
“In these camps and communities, diseases such as Kwashiorkor, Craw-craw, and Marasmus are re-emerging,” they noted, calling it “a grim picture of a nation under severe strain.”
Minimum Wage: Labour draws the line
Against this backdrop, labour announced that negotiations for a new national minimum wage will begin in July 2026.
“We will commence the process early to avoid the painful delays of the past,” they said.
But beyond future negotiations, the unions demanded immediate intervention:
“We demand that from July of this year, every worker be paid 100% of his basic salary… to cushion the effects of the renewed crisis of survival. We demand a living wage, not a minimum wage.”
Nigeria is at War
On insecurity, labour delivered perhaps its most alarming assessment, declaring that Nigeria is effectively in a state of war.
“The scale of violence, the frequency of attacks, and the mounting loss of lives… place Nigeria among the most dangerous places to live on earth,” they said.
Rejecting the characterization of attacks as isolated incidents, they insisted: “It is not. It is a war against our people.”
They cited killings, bombings, and abductions across multiple states, noting that thousands have died and millions displaced.
“People are no longer safe in their homes, on the roads, or even in their workplaces. Daily life has become a gamble with fate”, they lamented.
Workers may stay at home
In a major escalation, labour warned that it may take the unprecedented step of directing workers to stay home if insecurity persists.
They said “Nigerian workers may no longer continue going to work with this level of insecurity. We may be forced to advise our members… to stay at home to avoid being kidnapped, abducted or killed.”
They stressed that such a decision would not be taken lightly but could become unavoidable if the situation does not improve.
“The safety of workers is non-negotiable,” they added.
Energy sector under fire
Labour also delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s power and oil sectors, describing them as symbols of policy failure and elite capture.
“Over a decade after privatisation, Nigerians have little to show but deepening darkness,” NLC and TUC said of the electricity sector.
They pointed out that despite over N10 trillion in public spending, power supply remains unreliable.
“What was promised as reform has become a burden,” they said, adding that consumers now pay more for less.
On fuel, they highlighted the paradox of an oil-rich nation unable to protect its citizens from price shocks.
“The contradiction is stark and disheartening,” they said.
Governance under scrutiny
Labour raised serious concerns about governance, accusing political leaders of being disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians.
“When leaders seek better education abroad for their children while neglecting domestic schools… it raises fundamental questions about commitment,” they said.
They warned that governance risks becoming “an extractive enterprise” serving narrow interests rather than the public good.
Labour also criticized weakening democratic institutions, warning that the erosion of checks and balances threatens national stability.
A system that bleeds nation
The unions described corruption and illicit financial flows as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s future.
“This is not mere corruption; it is a system… one that bleeds the nation continuously,” they said.
They cited trillions lost to subsidy fraud and billions to illicit flows, arguing that such losses directly translate into poor services and low wages.
To confront this, they launched a nationwide campaign: “Stop the Bleeding. Every stolen Naira is a stolen future.”
2027 elections: Labour draws battle lines
Looking ahead, labour signaled a more assertive political role as the 2027 general elections approach.
“2027 will be different. No more will we be voting fodder”, they warned.
NLC and TUC vowed to support only candidates committed to workers’ welfare and national development.
“Those who have undermined workers’ rights cannot expect our support,” they said.
Despite the dire warnings, labour ended on a note of defiance and resolve, urging workers to recognize their collective power.
They said : “You are not victims. You are the engine of this nation. And engines do not beg; they move.”
They called for unity, organisation, and sustained action: “The change we seek will not come from elsewhere; it must come from us.”
Among others, NLC and TUC added: “Let this May Day mark the turning point; where Nigerian workers stopped asking and started demanding… Our nation can be saved! But only by us! Only together! Only now!” (Vanguard)
At least eight residents, including relatives of Sokoto State Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir, have been reportedly kidnapped in Garin Idi village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived around 1:00am on Thursday on about eight motorcycles, shooting sporadically as they invaded the community.
The gunfire forced residents to flee into nearby bushes and other safe areas to escape.
A local source told Daily Trust that the attackers operated freely in the village for nearly two hours without any immediate security intervention.
The resident described the incident as one of the most intense attacks the community has experienced, adding that fear has become a constant part of daily life.
Another witness said the assailants initially abducted about 30 people, mostly women and children, but later released some due to limited space on their motorcycles.
Ultimately, they left with eight victims—three men and five women.
Those kidnapped were identified as Hassana Adare Maifata, Rabi Alhaji Ishaqa, Kwamuso Umar, Yar’aji Garba, Kabiru Alkasim, Sani Muazu, Jadi Alkasim (a patient), and a woman believed to be related to the deputy governor.
The attackers were also reported to have raided a phone charging shop in the village, stealing over 100 mobile phones, power banks, and about ₦40,000 in cash after the operator fled the scene.
Residents expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in the area, calling on authorities, including the deputy governor, to urgently intervene and strengthen security presence.
One resident lamented that despite their ties to the deputy governor, they feel abandoned in the face of repeated attacks, urging immediate action to prevent further incidents.
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