by By Efa Sunday
Nigeria joint post-flood report for Cross River State as compiled by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and published on its website on November 30th, 2024 revealed that 742 individuals in Calabar South Local Government Area were affected by flood in same year under review as a result of rainfall.
Rainfall is a natural yearly occurrence in Nigeria, with the highest concentration occuring between June and September. But in Calabar, rain is said to fall every months and this has also become increasingly so, following human activities such as tree felling that in turn lead to flooding when the rivers break their banks, washing away homes, farmlands and displacing multitudes.
Bearing this in mind, UNICEF Nigeria has swiftly and pro-actively responded by mobilizing over one thousand (1000) youths to plant Mangrove Trees in Esierebom – a community bordering the Calabar River to the Southern part of the state.
UNICEF through its “Green Rising” Initiated this activity on Friday 4th of April, 2025, while partnering with other reputable organizations like University of Calabar, Biodiversity Rescue Club (BRC), YPAT, GenUnlimited, Plugging Nigeria, Red Cross, etc
Speaking with UNICEF WASH Specialist, Enugu Office, Mrs. Rebecca Bolatito- Gabriel said the idea of planting the 170 mangrove tree is part of effort to combat climate change, restore coastal ecosystem and eliminate or reduce flooding to its barest minimum in the coastal community.
According to her, “this community (Esierebom) is vulnerable to flooding and erosion, the mangrove will act as a natural barrier to help absorb marine life.”
Bola further added that the mangrove planting was part of a “3-day programme aimed at raising awareness and promoting youths involvement in climate protection.”
She assured Cross Riverians that more climate change awareness programmes will be carried out in order to stimulate action towards protecting the climate and the environment.
Speaking also at the event, the executive director of BRC, Clement Oko said “the mangroves also support the local economy, especially fishing and prevent sea-level rise impacts.
He added that “beyond tree planting, the project features climate education sessions, stakeholder engagement and plans for a one-year monitoring system to ensure the survival of the mangrove seedlings”, adding that the community leadership, whom he described as “highly receptive”, is working on new bye-laws to protect the area from illegal wood logging.
Earlier, the youth leader, Chief Ekeng Ekpeyong Henshaw, who spoke on behalf of the village Head, Chief Ewa Edem Richard, deeply appreciated UNICEF for considering the community to reduce flooding that has ravaged them for so long and displaced many of her indigenes.
According to him, “the mangrove trees have helped us a great deal in Anantigha community, where these trees were not planted, water has flooded the area and brought down houses.
“What UNICEF and these students have done today will help us in many ways and even our children and grandchildren will benefit in future.
“The ones that were planted many years ago, people cut them down as fire wood. But myself and the village head intervened, stopping further cutting. So I am so happy that UNICEF and many volunteers are here today to protect us and our community from natural disaster that can be avoided.
“About 3,000 seedlings were planted last year and as we entered the swamp today, they are all growing well. So I just want to continue to appreciate UNICEF and everyone here today.
“Today, they have brought in almost 200 trees and as a community leader, I have gone in there and did as the village head instructed me to do. So may the Lord Almighty protect and guide them in this effort of helping the community. And those sponsoring them to help plant these trees to check the encroachment of water and force it back to the ocean, God should bless them.”
Meanwhile, some volunteers who spoke with journalists at the event, expressed their delight in taking part in an activity that helps change the future and protect the ecosystem.
Ndifreke Ubong, male, a 300 level student of Public Health, UNICAL, appreciated UNICEF for the initiative, while adding that he sees such effort as contributing to bring a change to the community and the world at large.
Mirabel Bassey, female and a public volunteer opined that mangrove is best because of its multifaceted advantages. According to her “mangroves help to absorb excess water that may come in from either the river or via rainfall and it serves as a protective natural habitat for sea animal”, amongst so many others benefits.
