By Patrick Asuquo
Representing Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Cross River State, led an inspection of flooded and erosion-affected areas in Calabar following the heavy rainfall on February 26, 2025. 
During the inspection, which was conducted in collaboration with officials from the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Hon. Ironbar highlighted the serious level of the damage and called for urgent intervention, emphasizing the need for support from the federal government and international organizations. He noted that the scale of the impact exceeds the state’s capacity, requiring collective efforts to address the challenges.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling erosion and flooding; however, it solicited more support from the Federal Government.
The NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo, and Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, who accompanied the Governor’s Chief of Staff, pledged to intensify findings with the National authorities for further action.
The assessment covered key locations such as:- Mechanic Village (Scanobo) Gully Erosion Site: A site where recent rains worsened ongoing gully erosion.
– Ikot Effangha Mkpa (Behind NTA) Gully Erosion Site: Another location facing severe erosion, which has caused significant damage to infrastructure.
– Summit Hills (CICC) Gully Erosion Site: An area where the terrain stability has been severely compromised by erosion.
– Marina Landslide Remediation (Slope Protection Works): A critical area where landslides are endangering public safety.
– Flood/Erosion Control Works (Elijah Henshaw): A site undergoing active flood and erosion control efforts.
