Joseph Warri, a fisherman in the Ushafa community of Abuja, has lived in the village for over three decades. He has witnessed the water crisis that has plagued the community for years. In 1985, a dam was constructed in Ushafa to provide water for the entire city of Abuja. However, the villagers themselves have little to no access to this water. The Water Board may only give water for a few days at a time, then for months on end, there is no water at all. The villagers must rely on spring water and well digging to meet their water needs. However, these sources of water are often contaminated and unsafe to drink. people who have the financial means opt for boreholes, but this choice isn’t viable for the majority of the community. The local government chairman has written letters to the FCT minister and other authorities, but nothing has been done to address the water crisis. Joseph’s story is relatable to many people around the world who are facing water insecurity. Climate change is making the problem worse, as it is leading to more extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. Joseph dreams of a future where the people of Ushafa have access to a clean and reliable water supply. He envisions a future where villagers won’t need to scale rocks for water, and where concerns about their children falling ill from consuming contaminated water will be a thing of the past. His story is one of hope and resilience. It is a story about a community that is fighting for its water rights, even in the face of adversity. He urges the government to commit to and take urgent action to address the water crisis in Ushafa and other communities around the world, To build a future where everyone has access to basic rights to clean water irrespective of their environment and financial status.

Ugochukwu Okonkwo, a villager from Ogidi, Anambra State, Nigeria, is frustrated. His community has been plagued by erosion for years, and the government seems to have no solution to the problem.  According to him, the community members have written to the government many times, but they have not done anything to help. In his interview, Okonkwo says; “The erosion is getting worse, and we are afraid that our entire community will be washed away” The erosion in Ogidi is caused by a number of factors, including heavy rainfall, deforestation, and poor drainage. The problem has been exacerbated by the construction of new roads and buildings, which have blocked natural waterways. The erosion is having a devastating impact on the community. Houses have been destroyed, farmland has been lost, and people have been displaced. The erosion is also making it difficult for people to access essential services, such as schools and hospitals. Okonkwo is calling on the government to take action to address the erosion problem in Ogidi. He says that the government needs to build drainage channels and plant trees to help prevent soil erosion. He also says that the government needs to provide compensation to people who have been affected by the erosion. “We are tired of living in fear, we want the government to help us solve this problem once and for all”

Amidst the lush communities in the landscapes of Kwara State, Nigeria, lives Saidu Balikisu, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, Hajarah Muhammad, and Muhammad Dinga. These communities, primarily inhabited by fishermen and farmers, have developed a unique rhythm of life, one that is attuned to the annual floods that disrupt their livelihoods. The floodwaters, while a formidable force of nature, have become an unwelcome yet familiar companion to the residents. “The flood happens every year,” Hajarah Muhammad explains, her voice laced with a mix of resignation and determination. Despite the recurrence of the floods, the community has not succumbed to despair. Instead, they have developed a system of resilience, adapting their lives to the ebb and flow of the waters. “We receive early warnings from the government,” Alhaji Usman Abdullahi notes, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. “They also provide us with food and other relief materials.” However, the floods continue to take their toll. “Our rice farms are inundated, and our buildings are damaged,” Saidu Balikisu laments, her voice heavy with concern. The community’s collective appeal is clear: they seek a permanent solution to their annual flood predicament. “We urge the government to close the dams,” Muhammad Dinga pleads, his voice echoing the yearning of his community. Closing the dams, they believe, would effectively prevent the floodwaters from encroaching upon their lands and homes. This, they hope, would allow them to cultivate their fields, ply their trades, and live their lives without the constant threat of displacement and destruction. The community’s call to action is a testament to their resilience and their unwavering belief in a brighter future. They are not asking for handouts but for a sustainable solution that will enable them to thrive, not just survive, amidst the challenges posed by nature. As the government grapples with the complex issue of flood management, the communities of Kwara State stand united in their hope for a future where the floodwaters no longer dictate the rhythm of their lives but where they, the people, are the masters of their own destiny.  

Owolabi Habeeb, a lifelong resident of Agwa Community bears witness to the relentless onslaught of nature’s fury. The once tranquil community, once a haven of peace and harmony, has been transformed into a scene of devastation, with homes reduced to rubble and streets inundated with floodwaters. The 2022 flood, in particular, stands out as a defining moment in the community’s history, a day that forever etched a scar in their collective memory. The floodwaters, laced with chemicals and carrying a foul stench, swept through Agwa Community with unprecedented force, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. “The water was disgusting,” Owolabi recounts, his voice heavy with emotion. “It was mixed with chemicals, causing irritations that damaged our clothes and skin.” The toxic waters, a stark reminder of the environmental degradation that has plagued the region, posed a serious health hazard to the community, further exacerbating their plight. The floods not only destroyed their homes but also displaced a staggering 60% of the residents in Bayelsa State. Owolabi, like many others, was forced to seek refuge with friends and family, finding solace in cramped spaces amidst the chaos and uncertainty. The displacement not only disrupted their lives but also exposed them to a heightened risk of contracting diseases, particularly mosquito-borne illnesses. The lack of adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities further exacerbated the situation, leaving the community vulnerable to the spread of infections. He appeals to the government for urgent assistance, seeking help to rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and protect their health.

The serene village of Imburu, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Nigeria’s Adamawa State, was once a haven of tranquillity. Its inhabitants, predominantly farmers, lived in harmony with nature, their lives guided by the rhythm of the seasons. But in recent years, the tranquillity has been shattered, replaced by the relentless onslaught of floods. One such flood, particularly devastating, transformed Imburu into a scene of utter despair. Homes were swept away, crops were ruined, and livestock perished, leaving the villagers with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The floodwaters, devoured everything in its path, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. Kenugi Audigwadi, a primary school teacher in Imburu, bore witness to the catastrophe. Her heart ached as she saw her students, once brimming with youthful exuberance, now reduced to mere shadows of their former selves, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. The flood had claimed the lives of several children, their dreams and aspirations extinguished in the blink of an eye. Audigwadi’s livelihood was not spared. Her farms, once teeming with promise, were now barren wastelands, crops washed away by the merciless floodwaters. The grains she had so meticulously nurtured, the promise of sustenance for her family and for the entire community, were lost forever. The flood’s impact extended beyond the physical destruction. The villagers, once bound by a strong sense of community, were now grappling with the psychological trauma of loss. The elderly, weakened by the ordeal, succumbed to diseases like malaria and typhoid, and their resilience tested beyond their limits. Despite the overwhelming despair, a flicker of hope remained in Audigwadi’s heart. She knew that the Imburu community could not be extinguished by the flood. The villagers, though battered and bruised, possessed an unwavering determination to rebuild their lives, to reclaim their village from the clutches of disaster. Audigwadi, with her unwavering belief in the resilience of her community, has sought assistance from the government, to instill hope in the hearts of her fellow villagers. Although the road to recovery may be long and arduous, the residents of Imburu, remain united by their shared adversity. They rebuilt their homes, replanted their fields, and slowly but surely began to mend the wounds inflicted by the flood. Her story is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the climate crisis that threatens communities worldwide. Audigwadi’s narration is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable devastation, the human spirit can endure, adapt, and overcome. It is a call to action, urging us to work together to build a more resilient future, one where communities like Imburu are equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change.

Ganaja community bears the scars of a devastating flood that ravaged their homes and livelihoods. Obaka Akume, a resident of Ganaja, recounts the harrowing experience of last year’s flood, its relentless waters sweeping away possessions and disrupting lives. “The flood was massive,” Akume recalls, his voice laced with the weight of their collective ordeal. “It destroyed many of our properties, leaving us with nothing but the clothes on our backs.” Amidst the chaos and despair, the government offered a glimmer of hope, pledging assistance to the flood victims. However, Akume’s hopes were soon dashed as the promised aid failed to materialize. “The government has done nothing,” he laments, his voice tinged with frustration. “Even the little that finally came was insignificant and distributed unfairly.” The Ganaja community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of the flood, their resilience tested by the inaction of those in power. Akume’s plea is clear and urgent: “We urge the government to intensify the dredging of the river to prevent future flooding.” But his plea goes beyond immediate relief. He envisions a future where the flood victims are not merely provided with temporary assistance but with a permanent solution – the construction of estates away from the flood-prone areas. “We need to be relocated to a safe place,” Akume emphasizes, his voice filled with hope. “We can no longer bear the burden of running helter-skelter every year.” The plight of the Ganaja community serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens. Akume’s call to action echoes the collective yearning for a future free from the fear of floods, a future where resilience is not tested but nurtured by the support and compassion of those in power.  

In the heart of Yobe State, Nigeria, lies the Masaba ward, a community that has been ravaged by a devastating flood. The once vibrant hamlet, nestled amidst lush farmlands and humble dwellings, now bears the scars of a natural catastrophe that has left its residents reeling. Umar Yusuf, a lifelong resident of the Dumburi Community stands amidst the remnants of his farmland, his voice heavy with the weight of their shared ordeal. According to Umar, “The flood has collapsed our houses,” he laments, his gaze sweeping across the desolate landscape. “Look at that place, where homes once stood, now there’s just emptiness, the flood has affected our rice farms and other grains.” The floodwaters, relentless in their fury, swept away not just homes but also the very foundations of their livelihood. Rice fields, once teeming with promise, now lie barren, their crops lost to the deluge. Grain farms, once a source of sustenance are now submerged, their bounty irreparably lost. “We have been pleading for assistance from the government at all levels,” Umar continues, his voice tinged with desperation. “But unfortunately, nothing has come from them to help us alleviate our hardship.” The vast open space that once housed a thriving community now stands as a stark reminder of the flood’s destructive power. Homes, once filled with laughter and life, now lie in hunger and poverty, their foundations exposed to the elements. Umar pleads for urgent help from the government, echoing the collective desperation of his community. “All our efforts have been futile, we have no other option. We need help.” The plight of the Dumburi community is not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, communities are grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters, their resilience tested by the forces of nature. We must stand in solidarity with those affected by natural disasters, offering not just words of sympathy but concrete actionable steps to help them rebuild their lives. The future of the Dumburi Community, and countless communities like it, hangs in the balance. Our collective response will determine whether they will succumb to despair or rise again, stronger and more resilient.  

Amongst the long list of communities with challenges arising from flood is Agboyi Community located in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, leaving the residents without basic amenities and making it in and out of the community by canoes. Residents are constantly tested by the relentless onslaught of floods. Among these resilient individuals is Mrs R. A Adedoyin, a trader who has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of these floods on her livelihood and her community. “The floods disturb us a lot,” Mrs. Adedoyin laments, her voice filled with frustration. “People don’t come to buy from us because of the water, and our businesses suffer as a result.” The floods have not only disrupted her trade but also caused extensive damage to her home and the surrounding community. “Our houses have been affected, and the market is filled with water,” she explains, her voice laced with concern. The 2023 flood has been particularly severe, Adedoyin notes. “It’s the worst we’ve seen in years,” with her eyes reflecting the trauma of the experience. “And it seems to be getting worse each year.” The floods seem to be a recurring theme in Agboyi-Ketu, with Adedoyin recalling a particularly devastating flood in 2019. “Even then, it wasn’t as bad as this,” she says, her voice filled with worry. The floods often appear to recede, only to surge back with renewed intensity. “We think it’s over,” Adedoyin explains, “but then it comes back worse than before.” Determined to protect her community, Adedoyin urges the government to take action to mitigate the impact of the floods. “They need to build canals to drain the water away,” she insists, her voice firm with conviction. The construction of canals would not only alleviate the immediate impact of the floods but also serve as a long-term solution, Adedoyin believes this would help them in the future and prevent more damage. As the floods continue to threaten her livelihood and her community, Adedoyin remains unwavering in her determination to overcome these challenges. Her resilience is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Agboyi-Ketu community, a community that continues to fight for a brighter future, despite the relentless onslaught of nature’s fury.

Amidst the sprawling landscape of Surulere Local Government Area in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, lies the Iwofin community, a place grappling with a pervasive environmental challenge – Deforestation. The indiscriminate felling of trees has taken a toll on the once-verdant surroundings, leaving behind a trail of barren land and disrupted ecosystems. Saka Kamaldeen Oluyole, a resident of Iwofin, has witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of deforestation. Having once been involved in charcoal production in Oke Ogun, he understands the detrimental impact of uncontrolled tree cutting. “Burning charcoal is a significant contributor to deforestation,” Oluyole explains, his voice laced with concern. “The relentless clearing of trees for charcoal production has left vast swaths of land barren and lifeless.” In Oke Ogun, Oluyole recalls, a strict policy exists to protect fruit trees, safeguarding their existence amidst the pressures of deforestation. “Fruit trees, such as garden eggs and mangoes, are considered vital for both sustenance and the environment,” he notes. “Anyone found cutting these trees faces severe penalties, including banishment from the community.” However, in Iwofin, the situation is strikingly different. Tree cutting, including the felling of fruit trees, is rampant, driven by the demand for timber and the desire for economic gain. “Even at our local sawmill,” Oluyole laments, “trees are indiscriminately cut down for profit.” The community’s leaders, recognizing the urgency of the situation, have taken steps to address the deforestation crisis. They have engaged in discussions with residents, urging them to adopt sustainable practices and protect the remaining trees. “We appeal to our kings and chiefs to intervene and issue a directive prohibiting the cutting of fruit trees,” Oluyole explains. “Such a measure would significantly reduce deforestation in our community.” The Iwofin community stands at a crossroads, facing a critical choice between preserving its natural heritage and succumbing to the destructive forces of deforestation. A collective decision to embrace sustainable practices, coupled with strong leadership and community engagement, can steer Iwofin towards a greener future, where the balance between human needs and environmental protection is achieved.    

Kwa Agboughul is a community in rural Makurdi, Benue state, Nigeria,  that primarily thrives on agriculture and fishing. Rice, vegetables, and cassava are the main crops grown here, and the community’s abundance of vegetables attracts traders from Abuja and Jos. However, the community’s resilience is being tested by the increasing frequency and severity of floods. Moses Ahangbahan, a resident of the Kwa Agboughul community, recalls a time when the area was bustling with activity, with ships docking and farmers reaping bountiful harvests. But now, the floodwaters have taken over, displacing crops and disrupting livelihoods. “…Floods used to come every ten years but come every year now. We can’t get corn anymore, water has destroyed them. The original settlers of this place used to farm but no longer do as fishermen have taken over now due to the flood. When water dries up, they leave”. The flooding is caused by a combination of factors, including the construction of a fish farm, the shallow River Benue, and erratic rainfall patterns. The flooding not only destroys crops but also prevents fishermen from accessing their boats and nets. In his words, “When I was young, this situation was not persistent. Ships used to come here but they can’t anymore. We have railway tracks here and River Benue is no longer as deep as it used to be, it has become shallow and flood happens even from small drops of rain so causing it to spread everywhere. The flood should dry up by November 10th and 11th the rain should stop and we can then continue farming. We engage in dry season farming so we don’t lose our crops”. The community’s economic losses are substantial. Farmers can no longer rely on their crops for income, and fishermen are left idle for months at a time. This has led to hunger and poverty, forcing families to rely on loans and thrift to survive. The government has attempted to provide assistance, but the aid has been inadequate. In one instance, residents received a single carton of noodles to share among a family of ten. The Graduate Employability Skills (GES) Programme, initiated during the Buhari’s administration, was more helpful, as it provided farmers with farming implements at reduced costs. Ahangbahan believes that the government can enhance support for the community by improving access to climate information, enabling residents to make informed decisions about when and what to plant. With proper support, they can rebuild their livelihoods and continue to contribute to the region’s agricultural production.