By Egufe Yafugborhi

For families in parts of Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area, the relentless rainfall has turned familiar streets into waterways, homes into temporary shelters, and everyday movement into a struggle for survival.

In Oghareki and Ogharefe, the two communities that make up Oghara Kingdom, several homes and properties have been swallowed by floodwaters, leaving vulnerable residents counting huge losses and making desperate appeals for urgent government intervention.

Amid the devastation, youthful Oghara opinion leader and community volunteer, Avwerosuoghene Iyah, has stepped in with N300,000 in relief for the hardest-hit families. Iyah, who serves as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Political Matters and holds the traditional title of UPU Osu-Ighele of Oghara Kingdom, was away from the state when graphic images of the flood reached him on social media.

Rather than wait for his return, he mobilised friends and political associates to deliver N20,000 each to 15 vulnerable families.

 Speaking on the intervention, Youth Leader of Uduaka Community, Friday Ofotokun, described the situation as dire. “The situation is very difficult. Many residents are struggling to cope with the devastating effects of the continuous rainfall,” he said.

 Ofotokun commended Iyah for what he called “his usual timely intervention,” adding: “He has become known for his demonstration of concern for the plight of the people at a very difficult moment.”

 However, he appealed for broader assistance, stressing: “We need more intervention from government and other well-meaning individuals because some families have lost the comfort of their homes and are finding it difficult to cope.”

 For the beneficiaries, the cash donation offered a flicker of relief amid the uncertainty. One of them, Dennis Akpori, said the gesture came “at a time when families are passing through serious hardship.” Another beneficiary, Okpako Precious, added: “We are grateful that somebody remembered us at this difficult time. We pray God continues to bless him and give him the strength to do more.”

Pictures from the affected areas tell their own depressing story, residents wading through murky floodwater, children standing around inundated homes, and families scrambling to salvage whatever belongings they can.

 Through his representatives, Iyah sympathised with the affected families and assured them of his continued concern. He also urged residents to avoid practices capable of worsening flooding, particularly building on waterways and blocking drainage channels.

 Beyond the cash donation, his intervention has once again drawn attention to a growing pattern of community response that has increasingly associated Iyah with Oghara, stepping forward when his people confront difficult circumstances.