By Chijioke Williams Ugbolue
A devastating flood has ravaged the Awai Camp 74 fish farms in Asaba, Delta State, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
On Monday, August 4, 2025, the fish farmers woke up to a nightmare as heavy rainfall caused the Awai River to overflow, washing away their farms and investments worth over 30 million Naira.
The farmers, mostly retired civil servants who were encouraged by the Delta State Government to venture into fish farming, are now crying out for help. The loss is not just financial; it’s also emotional, as many of these farmers had invested their life savings and retirement benefits into their farms.
One farmer even attempted to take his own life, while another fainted upon seeing the destruction of his farm.
The affected farmers are pleading with the Delta State Government to come to their aid.
“We have lost everything, and we don’t know how to start again. We invested our all, including the assistance from the State Government, but it’s all gone.
“We’re begging our beloved Governor to help us out of this helpless situation,” their spokesperson lamented.
The Delta State Government must take immediate action to support these farmers, who are not just entrepreneurs, but also contributors to the state’s economy and food security. The Government can provide financial assistance, infrastructure support, or even help them access new markets.
The fate of these farmers and their families hangs in the balance, and it is imperative that the Government acts swiftly to mitigate this disaster.
The fish farmers of Awai Camp 74 are resilient and determined to rebuild their lives and farms. With the State Government’s support, they can recover from this setback and continue to contribute to the state’s agricultural sector.
It is time for the Delta State Government to step in and provide the necessary support to help these farmers get back on their feet.
