UNIZIK Lecturer, Dr. Anizoba, Inducted as NIWE Fellow, Unveils Flood Mitigation Plan

By Genesis Ogiri | Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria – July 24, 2025 — In a major professional milestone that underscores the nexus between academic research and engineering practice, Engr. Dr. Daniel Chinazom Anizoba, a distinguished civil engineering scholar at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, was conferred with the Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE)—the highest honour bestowed by the Institution for outstanding contributions to the field.

The award ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together an impressive gathering of engineers, public sector leaders, academics, and stakeholders from across the country. The Fellowship, which is awarded after a stringent peer-review and evaluation process, recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the water engineering profession and national development.

Dr. Danniel Anizoba is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), with a specialization in Soil and Water Resources Engineering. He has built a formidable reputation for integrating classroom knowledge with field-based research. Over the years, his academic and professional work has centered on environmental sustainability, hydraulic systems, water resource management, and infrastructural resilience—particularly in flood-prone regions. His contributions continue to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making him a respected figure in Nigeria's engineering and environmental research community.

Upon receiving the award, he described the Fellowship as “both a validation and a responsibility,” pledging to use his expertise more intentionally in solving real-world problems, starting with a crisis close to home—urban flooding in Awka.

 “This Fellowship is not just a personal achievement—it is a professional mandate,” Dr. Anizoba said. “It comes at a time when we must transition from theory to practice, from research to results. Awka is increasingly vulnerable to flooding, and we can no longer rely on reactive measures. Engineering must lead the way.”

Speaking with clarity and conviction, Dr. Anizoba disclosed that the NIWE Awka Branch, under his active participation, is already designing a comprehensive blueprint to curb flood-related disasters in Awka and surrounding communities. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the increased frequency and severity of flooding in the region due to rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, and climate change.

 “Flooding in Awka is not just a seasonal inconvenience—it is a recurring environmental crisis with socio-economic consequences. As engineers, we cannot afford to be passive. We are currently developing technically sound, research-backed proposals that will offer both short-term and long-term solutions,” he stated.

According to Dr. Anizoba, the project focuses on integrating modern drainage infrastructure, community-based flood early-warning systems, and government collaboration to achieve sustainable outcomes. He added that the goal is not only to propose ideas but to implement workable engineering interventions that directly benefit the people.

Highlighting the transparent process that led to his induction, Dr. Anizoba lauded NIWE’s professional standards, stating that the recognition was based solely on merit, ethical practice, and impactful service. “It strengthens my resolve to uphold engineering ethics, mentor young professionals, and apply knowledge for societal development,” he said.

The NIWE Fellowship is reserved for engineers who have made significant contributions to water engineering, both in theory and practice. It also positions its recipients as thought leaders capable of influencing national discourse on water governance, sustainability, and policy.

He praised NIWE for conducting the Fellowship process with a high level of professionalism and merit, stating, “Everything about this award has reinforced my belief in the integrity of our institutions. It inspires me to keep upholding ethical standards and mentoring the next generation of engineers.”

Dr. Anizoba’s Fellowship comes at a time when Nigeria faces mounting water-related challenges—from erosion and flooding to poor water distribution systems. His elevation is seen by many as a strategic boost to ongoing efforts to tackle these issues with local expertise and global best practices.

Meanwhile, the same event also featured the formal inauguration of Engr. Charity Ojobo as the new President of the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers. In her inaugural address, she promised to focus her tenure on professional capacity-building, innovative research, and multi-sectoral engagement to strengthen the nation’s response to water and climate-related challenges.

The ceremony was attended by top-ranking officials of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), leaders from engineering faculties across Nigerian universities, development partners, and media representatives. The twin milestones of the day—Dr. Anizoba’s conferment and Engr. Ojobo’s inauguration—signified NIWE’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and relevance in the 21st century.

The conferment of the NIWE Fellowship on Engr. Dr. Daniel Chinazom Anizoba is more than a personal accolade—it is a timely recognition of the role academic professionals must play in national development. His readiness to tackle one of the Southeast’s most pressing environmental challenges—urban flooding in Awka—demonstrates a rare synergy between scholarship and societal impact.

Through his active engagement with the NIWE Awka Branch and his position at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Dr. Anizoba is strategically positioned to lead a generation of solution-driven engineers. His vision for flood mitigation rooted in research, local knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration offers a practical model for addressing climate-related crises across Nigeria.

As the Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers continues to foster professional excellence, the inclusion of visionary scholars like Dr. Anizoba signals a new era where academia is not merely theoretical, but instrumental in shaping a safer, more sustainable future for Nigerian communities.