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Maiduguri floods: Group calls for better emergency response

Michael Simire
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Maiduguri floods: Group calls for better emergency response

Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has faulted the Borno State Government, the Federal Government and the state’s emergency response team for their failure to protect the lives and properties of the people in Maiduguri, following the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State, which has led to severe flooding in Maiduguri.

Chima Williams
Chima Williams

The Alau Dam collapsed on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, causing severe flooding which has submerged thousands of homes and displaced residents in several communities in Maiduguri.

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams, decried the inability of the managers of the dam proactively detect the rising water levels of the dam, which led to the collapse of the bridge.

Williams observed that the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had issued prior warnings that were ignored by both the federal and state governments, which has led to the loss of livelihood in Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other affected communities.

“In 30 years, this is the worst flooding Borno State has experienced and it could have been avoided. Homes have been destroyed. People have been displaced. Schools have been shut down. This shows a huge gap in our emergency management system in Nigeria,” he said.

Williams added that such disaster could have been avoided if the federal and state emergency management agencies were functional and proactive in carrying out their duties and serving the people.

He admonished other states to be watchful, to avoid a similar disaster. He also called on the federal and state governments to provide temporary accommodation for the affected communities, and to send food and other relief materials to cushion the effects of the flood.

Groups task govt on energy transition, seek communities’ inclusion

Michael Simire
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Groups task govt on energy transition, seek communities’ inclusion

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the Federal Government to expedite action on energy transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources to prevent climate crisis.

Energy Transition
Civil society actors at one-day capacity workshop on energy transition in Abuja

BudgIT Foundation, Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA) and Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) made the call at one-day capacity workshop on energy transition in Abuja.

Mr Vincent Egoro, PWYP Senior Regional Coordinator, Anglophone Africa, said that the energy transition should be just and all-inclusive in order to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.

Egoro said, “For us in Nigeria and at PWYP, we want the energy transition to be just and inclusive, and this will require the reshaping of economic systems, policies, and financial instruments, as well as the adoption of new technologies and practices.

“This is where capacity building becomes important. By equipping all stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to drive this transformation, we can achieve a just transition and ensure that it is sustainable.”

NRGI Senior Officer, Nigeria Programme, Tengi George-Ikoli, who also urged the government to act fast on energy transition, said the world was transiting to avoid extreme weather/climate crisis, caused by deforestation, floods, fires and sea encroachment.

George-Ikoli, who presented a paper titled, “Energy Transition in Nigeria: Policies, Prospects, Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for Advocacy”, recalled that the past transitions included coal transition in 1800s, oil transition in 1920s, gas, hydro and nuclear transition in 1950s.

She added that there was solar and wind transition in 1900s, saying that the world was now transiting from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources to avoid extreme weather/climate crisis.

“Countries signed Paris Agreement in 2015 to hold increases below 2-degree Celsius and limit temperature increase to 1.5-degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.”

She stressed the need for government and relevant stakeholders to review and reshape economic systems, policies, and financial instruments fit into energy transition purpose for effective implementation.

In his remarks, Mr Enebi Opaluwa, Head, Natural Resource and Climate Governance, BudgIT Foundation, also emphasised the need for Nigeria to align with global energy transition, saying that many countries had transited from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.

Opaluwa said Nigerian government needed to act fast on energy transition because the demand for crude oil which earned the country’s revenue would soon decline.

According to him, there is need for government at all levels to ensure inclusion of vulnerable populations and underserved communities in their energy transition processes.

This, he added, could be achieved through awareness, enlightenment, education, empowerment and provision of different cleaner energy sources suitable for different vulnerable populations and their communities.

Also speaking, Executive Director of CODWA, Comrade Taiwo Otitolaye, said energy transition would only progress and be meaningful to the vulnerable populations and underserved communities if food security was guaranteed.

Otitolaye said, “A hungry person is an angry person; it is when vulnerable people eat, they will be happy and interested to listen to any enlightenment on energy transition.”

He urged CSOs to understand the difference between clean and renewable energy in order to inform and engage government strategically.

Otitolaye said that the sustainability objectives of clean and renewable energy vary in terms of environmental footmark, like land use for hydroelectric dams versus wind farms.

According to him, different energy sources require different technologies and infrastructure. For example, solar farms and nuclear plants need distinct resource allocations and planning.

By Priscilla Osaje

Flood: Arewa Forum commiserates with victims, seeks strict planning laws

Michael Simire
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Flood: Arewa Forum commiserates with victims, seeks strict planning laws

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has extended its condolences to communities in Northern Nigeria and other affected regions, following the devastating floods caused by overflowing rivers, streams, and dam.

Flooding in Maiduguri
Flooding in Maiduguri

In a statement issued in Kaduna by Prof. Tanko Muhammad-Baba, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, the forum expressed deep concerns over the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods across several communities.

“These floods have caused catastrophic damage to many areas, coming at a time when Nigerians are already struggling with significant economic challenges, including inflation, insecurity, and food shortages.

“The floods have only worsened the situation,” the ACF said.

The forum referenced the severe flooding in Maiduguri, where on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, a video footage showed streets and homes submerged, bringing life to a standstill.

“Similar scenes have been reported across other northern states, with homes, farmlands, and infrastructure left in ruins.

“The devastating images from Maiduguri are just one example of the widespread flooding across many communities, with no clear end in sight,” it noted.

“The ACF grieves with all those affected and prays for comfort for those who have lost loved ones and property,” it said.

The forum called on government agencies, emergency responders, and humanitarian organisations to urgently provide relief and assistance to affected areas without bureaucratic delays.

They also urged the deployment of military engineers to restore damaged infrastructure and provide temporary shelters with basic amenities.

Furthermore, the ACF emphasised the need for strict enforcement of regional planning regulations, building codes, and environmental laws to prevent future disasters.

They condemned the negligence and corruption that often result in preventable tragedies.

“We must ensure that no more lives, limbs, or property are lost due to incompetence, dereliction of duty, or corrupt practices.

“We call on the public to adhere to environmental regulations, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid actions that block drainage systems or waterways,” the forum said.

The ACF also prayed for God’s protection over all communities and called for sustained efforts to prevent both natural and man-made disasters in the future.

By Hussaina Yakubu

79th UN General Assembly opens in New York

Michael Simire
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79th UN General Assembly opens in New York

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly opened on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in New York, with incoming President Philemon Yang outlining a vision of unity in diversity.

79th UN General Assembly
79th UN General Assembly opens in New York

Yang also called for deeper international cooperation to tackle global challenges, including climate change, escalating conflict, and a slowdown in sustainable development.

Yang underscored the need for equitable economic growth driven by innovation and green economies, ensuring that “the benefits of economic development are accessible to all nations, large and small.”

Peace and security, he added, will also be key priorities, as he urged nations to resolve ongoing conflicts, including in the Gaza Strip, Haiti, Ukraine, and the Great Lakes region of Africa.

“We must invest in all efforts to decrease tensions and build trust around the world,” he said.

Human rights, the strengthening of international law and justice frameworks, will remain high on the agenda, with the Assembly working to enhance the coordination of humanitarian efforts.

This, Yang said, will help ensure its response to crises is timely and efficient, and that aid reaches those most in need.

“Lastly, we will address the pervasive challenges of international terrorism, drug and human trafficking, and modern slavery,” he continued, stressing the need to uphold human dignity.

“As President of the General Assembly, I am committed to facilitating these discussions and harnessing our collective will and expertise to deliver significant solutions,” he added.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the opening of the session, highlighting the urgency of collective action to confront a world “in trouble.”

He praised President Yang for his vision and leadership, pledging his full support to unite the diverse member states around common goals.

“From day one, the United Nations has been the place for multilateral solutions – grounded in collaboration, dialogue, diplomacy, and the UN Charter,” he said.

Acknowledging the gravity of the current global situation, the UN chief emphasised the need for concrete solutions across various domains, including reducing poverty, inequality, and the climate crisis.

“We need solutions…to bring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back to life and end poverty and inequality,” he noted.

He added that economic progress and job creation, particularly for women and young people, must be prioritised.

The Secretary-General also pointed to the critical role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the need to ensure they serve as tools for progress, not barriers.

“Step by step, solution by solution, we can rebuild trust and faith in one another,” he concluded, calling for renewed commitment to the principles that have guided the Organisation since its founding in 1945.

The opening of the 79th session also marks the first time the State of Palestine was seated among Member States at the General Assembly, following the adoption of resolution ES-10/23 at the tenth emergency special session earlier this year.

That resolution also set forth additional rights for the State of Palestine’s participation in Assembly meetings, but not the right to vote or put forward its candidature to UN Main Organs such as the Security Council or the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

However, the additional rights and privileges do not confer membership to the State of Palestine, which requires a specific recommendation from the Security Council.

By Cecilia Ologunagba

NiMet forecasts three-day thunderstorms, rains

Michael Simire
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NiMet forecasts three-day thunderstorms, rains

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Wednesday, September 11 to Friday, September 13, 2024, across the country.

Rainfall
Rainfall

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday, September 12 in Abuja envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states during the morning hours on Wednesday in the northern region.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kano, Borno, Katsina, Adamawa, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa states during afternoon and evening hours.

“In the North Central region, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger and Kwara states.

“In the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours,” it said.

It predicted intermittent rains over parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Anambra, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Rivers, Cross River, Delta and Akwa Ibom states later in the day.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Taraba and Adamawa States during the morning hours in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Adamawa and Taraba states later in the day.

“In the North Central region, rains are anticipated over parts of Plateau and Benue states during the morning hours.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Kwara and Benue states.

“In the southern cites, intermittent rains are anticipated over parts of Enugu and Anambra states during the morning hours,” it said.

NiMet envisaged intermittent rains over parts of Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states later in the day.

The agency predicted thunderstorms are over parts of Adamawa and Taraba states in the northern region during the Friday morning hours.

It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states later in the day.

According to NiMet, rains are expected over parts of Nasarawa and Niger during the morning hours in the North Central region.

“Later in the day, localised thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger states.

“In the southern cities, cloudy skies are expected in the morning hours. Later in the day, thunderstorms are anticipated over the Inland cities with prospects of intermittent rains over the Coastal cities,” it said.

It urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.

According to NiMet, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution and adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

By Gabriel Agbeja

HOMEF, CAPPA hail Nnimmo Bassey on Wallenberg Medal award

Michael Simire
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HOMEF, CAPPA hail Nnimmo Bassey on Wallenberg Medal award

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) celebrates with its Executive Director, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, on the prestigious honour of the 2024 Wallenberg Medal. Bassey is the first Nigerian and the fifth African to have received the award.

Nnimmo Bassey
Nnimmo Bassey (middle) at the 2024 Wallenberg Medal award

He joins the ranks of other giants like South Africa’s Helen Suzman (1992), Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2008), Rwanda’s Paul Rusesabagina (2005), and Congo’s Denis Mukwege (2010). Bassey’s long list of accomplishments is celebrated as he accepts this prestigious recognition.

The award took place on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Ross School of Business Robertson Auditorium, at the University of Michigan.

The Wallenberg Medal is a tribute to outstanding humanitarians who have gone above and beyond to protect the vulnerable and oppressed, much like Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during World War II, whom the award was named after.

At the occasion, the Swedish Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Urban Ahlin, extolled the virtues of Raoul Wallenberg and enjoined the audience to dedicate their lives to the cause of humanity so that they may be remembered just as Wallenberg was being recognised. Other speakers included the Chair of the awards committee, Professor Sioban Harlow, and the provost of the university, Professor Laurie McCauley.

In his acceptance speech and lecture titled: “We Are Relatives”, Dr Nnimmo Bassey stressed “love, humility, dignity, and respect” as core to his vision of a livable future for all beings.”

He stated that, as an environmental justice advocate whose work has been based on the understanding the polycrisis confronting us, we have a duty to always seek to uncover the roots of the crises rather than treating the symptoms.

He said: “Seeking out those roots helps us avoid superficial responses and pursue real solutions, some of which may be unattainable in our lifetimes. One of our key struggles has been understanding the mindset that permits inequalities in our societies. The mindset that elevates might over care and love. The mindset that promotes the individual rather than the community. The mindset that refuses to understand that we are relatives. The mindset that grabs, trashes, and feeds on the misery of others. The mindset that permits environmental racism.

“Understanding the roots of polycrisis helps us to see the phenomenon of expanding sacrifice zones in our world today. It also placed on us the duty of standing with the oppressed to halt the expansion of sacrifice zones in Nigeria, in Africa, and elsewhere by seeking to overcome the energy and other hegemonic transitions that sacrifice nature and are driven by colonial extractivism built on embedded geopolitical power imbalances.”

Bassey further stated: “Climate action and inaction provide pictures that help us see the difficulties we face in trying to build a consensus that the climate crisis is a global crisis and not a national crisis. It also shows that the world is not yet ready to make the hard decisions by accepting that the pursuit of infinite growth on a finite planet is a false dream.”

Director of Programmes at HOMEF, Joyce Brown, on behalf of the organisation, applauds the executive director for his outstanding performance, stating that Dr. Bassey’s exceptional work and contributions have led to undeniable global recognition. It was also a veritable opportunity to showcase the work that HOMEF does and show the key place that cultural tools like poetry play in healing a hurting world, she adds.

Similarly, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has described the 2024 Wallenberg Medal bestowed on Dr Nnimmo Bassey as well-deserved.

Robert Egbe, CAPPA’s Media and Communication Officer, made the expression in a statement on Wednesday.

Egbe commended the environmentalist for his eloquence and deep expression of ideas while delivering the 29th Wallenberg Lecture.

He said that Bassey effectively used the lecture titled: “We Are Relatives” to discuss the power of love, humility, dignity and respect in his vision for a liveable future for all beings.

Egbe described Bassey as a world class environmental activist.

“Bassey is synonymous with pristine work and relentless pursuit of environmental justice and accountability.

“We salute you on this well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the 2024 Wallenberg Medal. We are excited to celebrate this recognition,” he said.

The CAPPA spokesman said that Bassey had remained committed to addressing climate migration, environmental and social impacts of extractive production, and hunger.

“He is known to be resolute irrespective of obvious challenges, this award affirms the global recognition of his exceptional impact,’’ he said.

Besides being an environmental activist, Bassey’s work includes significant environmental books like To Cook a Continent: Destructive Extraction and The Climate Crisis in Africa (2012), and Oil Politics: Echoes of Ecological War. His poetry, including We Thought It Was Oil But It Was Blood (1998), I Will Not Dance to Your Beat (2010), and the latest I See the Invisible (2024), continue to inspire the spirit of resistance and hope in all who read or listen to him.

Maiduguri flooding: A harbinger of climate-induced loss and damage

Michael Simire
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Maiduguri flooding: A harbinger of climate-induced loss and damage

The Centre for 21st Century Issues (C21st) expresses deep sympathy for the government and residents of Maiduguri, Borno State, in the wake of severe flooding that occurred on Tuesday morning, September 10, 2024. This catastrophic event, triggered by the collapse of Alau Dam and exacerbated by unusually high rainfall, has submerged large parts of the city, displacing thousands of residents, predominantly women and children.

Flooding in Maiduguri
Flooding in Maiduguri

The flooding in Maiduguri is a grim reminder of the escalating climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. This disaster underscores the urgent need to address climate-induced loss and damage, a challenge becoming increasingly prevalent across Nigeria and the globe.

It is important to note that:

  1. The collapse of Alau Dam, a significant water source for Maiduguri, has led to widespread flooding and destruction.
  2. Floodwaters submerging the zoo, cemetery, and other public infrastructure in Borno State, leading to the escape of animals, the exposure of buried bodies, and damage to essential infrastructure, could facilitate the spread of zoonotic diseases and other waterborne illnesses. This situation poses a significant threat to public health and increases the risk of displacement among vulnerable populations, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. Immediate action is required to mitigate these risks and protect the health and safety of affected communities.
  3. The flooding compounds existing security and humanitarian challenges in Borno State.
  4. This event demonstrates the link between climate change and the increased frequency of extreme weather events.

C21st calls on the federal and state governments to:

  1. Ensure immediate relief and support for affected communities in Maiduguri while making comprehensive plans and preparations to safeguard public health, particularly for vulnerable populations in states where significant rainfall is anticipated in the coming weeks.
  2. Invest in climate resilience and adaptation measures to prevent future disasters, including conducting dam assessments and making necessary investments to address the impacts of extreme weather events.
  3. Support and engage in the ongoing process of operationalising the Fund for Loss and Damage, advocating for the deployment of financial instruments that align with climate finance delivery at both national and sub-national levels. This is essential for ensuring a prompt and effective response to climate-induced loss and damage in developing countries.

As we approach global climate negotiation and the third meeting of the Fund for Loss and Damage, this disaster serves as a sobering reminder of what’s at stake. C21st urges policymakers and the international community to prioritise climate justice and support for communities facing the irreversible impacts of climate change.

By Titilope Akosa, Executive Director, Centre for 21st Century Issues

Maiduguri dam collapse represents failure in governance – RDI

Michael Simire
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Maiduguri dam collapse represents failure in governance – RDI

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has linked the collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State and inundation of farmlands and hundreds of homes in Maiduguri, the state capital, to a total disconnect among the coordinating emergency response agencies of government at federal and state levels.

Maiduguri
A flooded are on Maiduguri

The RDI position, contained in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, comes on the heels of the collapse of the dam on Tuesday, September 10, and inundation of 70 percent of Maiduguri. The flooding of the communities was said to have begun about a week ago but reached its peak in the early hours of Tuesday, displacing residents of Fori, Galtimari, Gwange, Bulabulin, and other communities.

In the aftermath of the incident thousands of homes have been submerged, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno and government facilities in the capital. There has also been a jail break and escape of animals in the Museum Park, further endangering hapless residents. Reports indicate that 80 per cent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo died because of the incident.

In a statement issued in Lagos, RDI said the collapse of the dam was completely avoidable, adding that the incident represents failure in governance at all levels since the floods had hitherto been predicted by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) yet no concrete pre-emptive actions or flood management plan was put in place to safeguard life and property.

Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, said: “Maiduguri may just be the starting point. We had warned severally that the lack lustre approach of the federal and the state governments that have collected about N40 billion in Ecological Funds this year alone to addressing perennial floods would lead to avoidable catastrophic incidents like this. Perhaps the attention that has attended this case is only because Maiduguri the state capital is involved. If it had been in the remote communities, there would be less alarm. This is completely damning for the government.”

Jakpor maintained that a dam does not just collapse in a day without notice.

“With the intense rains a proactive management would have known that waters must be released gradually from the dam to avoid a breach. But, in this case, the waters had reached the crescendo before the management of the dam raised the alarm.”

The RDI boss pointed out that someone or some people must be held to account for the failure in acting to prevent the collapse of the dam and the monumental losses that the state has recorded and would incur in the days ahead.

He pointed out that Nigerians are yet to see effective and proactive coordination between the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and their state counterparts in response to flooding incidents.

“Unfortunately, what we only read is how the emergency management agencies struggle to share palliatives when such disasters would have been prevented in the first place.”

He urged other states of the federation to take a cue from the incident and take proactive measures to avoid similar happening, going further to alert that, in the Niger Delta region for instance, monster floods are predicted to happen.

“The Alau Dam collapse is a tragedy that could have been avoided. Until we take pre-emptive measures to address the fallouts of climate change, we will only continue suffering economic losses and needless loss of lives,” Jakpor stated.

Shettima describes Maiduguri floods as most catastrophic in 30 years

Michael Simire
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Shettima describes Maiduguri floods as most catastrophic in 30 years

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said that, despite preparations, the severity of the floods in Maiduguri is most catastrophic in over three decades in the Borno State capital city.

Flooding in Maiduguri
Flooding in Maiduguri

Shettima stated this on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, during an on-the-spot assessment of the ravaging floods in Maiduguri.

He said the impacts of the floods exceeded estimation but assured that the Federal Government would prioritise the welfare of the affected communities.

President Bola Tinubu had directed  Shettima to, immediately, visit Maiduguri, to assess the devastating flood in the state capital.

“The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences.

“The disaster serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change, not just globally, but particularly to North East regions.

“Nigeria’s vulnerability to flood disasters has been highlighted time and again, as witnessed during the devastating floods of 2012, 2018, and 2022.

“The factors contributing to these recurring disasters are diverse, and it is for this reason that Tinubu has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges headlong.

“Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment,” he said.

Shettima said that, as with other states facing similar crises, the government is resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons.

Shettima, who commiserated with victims of the flood disaster, expressed the deepest sympathies of Tinubu to the victims.

“I am deeply devastated by the flood that has engulfed Maiduguri and its environs.

“My heart goes out to the families who have tragically lost their homes and livelihoods in this calamity.

“Our grief is shared, but so is our resolve to offer support and comfort as you begin to recover from this disaster.

“Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue,” he said.

The vice president added: “The flood, which began over the weekend and worsened in the following days, was the direct result of excess water from the Alau Dam.

“The collapse of the spillways unleashed a significant surge of water downstream, causing widespread flooding in the surrounding communities.

“As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises.”

Shettima said in response to the 2024 Flood Outlook, government had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts.

According to him, the government intensified its interventions in flood-prone areas characterised by erratic rainfall patterns and complex river basin dynamics.

He said the areas had been prioritised in flood mitigation strategies to safeguard communities, protect agricultural zones, and reinforce critical infrastructure.

He commended the government of Borno State for its swift and effective response to this tragic situation.

“I also want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the good people of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion by being their neighbours’ keepers.

“I am in Maiduguri to oversee the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures.

“We will overcome this tragedy as long as our resolve remains strong, as long as we remain united, as long as we remain compassionate, and as long as we prioritise strategic actions to emerge from this even stronger than ever,” he assured.

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Ogoni clean-up: HYPREP seeks NOSDRA’s support

Michael Simire
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Ogoni clean-up: HYPREP seeks NOSDRA’s support

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has solicited support of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to accelerate the Ogoni Clean-Up project.

Nenibarini Zabbey
Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the Project Coordinator, HYPREP, said this when he visited the Director-General of NOSDRA, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Abuja.

Zabbey said that HYPREP was responsible for the clean-up of Ogoni land and the restoration of livelihoods of the people of Ogoni.

According to him, the new drop-down agenda prioritises accelerating the Ogoni clean-up.

“So, we cannot do that without the active support of NOSDRA.

“We have come to familiarise with the new director-general of NOSDRA and to encourage them to support us to accelerate the Ogoni clean-up,” he said.

Zabbey listed some on-going projects by HYPREP which included remediation projects such as land remediation, shoreline clean-up as well as restoring oil-degraded mangroves.

“We are also providing potable water for the Ogoni people.

“We have 14 schemes we are constructing that will reticulate potable water to 68 communities in Ogoni land,” he said.

He said that HYPREP was also strengthening health systems in Ogoni, building specialist hospital and building the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration.

Responding, Woke said that NOSDRA was a major regulator of HYPREP operations.

He said that the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between NOSDRA and HYPREP.

“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda, we have decided to meet and see how we can collaborate and ensure a very smooth free operation of HYPREP,” he said.

By Doris Esa

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