General
Flooding: NIHSA Puts Lagos, Kogi, Others on Red Alert
By Adedapo Adesanya
All states in the country are on red alert to face the impact of flooding, a new forecast from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) shows.
In the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) themed Flood Prediction and its Impact, the Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, at the Public Presentation of the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook, said that the impact on the Socio-Economic Livelihood of Nigerians predicted that 178 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 32 States of the federation and the FCT fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas.
These states are Adamawa, Abia, Akwa- Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross- River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo.
Others are Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, as well as Zamfara and the FCT.
The minister also said 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation, including FCT, fall within the moderately probable flood Risks Areas. The remaining 372 LGAs fall within the probable Flood Risks Areas.
The 2023 Annual Flood Outlook emphasized the categories of flood anticipated as the Minister revealed that the Highly Probable Flood Risks Areas is expected between the month of April and November.
In addition, the level of floods in this category is expected to be high in terms of impact on the population, agriculture, livelihood, livestock and infrastructure, and the environment.
Part of 66 LGAs across the country falls within the Highly Probable Risks Areas in the months of April, May, and June, while part of 148 LGAs in the months of October and November 2023.
The Minister further explained that a moderate impact level of floods is expected in Parts of 41 LGAs within the months of April, May, and June, while parts of 199 LGAs fall within the month of July, August, and September, and parts of 73 LGA’s within the months of October and November 2023.
He hinted that Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, and Ondo would be experiencing Coastal flooding due to a rise in sea level and tidal surge, which would impact fishing, wildlife habitation, and river navigation.
Meanwhile, cities like Lagos, Kaduna, Suleija, Gombe, Yola, Makurdi, Abuja, Lafia, Asaba, Port- Harcourt, Yenagoa, Ibadan, Benin-City, Birnin- Kebbi, Lokoja, Kano, Nsukka, Sokoto, Ado- Ekiti, Owerri, Calabar, Maiduguri, Osogbo, Abakaliki, and Awka will be experiencing flash and urban flooding.
Mr Adamu noted that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that necessary measures are taken to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters taking into cognizance the devastating consequences of the 2022 floods.
In addition, he emphasized the need for accurate flood forecasting in protecting the lives and property of citizens, noting that NIHSA has made tremendous progress in improving flood forecasting capabilities and confidence and that the predictions presented will help to better prepare for response to potential flood events as well as serve as a veritable tool for strategic planning to avert loss of lives and property through adequate coordinated and effective flood early warning and sensitization awareness campaigns, improved flood mitigation strategies and preparedness for risk reduction by all stakeholders.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack, represented by the Director of River Basin Operations, Mr Johnson Ochigbo, reiterated the overall objective of the meeting, stating that it is to sensitize the nation, particularly water users, planners, decision and policymakers, farmers, stakeholders and the general public on the need to embark on preventive measures, necessary to improve the safety of lives and reduce potential damages to property and infrastructures that have been witnessed from the recent flood disasters, particularly the 2022 flood disaster.
She urged participants to translate the 2023 forecasts into concrete actions that will make the nation’s communities flood resilient, noting that the yearly message of AFO to the general public will decline the negative impact of flood, thereby promoting a better understanding of flood risks and ensuring that appropriate mitigation measures are deployed.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The application filed by the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr Abba Kyari, to throw out the charges against him has been rejected by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The embattled cop had challenged the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the drug-related charges levelled against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
But Justice Emeka Nwite, in his ruling on Wednesday, dismissed Mr Kyari’s plea, stating that the court has the exclusive right and jurisdiction to hear the case.
Recall that the NDLEA dragged the former head of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police Force and others before the court.
The other four members of the IRT accused of being involved in drug-related offences arraigned before the court are ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirgba and Inspector John Nuhu.
They were accused of conspiring to deal in 17.55kg of cocaine without lawful authority. They were also alleged to have conspired to tamper with cocaine and unlawfully tamper with the 21.35kg of cocaine seized from two convicted drug dealers.
But Mr Kyari asked the court to dismiss the suit against him, arguing that the charges were premature as the NDLEA ought to have allowed the police to exhaust its internal machinery before taking an action.
According to him, authorities of the police had already ordered a probe into allegations against him, with an interim report released.
He argued that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has similar powers to investigate and discipline erring police officers in line with the Police Act & Regulations, the same way the National Judicial Council (NJC) disciplines judicial officers.
However, Justice Nwite was not moved by the arguments of the suspect, informing him that the powers of the PSC do not supersede the powers of the Federal High Court
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As Muslims across the globe and Nigeria prepare for the annual one-month Ramadan, a period for fasting and getting closer to Allah, Nigeria’s market leader in the food and beverage industry, Rite Foods, has called on all to adhere to the doctrines of Islam, which preach peaceful coexistence.
The annual Islamic ritual, which is in fulfilment of the fourth pillar of Islam, is expected to commence this week.
In a statement, the world-class and proudly-Nigerian company said it has made available its unrivalled brands for consumption and refreshing moments during the fasting period for Islamic believers and on extraordinary occasions.
The Managing Director of Rite Foods, Mr Seleem Adegunwa, stated that as a consumer-centric company poised towards the delivery of quality products for consumers’ satisfaction with award-winning brands comprising the 13 variants of Bigi carbonated soft drink (CSD) and premium water, Rite sausages, Fearless energy drink, and the premium Sosa fruit drink for Muslim faithful’s during the holy month of penitence and self-denial as enshrined in Islam.
He urged the believers to uphold virtues that foster unity, decency, tolerance, and love for one another, by what they propagate and are known for.
In the same vein, the company’s Assistant Brand Manager, Ms Boluwatife Adedugbe, avowed that Rite Foods would continue to cater to the needs of consumers with its leading brands that are produced with state-of-the-art infrastructure and in a first-rate factory in line with global best practices.
She affirmed that Rite Foods would continually identify with its consumers with initiatives that add value to lives and felicitate them during religious undertakings.
Against the backdrop of continually connecting with its consumers, the company’s Bigi brand unveiled its new slogan, Bigi For Every Moment, as the most delicious brand that suits all occasions.
The mantra highlights the idea that there is a perfect refreshing flavour to suit every moment for all demographics, whether for a celebration or a relaxing mood. It is suitable for all events.
Similarly, with its new mantra, Embrace The Thrill, the Fearless energy drink has demonstrated that it would continue to rejuvenate consumers to become braver and more adventurous, to activate their dreams to attain success with the positive energy it provides.
It motivates them to go beyond their limits and not be laid back by the many rejections they have received. The brand also encourages them to be daring and energetic, exhibit the willpower to excel, be enthusiastic in their endeavours, and be vigorous.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The United States government has condemned the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during the governorship polls in Lagos and 27 states in Nigeria on Saturday, March 18.
The world power also said it would consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, the US diplomatic mission in Nigeria said it observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand.
It condemned “The use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos,” which it said “was particularly concerning.”
“We commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, affirming Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process.
“We call on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.
“The United States likewise will consider all available actions, including additional visa restrictions, on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Nigeria.
“Following the February 25 national elections, the United States joined other international observers in urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve voting processes and technical elements that experienced flaws in that voting round.
“The March 18 elections appear to have had significant operational improvements, as polling stations generally opened on time and most results were visible on an electronic viewing platform in a timely manner,” the statement read.
The United States used the opportunity to call on those dissatisfied with the outcome of the exercise to go through established legal processes to reclaim their mandate.
“We further call for Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy,” the statement added.
Business Post reports that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the governorship election in Lagos, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivior, has promised to approach the court to challenge the exercise.
