The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NEMA, NIMET, NIHSA to Nigerians: expect heavy rains, floods soon

    NEMA, NIMET, NIHSA to Nigerians: expect heavy rains, floods soon

    • Agents deploy experts to states, FCT 

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) have predicted a high probability of flooding across the country as a result of heavy rainfall in the months ahead.

    The agencies, which released their 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) early in the year, said they were taking proactive steps to downscale and possibly avert impending flood disasters.

    NEMA’s Director General Mustapha Ahmed announced that a team of experts from NIMET, NIHSA and NEMA had been deployed in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to handle any eventuality.

    Mustapha spoke in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at the opening of a sensitisation workshop on the downscaling of disaster early warning measures to the grassroots for effective life-saving early actions during the 2023 raining season.

    According to him, the result indicated that there would be early onset of rainfall and high probability of flooding across the country, hence the need to take proactive measures to mitigate the envisaged disaster.

    “The vital documents contained meteorological forecasts indicating early onset of rainfall and high probability of flooding across the country during the year. 

    “Earlier, as part of our disaster risk communication, we wrote letters to all governors and responsible partners, drawing their attention to imminent floods and associated secondary hazards during the rainy season to avoid a repeat of what we experienced last year.

    “In 2022, Nigeria experienced the most devastating flood in our national history with more than 4 million people affected, over 2 million persons displaced and a record deaths of 665 Nigerians. The flood also caused damages and destruction to about 355,986 houses and 944,989 hectares of farmlands,” Mustapha said. 

    He added: “It is on this premise that NEMA, drawing from its mandate of disaster risk management, decided to take the initiative of partnering NIHSA and NiMet to downscale early warning alerts to states, local government authorities and communities at the risk of flood disasters and associated hazards. 

    “We are deploying the same experts from NEMA, NiMet and NIHSA to all the states of the federation and the FCT to downscale and take the early warning message to all the relevant end users across socio-economic sectors.

    “I am very confident that this initiative will enable all responsible actors take risk informed decisions to enable them match early warning with early action, support disaster risk management, safeguard national food security and engender sustainable socioeconomic growth in Nigeria.”

    Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi said the state would not be caught off-guard as it had made preparations to combat flood disasters.

    Eyakenyi said the government has identified the need to build camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the 31 local government areas of the state as well as train personnel on disaster management.

    Governor Umo Eno, who declared the programme open, announced that his administration had donated a warehouse and offices to NEMA.

  •  Eid-el-Kabir: DSS urges vigilance during celebration 

     Eid-el-Kabir: DSS urges vigilance during celebration 

    • Security agencies kill notorious jail breaker, gang leader in Kogi

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has called for vigilance before and during next week’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    This, the service said, was imperative as reports had indicated plans by hoodlums to attack worship and recreational centres before and during the festivities. 

    The Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, announced this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    He said the evil plan was evident in the recovery of primed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from suspected terrorists. 

    Afunanya also said a one-time jail breaker and notorious gang leader at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State was killed yesterday after a shootout with a joint security team.

    The joint security team, comprising the DSS, the Nigerian Army, and the police, also apprehended Abubakar Muhammad (aka Abu Direba), a suspected gunrunner at Keffi in Nasarawa State on June 19.

    The DSS spokesman said the joint security team raided Bala’s hideout in the early hours of yesterday.

    According to him, Bala and his gang members engaged the troops in a gun duel during which he was neutralised. 

    “Others, however, fled the area. Items recovered on the scene were one AK-47 rifle with three fully loaded magazines, six locally fabricated weapons, two phones and charms,” Afunanya said.

    He also said in the operation, in which Muhammad was apprehended, some “insidious items” were seized.

    They include 486 rounds of 7.62 x39mm calibre ammunition; 22 primed IEDs; the sum N31,500; and one Volkswagen Golf vehicle with registration number RBC202XA.

    “Operators and patrons of public places, including markets, malls, etc, are advised to be watchful and report any suspicious movements and persons to the relevant security agencies.

    “Accordingly, the service will continue to partner sister agencies for necessary proactive drills to frustrate criminals and their activities,” Afunanya added.

  • Pilgrims hail NAHCON’s successful flight schedules

    Pilgrims hail NAHCON’s successful flight schedules

    • Commission chair applauds Saudi authority

    Nigerian pilgrims in this year’s hajj have been singing the praises of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the commission’s successful flights schedules.

    The commission has done 174 flights with over 72,000 pilgrims conveyed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia out of the 75,000 scheduled to be transported.

    The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia restored 95,000 hajj slots to the commission for this year’s exercise.

    Seventy-five thousand were shared between NAHCON and states’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards while the remaining 20,000 were shared among the private tour operators and some other agencies.

    Although the private tour operators are expected to cater for the flights of their pilgrims, there was an agreement between some of them and NAHCON to assist in conveying about 7,000 pilgrims.

    Judging by last year’s flight schedules, some pilgrims told The Nation that NAHCON has improved greatly.

    According to them, there is no need to fear that any Nigerian pilgrim would be stranded this year.

    Mrs. Kofoworola Dosunmu said Lagos flights started earlier than scheduled.

    “It was supposed to start on June 4, but the flight started on May 31. As I speak, all Lagos pilgrims have been carried; same for some other states. NAHCON should be commended,” she said.

    Another pilgrim Qamardeen Daud said the commission performed better this year than it did last year.

    Daud said he had no doubt that the remaining pilgrims in Nigeria will be airlifted before Saudi authority closes its airspace.

    Taiwo Abubakar said this year’s flight schedules recorded a great improvement over last year’s.

    He urged states’ pilgrims welfare boards and some private operators to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure a successful operation.

    Also, NAHCON Chairman Zikrullah Hassan has hailed Saudi Arabian authorities for expending uncommon energy and unmatched resources in the management of Hajj and Umrah affairs.

    Hassan spoke at the 47th grand symposium on hajj organised by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Port City of Jeddah.

    The NAHCON chairman, who was represented by the commission’s Deputy Coordinator in Makkah, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, advised that the symposium be made an annual event, given its importance and richness of its contents.

    ·              

    ·              

    ·              

    ·              

  • PDP kick against suspension of council chairmen

    PDP kick against suspension of council chairmen

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has kicked against plan by ruling All Progressive Congress (APC),  to suspend elected council chairmen.

    Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to suspend chairmen of  23 local governments and the legislators.

    The resolution also called on the governor to set up caretaker committees in all councils.

    The House said it was to pave the way for investigation into their financial recklessness.

    In one of the report, the House said it discovered a chairman signed that he collected N500 million from Bureau for  Local Government and Chieftaincy  Affairs , but said he was given only N50 million.

    In a statement signed by State  Publicity Secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom, he said the call for suspension of the chairmen is invitation to anarchy .

    Iortyom told the governor of a a subsisting order of court which bars the government from tampering with the tenure of those elected councils.

    “As such it amounts to the height of impunity and exhibition of contempt of court and a brazen disregard for the rule of law for Governor Alia to be acting in this manner regarding the local government councils in the state, and this the party deems as not only shameful and reprehensible but also repugnant to natural justice.  said Bemgba.

    He warned that ” Benue people should hold Governor Alia and the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the various local government areas of the state resulting from the illegality being perpetrated against the local government council administrations which were duly elected and sworn into office with a definite tenure of mandate.ked against plan by the ruling All Progressive Congress APC,  to suspend elected council chairmen.

    On Wednesday,  Benue State House of Assembly passed a resolution calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to suspend all the Chairmen of  23 Local Government councils and their Local  legislators.

    The resolution also called on the Governor to set up caretaker committees in all the Local Government areas.

    The House said it was to pave way for investigation into the financial reckless of the council chairmen.

    In one of the report, the House said it discovered that a Council Chairman signed that he collected #500 million naira from Bureau for  Local Government and Chieftaincy  Affairs , but said he was given only #50 million.

    In a press statement signed by the State  Publicity Secretary of the PDP,  Bemgba Iortyom and made available to The Nation on Thursday started that the called for suspension of duly elected council chairmen is invitation to anarchy .

    Mr. Bemgba Iortyom draw the attention of the Governor of Benue to a subsisting order of a court of competent jurisdiction through a perpetual injunction which in effect bars the Benue State Government from taking any action, punitive or of the like, as seeks to tamper with the tenure of those duly elected councils at the local government tier of administration in the state, and government is not even known to have appealed against that judgement of the court.

    “As such it amounts to the height of impunity and exhibition of contempt of court and a brazen disregard for the rule of law for Governor Alia to be acting in this manner regarding the local government councils in the state, and this the party deems as not only shameful and reprehensible but also repugnant to natural justice.  said Bemgba.

    He warned that ” Benue people should hold Governor Alia and the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly responsible for any breakdown of law and order in the various local government areas of the state resulting from the illegality being perpetrated against the local government council administrations which were duly elected and sworn into office with a definite tenure of mandate.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Yari distributes 500 rams to neighbours

    Eid-el-Kabir: Yari distributes 500 rams to neighbours

    Sen. Abdul’aziz Yari (APC-Zamfara )  has distributed 500 rams to his neighbours and less privileged families in Talata-Mafara town, Talata-Mafara local government area of the state for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    The Chairman of the distribution Committee, Alhaji Sha’aya Sarkin-Fawa disclosed this while presenting the rams to the beneficiaries in Talata-Mafara on Thursday.

    “You know, this is an annual gesture from our leader, Sen. Yari aimed at assisting the less privileged households to celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir with ease.

    “This is for his neighbours, less privileged households, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Orphans in Talata-Mafara town only.

    “This is in addition to the 1,000 rams and 400 cows he earlier donated to APC executives in the State, Local Government, and Ward levels across the state through his political organisation.”, he said.

    Sarkin-Fawa, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, commended the former governor for his various socio-economic intervention programmes supporting people at the grassroots.

    He called on Muslims to use the Eid-El-Kabir period to pray for peace and stability in the state and Nigeria at large. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Women, youths hail appointments

    Women, youths hail appointments

    Coalition of Northern Youth Organisations for National Unity and Integration has applauded President Bola Tinubu for appointing the former Managing Director of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman as his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination.

     Usman, indigene of Katsina State, was among the latest appointment of special advisers by President Bola Tinubu.

    Commending Tinubu for the appointment, National Coordinator of Arewa Youth Organisation, Bishir Dauda described Usman as an experienced, innovative technocrat,  who spearheaded positive reforms at Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

    “It is a common knowledge that during her time at NPA, she ensured full implementation of all Federal Government policies, including Treasury Single Account (TSA).”

    “Usman, being a member of APC presidential campaign council, played a vital role in formulation of the Renewed Hope Agenda…”

    Katsina women under Progressive Arewa Peoples Support Asiwaju, led by Hajia Rabi Dangizo, have hailed celebration the appointment and that of Hannatu Musawa as special assistants to President Tinubu.

    Dangizo hailed the sacking of Service chiefs, and appointment of new ones as well as special advisers.

    able.

    She said’’ we believed that, Nigerians will now understand that they have a President who cares for the poor and who has been dedicating his wealth for the betterment of humanity since he became the President’’.

  • Kogi Assembly passes University Bill

    Kogi Assembly passes University Bill

    Kogi State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law the bill for establishment of a third state university in Kabba/Bunu Local Government.

          News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the bill was read at plenary for the third time and passed as Kogi State University (KSU), Kabba.

    Speaker, Alhaji Umar Yusuf, explained the passage has provided the legal framework for the take off of the university approved by Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration.

    He argued its establishment would address socio-economic unemployment, insecurity and open opportunities for admission to students of Kogi origin.

    “Education is a tool which brings about development, which explains the reason for establishment of a third state university,” he said.

    Also passed into law was a bill repealing prohibition of kidnapping and other related offences law 2015, and re-enacting Kogi State Prohibition of Kidnapping and other related matters law 2023.

    The bill has provided a legal and legislative framework for control of the menace of kidnapping in the state.

    NAN also reports that the lawmakers also screened and confirmed the appointment of Mr Abraham Omora as Secretary to Ibaji Local Government Council.

    The house, however, adjourned sitting to July 8. (NAN)

  • Assembly confirms nominees

    Assembly confirms nominees

    Kano State House of Assembly yesterday confirmed 17 nominees, whose names were forwarded earlier by Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf.

       News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Kabir-Yusuf on June 20 forwarded list of nominees to the House for screening and confirmation.

    Speaker, Ismail Falgore, (NNPP- Rogo), who presided over plenary, announced confirmation of the nominees after deliberation by Committee of the Whole House.

    TThey include two-term President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Baba Halilu-Dantiye; Alhaji Muhammad Digwal, Hajiya Ladidi Garko, the state Chairman of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Umar Haruna-Doguwa, Abubakar Labaran-Yusuf, Musa Shanono, Nasiru Garo and former Chief of Staff, Ali Makoda.

    Also confirmed are  former Accountant- General of the state, Dr Danjuma Mahmud; Abbas Abbas, Adamu Kibiya, Safiyanu Hamza, Haruna Dederi, Marwan Ahmed, Taju Zaura and Dr Yusuf Kofar-Mata.

    NAN reports that the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam was cleared without appearing for the screening, while Tijjani Auwal and Hajiya Aisha Saji would be screened when the return from pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

    The Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini (NNPP-Dala) told newsmen shortly after plenary that most of the nominees performed very well while serving the state.

    “The persons nominated for the appointments are persons of proven integrity and dedication, who had served the state in various capacities.

    “Thus, if appointed, they will assist the Governor in discharging his statutory responsibilities,” he said.

    The house has adjourned for the Sallah break and will reconvene on July 17.(NAN)

  • Plateau killings: Senator calls for stakeholders’ peace parley

    Plateau killings: Senator calls for stakeholders’ peace parley

    The senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang, has condemned,  the crisis between villagers and Fulanis in Plateau, particularly in Mangu community of Plateau Central, over land grabbing.

    Speaking in Jos, Plang, regretted that the recent Mangu crisis is coming at a time farmers are busy in the farms.

    He decried the incessant loss of life and property.

    “This is no longer time to apportion blames. We know we have wronged ourselves one way or the other. All stakeholders’ need to come to a roundtable, discuss, forgive ourselves, and live together again as brothers and sisters.”

    He said Mangu used to be peaceful even when there are crises in Plateau Central, but today it has been consumed by crisis.

    “In most cases when there are problems or crises here and there, Mangu remained the most peaceful Local Government in Plateau, but unfortunately, the crisis in Plateau Central has expanded to Mangu. It has deepened into Mangu.”

    The lawmaker decried a situation where people are being killed, houses and property destroyed with reckless abandon, “this is so sad! Stakeholders, irrespective of religious and political affiliations, should come to a roundtable and make peace.”

    He commended efforts of local authorities, traditional rulers and security agencies, but insisted a lot more needed to be done to bring peace to Plateau and restore its past glory as one of the most peaceful states.

    “As far as I am concerned, I feel we have wronged one another, in one way or the other; but let us look at our mistakes, correct our mistakes, forgive one another, make peace  and move on,” he said.

    He appealed to the media to remain responsible in its reportage by avoiding reports that will instigate violence

    He further expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s desire to ensure security of lives and.property across the country, while also hailing the President for the appointment of new Service Chiefs, describing it as apt and balance.

    He also expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration will surely renew the hope of Nigerians and bring about the desired development Nigerians and Nigeria deserve, as a country.

    Senator Plang, however, thanked the people of Plateau Central for finding him worthy to represent them at the 10th Senate, pledging to do everything within his power to bring peace and development to Plateau Central Senatorial District.

  • Kebbi governor’s wife backs war against abuse, illicit drug trafficking

    Kebbi governor’s wife backs war against abuse, illicit drug trafficking

    Kebbi State Governors’ wife has bached National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its war against abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs.

    Hajia Zainab Idris gave her support when  she received NDLEA Commander, Sulaiman Usman, and his entourage at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

    “I will not stand by as a mother  and see our children consumed by this menace  she said.

    She said she would seek a formidable partnership to secure the state from the menace of drug abuse.

    Mrs Idris informs of her decision to adopt drug abuse as a flagship project “to address the alarming problem of drug abuse in  communities.”

    She promised that her office, under leadership of Govenor Nasiru Idris, would assist the state commands with logistics, set up rehabilitation centres, provide jobs and skills for women,  youths, and  advocacy campaigns.

    Usman urged parents and guardians to consult them when they notice strange attitude from their children.

    He said they  wanted  to  congratulate  the first family on a successful inuguration into office, and to inform her of the need to prirotise and  adopt drug abuse as a  project.

    The commander  said NDLEA  has  a National Drug Control  Master Plan in which Kebbi should key into by setting up a drug control committee.

    Bashir Buhari, who spoke on behalf of Kebbi youths, decried rising drug abuse, and how the menace has diminished the worth and potential of youths. He appealed to governments to  prirotise the wellbeing of the younger generation.