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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to sustain their support for him by coming out peacefully to vote during the governorship poll, assuring them that every lawful vote will count.

The governor made this disclosure during a campaign tour of communities in Isokan Local Government Area of the State.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, Adeleke, while addressing residents, appreciated the traditional institution and the people of Apomu and Ikoyi for their steadfast support over the years.

Adeleke, who assured them that his administration will continue to deliver people-oriented projects and inclusive governance across every community in the state, reaffirmed that his administration will continue to focus on expansion of infrastructural amenities to improve the quality of living of the residents.

He also said the administration will improve education, strengthen healthcare delivery, create economic opportunities and ensure that every part of the state benefits from the dividends of democratic governance.

“My administration will continue to deliver people-oriented projects and inclusive governance across every community in Osun State.

“My administration will continue to focus on expanding infrastructure, improving education, strengthening healthcare delivery, creating economic opportunities and ensuring that every part of the state benefits from the dividends of democratic governance.

“I urge residents to sustain their support by coming out peacefully on August 15 to vote. Every lawful vote will count,” Adeleke said.

In separate remarks, the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi and Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Taofeek Morenigbade offered prayers for Adeleke’s victory at the poll.

The royal fathers also commended the governor’s developmental strides across State and expressed confidence that the people will once again renew his mandate at the polls.

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The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.

The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.

NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.

He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.

He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.

Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.

NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.

The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.

He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations.

He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.

The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.

He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.

Mohammed further urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

He advised the public and relevant agencies to monitor daily flood updates and advisories issued by NIHSA.

(NAN)

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to strengthen security in the state.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, Mashood AbdulRafiu Agboola.

The new military formation is expected to enhance security operations, particularly in parts of Kwara State affected by banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended President Tinubu for approving the battalion, saying the move would reinforce security efforts with additional personnel and military assets.

He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the prompt processing of the state’s request for increased military presence.

According to the governor, the new battalion will strengthen the response of security agencies to threats posed by bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.

“On behalf of the people and government of our state, I wholeheartedly thank Mr. President for yet another promise kept to the state. We are confident that the new battalion will greatly strengthen counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations across various areas,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

AbdulRazaq also acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in ongoing efforts to combat insecurity in the state.

He added that government would continue to support coordinated security operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, while ensuring the safety of residents across Kwara State.