News

Reps To Make Adequate Budgetary Provision For Dasin Hausa Dam In 2025 Appropriation

Published

1 month ago

October 15, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

… direct ministries to works, water resources to expedite completion

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Works to expedite the completion of the Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, which will act as a buffer and help to absorb excess water released from the Lagdo Dam and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in flood-prone areas.

The House also mandate its committee on finance to make adequate budgetary provision for the Dasin Hausa Dam in the 2025 appropriation.

The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMASs), to henceforth enhance early warning systems and improve evacuation and relief efforts for communities in flood-prone areas prior to the event.

These resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda on the “URGENT NEED TO INVESTIGATE THE RECURRENT FLOODING DUE TO THE OPENING OF THE LAGDO DAM”, on Tuesday at plenary.

Debating the motion, tha lawmaker expressed concern that the Lagdo Dam, located on the Benue River in northern Cameroon, was built in 1982 primarily for irrigation and electricity generation.

According to Chinda, “every year, during the rainy season, the dam operators in Cameroon release excess water to prevent overflow, which inevitably flows downstream into Nigeria, causing significant flooding in states along the river, including Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and beyond”.

“Disturbed by the recurrent loss of lives, displacement of communities, destruction of farmlands, livestock, and homes, and damage to critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, as a result of this flooding.

“Mindful that despite early warnings by the Nigerian authorities about the release of water from the Lagdo Dam, many communities remain unprepared and are left vulnerable to the devastating impacts of the floods.

“Aware that while the construction of a buffer dam, the proposed Dasin Hausa Dam in Adamawa State, was agreed upon in principle between Nigeria and Cameroon to help contain the excess water from the Lagdo Dam, this project has remained stalled for years due to funding and bureaucratic delays”, the motion reads in part.

He therefore said there is the urgent need for the Federal Government to develop long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of the annual flooding and to protect vulnerable communities along the River Benue and Niger basins.

“Worried that unless swift actions are taken to engage relevant stakeholders, both within and outside Nigeria, to mitigate these annual disasters and to provide lasting solutions for affected communities, the sitation will persist annually with each year worse than the former, thus diminishing the confidence of the people in the leaders”, he added.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to undertake a comprehensive study of the impact of climate change and the Lagdo Dam’s annual release on Nigeria’s riverine communities, and to develop an actionable flood management plan to protect lives and properties.

The House also mandated the Nigerian-Cameroon Friendship Group to investigate the Nigerian-Cameroon arrangement/agreement on the Lagdo dam and mitigation measures therein and advise the House within 2 weeks for further legislative action.

News

BREAKING: Taraba boils, many feared k!l|ed as herders, farmers clash

Published

24 minutes ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Four persons have been reported dead following a fresh conflict that erupted between herders and farmers in
Karim-Lamido LGA of Taraba State.

The violence which occurred in Bambur community of the council, was reported to have started on Thursday after a heated argument over farmland escalated, resulting in fatalities and injuries of varying degrees.

Confirming the incident, the council chairman, Bitrus Danjos, stated that measures have been implemented to prevent further loss of lives and property.

He disclosed that security personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to restore peace.

“When the issue arose, the council acted swiftly by collaborating with security agencies to bring the situation under control,” Danjos said.

Though he could not give the exact figure of those who sustained injuries, he confirmed that those injured are currently receiving medical attention at Bambur General Hospital and Zailani Dispensary.

Calling for calm, he urged the warring parties to embrace peace, assuring the community that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter amicably through dialogue and other measures.

“The council is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution and has taken various steps to engage stakeholders in meaningful discussions,” Danjos emphasized.

Also confirming the report, the Taraba State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Usman Abubakar, said heavily armed anti riot policemen have been drafted to the area, and that normalcy had been restored.

While residents of the community claimed that four deaths were recorded, Police sources told our reporter that only one person was killed, and two others injured.

News

Brazilian Wanted For Coup Attempt Arrested

Published

5 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Argentinian police on Thursday arrested a Brazilian, Joelton Gusmao de Oliveira who was declared wanted over attempted coup last year in support of former far-right leader, Jair Bolsonaro.

The police statement also said Brazil had previously issued a warrant for his “arrest and detention” for extradition.

Forty-seven-year-old Oliveira was arrested in Argentina’s La Plata, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Buenos Aires, according to a police statement

A Brazilian court had in February handed Oliveira a 17-year prison sentence in absentia for the attempted coup and armed criminal association.

Thousands of pro-Bolsonaro activists invaded the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court on January 8, 2023, demanding the intervention of the armed forces to depose the newly elected left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Brazilian news site UOL said Oliveira was a refugee arrested while trying to renew his papers.

In October, the Argentine government amended the law preventing foreigners charged or convicted over “serious crimes” from being granted refugee status.

News

Miss South Africa Pulls Out From Miss Universe Over Health Issues

Published

6 hours ago

November 15, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Mia Le Roux, who was recently crowned Miss South Africa 2024, has announced her withdrawal from the Miss Universe competition because of health issues.

This was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Miss South Africa Organisation, Le Roux expressed gratitude for the support she has received from South Africans, describing the decision to step back as “incredibly challenging” but necessary to focus on her health.

“I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe. Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.

“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength,” she said.

The Miss South Africa Organisation also expressed its support, emphasising Le Roux’s resilience and prioritising her health.

“Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation stated.

“Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health,” it added.