News

Reps Urge Federal, State Govts To Adopt Measures To Control Flooding

Published

2 months ago

October 30, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…summon Environment Ministry, NEMA, Hydrological Services Agency on measures in place

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has charged the federal and state governments to adopt control measures to mitigate the impact of flood disasters in 22 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

The House also directed the Federal Government through its relevant ministries and agencies to collaborate with state governments to enhance their disaster preparedness capabilities and ensure the quick deployment of rescue teams, relief materials, and medical assistance where needed.

The House called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and state governments to activate evacuation protocols for communities along flood plains and ensure that affected populations have access to temporary shelters, medical services, and other forms of support.

The lawmakers further summoned the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Emergency Management Agency, and Hydrological Services Agency to appear before its committee to explain what precautionary measures are being implemented to safeguard lives and property in the predicted flood zones.

These resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “Urgent need for precautionary measures to mitigate predicted flood risks in 22 states and the FCT”, by Rep. Oluwaseun Whingan, member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State, on Wednesday at plenary.

Rep. Whingan referred to a report on the October 14, 2024, concerning the prediction of five days of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flooding in 22 states and the FCT, attributed to the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

The lawmaker said communities along the flood plains of Rivers Donga, Benue, and Ogun, in States such as Osun, Delta, Cross River, Anambra, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kebbi, among others are at the risk of severe flooding.

He said, “The House is concerned that the predicted heavy rainfall and resulting floods could have devastating impacts on vulnerable communities, leading to displacement, loss of property, destruction of infrastructure, and potential loss of lives if adequate precautionary mechanisms are not put in place to protect citizens in these areas.

“The House is also concerned that despite early warnings, there may not be sufficient proactive measures such as timely evacuations, provision of temporary shelters, and support systems for affected communities. This increases the risk of severe humanitarian consequences if these warnings are not addressed through urgent action.

“We are aware that flooding is a recurring issue in Nigeria, often exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems, lack of preparedness, and insufficient coordination among agencies responsible for disaster management. It is crucial that relevant authorities immediately implement strategies to mitigate the predicted disaster, including evacuation plans, provision of relief materials, and ensuring post-flood recovery efforts are coordinated effectively.”

The House adopted the motion which enjoyed overwhelming support as members voted in support of it.

The House it urged the Federal Ministries of Works, Housing and Water Resources to carry out an immediate assessment of drainage systems and waterways in flood-prone areas and work to reduce blockages that could worsen flooding.

The House also mandated its Committees on Environment, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, and Water Resources to ensure ongoing monitoring and post-flood rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that affected communities receive long-term support in rebuilding infrastructure and livelihoods.

News

Just in: Tinubu exposes those behind deadly stampedes

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Austin Ojomah

President Bola Tinubu has accused organisers for the deadly stampedes that occurred during the distribution of relief materials in three states.

Recall in the past week, chaotic scenes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja led to the deaths of over 60 people, including children, as crowds scrambled for food items.

During a Presidential Media Chat on Monday, Tinubu described the events as a critical failure in planning and execution.

Condolences to those who lost a family member, but it is good to give. I have been giving out food stuff, commodities, etc. in Bourdillon.

“I am an organized person and that’s why I have been giving people food for the past 25 years and no incident has happened.

“Let this tragedy not affect us”, the Nigerian leader said.

The president also said he has no plans to reduce his cabinet or sack more ministers.

For the controversial tax reform bills, he said it has come to stay.

He also revealed he has no regrets removing fuel subsidy.

He declared utmost confidence in his security chiefs saying over the past decades, wanton killings has reduced drastically.

News

Tinubu To Hold Maiden Presidential Media Chat Tonight

Published

7 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu will hold first presidential chat since assuming office on Monday night.

Accoding to a statement released by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the chat will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on the stations of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

“All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast,” the statement.

News

‘Putin waiting to meet me as soon as possible’ to end Ukraine war – Trump

Published

9 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The US President-elect took to the stage AmFest in Phoenix to talk about his contact with the Russian leader.

He told the crowd: “President Putin has said he want to meet with me as soon as possible.”

Trump went on to brand the war “horrible” and stated it needed to end. It is not known whether or not this meeting will take place in person. His comments at the event in the US come as Putin met with another world leader.

Putin held talks in the Kremlin today (December 22) with Slovakia’s prime minister, Robert Fico, in a rare visit to Moscow by an EU leader since Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Fico arrived in Russia on a “working visit” and met with Putin one-on-one. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russia’s RIA agency that the talks would focus on “the international situation” and Russian natural gas deliveries.

Visits and phone calls from European leaders to Putin have been rare since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine, although Hungary’s PM Viktor Orban visited Russia in July. Orban’s visit drew condemnation from Kyiv and European leaders.Fico’s views on Russia’s war on Ukraine differ sharply from most other European leaders. The Slovakian PM returned to power last year after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won parliamentary elections on a pro-Russia and anti-American platform. Since then, he has ended his country’s military aid for Ukraine, hit out at EU sanctions on Russia, and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO.