FG Raises Flood Alarm Across 10 States, Urges Immediate Precautionary Measures

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a fresh flood warning covering at least ten states, cautioning that sustained heavy rainfall over several days could trigger flooding in vulnerable communities.

The alert, released by the Ministry’s Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department through the National Flood Early Warning Centre (NFEWS), indicates that parts of the country may experience intense rainfall between April 13 and April 17, 2026, with a high likelihood of overflow in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

According to the advisory, the states identified as being at risk include Adamawa, Enugu, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, and Taraba. Authorities listed specific locations within these states where flooding could occur if rainfall intensity exceeds normal thresholds.

In Adamawa State, Ganye and Gbalji are among the areas expected to be affected, while Nsukka in Enugu State also falls within the risk zone. In Kaduna State, communities such as Buruku, Kachia, Kaduna, and Kafanchan have been highlighted.

The warning further identified Ibaji in Kogi State and Bode-Sadu and Ilorin in Kwara State as vulnerable locations. In Niger State, Chanchaga, Minna, and Sarkin Pawa were listed, while Osun State communities including Ilesa, Iragbiji, Oshogbo, and Otan Ayegbaju may also face flooding.

A significant number of areas in Oyo State, particularly within Ibadan, were mentioned in the forecast. These include Apata, Bodija, Challenge, Eleyele, Moniya, Odo-Ona, and Ojoo, all of which have historically experienced drainage challenges during heavy rainfall. Bukuru in Plateau State and Serti in Taraba State were also identified as areas of concern.

The Ministry emphasized that the predicted flooding could disrupt livelihoods, damage infrastructure, and pose risks to lives if adequate precautions are not taken. It therefore urged residents in the affected areas to clear drainage systems, avoid building or residing along waterways, and prepare for possible evacuation where necessary.

Relevant stakeholders, including state governments, emergency management agencies, and local authorities, were advised to activate contingency plans and strengthen early response mechanisms. The Ministry also encouraged continuous public awareness campaigns to ensure that residents remain informed and responsive to safety directives.

In addition, the government called for collaboration and feedback from stakeholders to improve coordination and response efforts during the forecast period.

The advisory was endorsed by Usman Abdullahi Bokani, Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, who reiterated the importance of early preparedness in reducing the impact of natural disasters.

The latest warning underscores growing concerns over seasonal flooding in Nigeria, particularly as climate variability continues to intensify rainfall patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events across the country.

FG Raises Flood Alarm Across 10 States, Urges Immediate Precautionary Measures

UNESCO, CWAY Seal Landmark Pact to Transform Adolescent Health, Inclusive Education for Over One Million Nigerian Learners

By: Michael Mike

In a significant move poised to reshape adolescent development in Nigeria, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has partnered with CWAY Group to roll out a large-scale initiative targeting improved health outcomes and inclusive learning for young people across key states.

The programme, titled “Strengthening Adolescent Health and Inclusive Learning,” will be implemented in Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Ogun States, with an ambitious target of reaching more than one million learners.

At the signing ceremony in Abuja, UNESCO’s Head of Office and Country Representative, Jean-Paul Ngome Abiaga, framed the agreement as a defining step beyond institutional collaboration.

“This is not just a formal agreement; it is a commitment to expanding opportunity, safeguarding dignity, and securing a better future for adolescents,” he said.

Abiaga outlined three strategic pillars underpinning the partnership—deepened inclusion, the integration of health and education, and sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration—emphasizing that equitable access must remain central to the initiative.

“Inclusion is not optional. Every adolescent—regardless of gender, ability, or background—must have access to quality education and the health knowledge required to thrive,” he stressed.

He further underscored the critical link between health and learning, noting that the initiative would deploy evidence-driven interventions to simultaneously address both sectors. According to him, empowering adolescents with the right information and support systems will enable them to make informed life choices and contribute meaningfully to society.

On the private sector’s role, Abiaga commended CWAY Group for demonstrating leadership through impactful corporate social responsibility, describing the collaboration as a model for purposeful investment in national development.

Speaking on behalf of CWAY, Deputy Director Moses Wang said the company’s involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to community advancement.

“We began with the community, and this initiative brings us back to our roots on a much larger scale. It is an opportunity to drive meaningful change across the country,” Wang said.

He added that after more than two decades in Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, the company is intensifying its focus on education and health as pillars of sustainable growth. “No nation can develop without educating its youth and safeguarding their health. This partnership enables us to address both in a structured and lasting way,” he noted.

Also lending her voice, the Secretary-General of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO, Olagunju Lateef, described the initiative as a reflection of shared responsibility among stakeholders to invest in Nigeria’s young population.

Represented by the Head of Education Sector, Mrs. Eunice Ayara, she expressed optimism that the collaboration would deliver tangible benefits, particularly for marginalized groups.

“This effort signals a collective resolve to equip adolescents with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to succeed, especially those who are often left behind,” she said.

The initiative is expected to strengthen inclusive education systems, expand access to reliable health information, and foster stronger partnerships among government agencies, educators, and local communities. Notably, at least 1,000 learners with disabilities are among those set to benefit directly, underscoring the project’s inclusive focus.

As implementation gets underway, stakeholders have been urged to maintain transparency, accountability, and long-term commitment to ensure the programme delivers measurable and sustainable impact.

With its scale and ambition, the UNESCO–CWAY partnership signals a renewed push to place adolescent well-being at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda—bridging gaps in education and health while shaping a more inclusive future for the next generation.

UNESCO, CWAY Seal Landmark Pact to Transform Adolescent Health, Inclusive Education for Over One Million Nigerian Learners

Tinubu’s Lifetime Salary Approval Sparks Relief as Retired Paramilitary Chiefs Hail ‘Historic Justice’

By: Michael Mike

Retired senior officers from Nigeria’s key paramilitary agencies have applauded President Bola Tinubu for approving a lifetime salary structure for top-ranking officers, describing the decision as a long-overdue act of justice that restores dignity to years of national service.

The commendation came on Wednesday in Abuja when former Controller-Generals and Deputy Controller-Generals from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Leading the delegation, former Comptroller-General of the NIS, Chukwura Udeh, said the gesture by the President has brought closure to years of neglect and uncertainty that trailed their retirement.

He noted that successive administrations had failed to resolve the issue, leaving many senior officers to endure financial hardship after dedicating decades to national security.

According to him, the newly approved lifetime salary structure represents more than a policy shift, but a recognition of sacrifice and a reassurance that service to the nation will not end in hardship.

“Kindly convey our deep appreciation to Mr President. What was treated as a simple approval today subjected many of us to years of suffering in the past,” he said, recalling how some retirees felt abandoned despite their contributions to national stability.

Responding, Tunji-Ojo said the Tinubu administration places a premium on the welfare of security personnel, stressing that nation-building goes beyond infrastructure to prioritising the people who safeguard it.

He explained that the President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is anchored on improving the living conditions of both serving and retired officers, insisting that no personnel should retire into poverty after years of meritorious service.

“The President does not consider your welfare a mere slogan but a duty. You have given the best years of your lives to Nigeria; the country must, in return, stand by you,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo further highlighted ongoing reforms within the paramilitary services, including the clearance of longstanding promotion backlogs and the conduct of promotion examinations across the agencies.

He said the reforms have restored morale among officers, enabling them to progress in their careers predictably and serve with renewed pride and professionalism.

“The service has never been this structured and forward-looking. Officers now wear their uniforms with pride, knowing their future is more secure,” he added.

The visit underscored growing confidence among retired personnel that recent policy interventions by the Federal Government are beginning to address systemic welfare gaps within Nigeria’s paramilitary architecture.

Tinubu’s Lifetime Salary Approval Sparks Relief as Retired Paramilitary Chiefs Hail ‘Historic Justice’