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Government at All Level in West Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster- ECOWAS
Government at All Level in West Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster- ECOWAS
By: Michael Mike
Every level of government has been asked to conscientiously budget for disaster in order to checkmate its regular occurrence which recent research stating that it has left about 75 percent population of West Africa exposed and adversely impacted.
Speaking at the mid-term consultative meeting of the Regional Committee for Disaster Management in West Africa organised by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, the Deputy Director Climate Change Department, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana, Frank Nansam-Aggrey, said there is need for coordinated efforts to tackle disaster in West Africa.
He said: “Disaster issues have become very complex. Every now and then, we hear stories in West Africa about disaster that affects our population. Disasters have many exposed in the subregion, and according to research about 75 percent of our people are exposed to one form of disaster or the other. It is flooding, if it is not flooding then it is drought, if it is not drought it is conflict, so it has become imperative that the subcommittee looks at the issues of disaster very critically for our population is being affected every now and then.”
Nansam-Aggrey who acknowledged that ECOWAS is doing the best with its resources, said “but for financial constraints sometimes that do not make the bloc to meet up to the needs of its member countries.”
He however said: “The countries need to do more, disaster management is looked at as abstract issues, making budgeting to become somewhat of abstract. We need to go the extra mile to clearly and decisively budget for disaster issues so that it is not left to chance and as if it is futuristic.
“It is actually with us. We need to make more efforts from community level, district level to the national level, and all actors must be involved to channel all the resources we can gather to make sure we are all safe in the subregion.”
He said: “The time has come for us to begin to look at the West Africa regional preparedness against extreme disaster occurrences such as floods, fires and other disasters causing total havoc to human existence. Generally, disaster occurrences occasioned by natural and man-made hazard events have increased in the past three decades causing a lot of distress situations to over 75% of West Africa’s population.”
He lamented that: “As reported in the ECOWAS Policy for Disaster Risk Reduction document, large number of people and their livelihoods in West African countries are exposed and vulnerable to at least one hazard event which is further compounded by conflicts and diseases. In addition, in some instances, disasters have put development at risk and likewise, development decisions have led to increases in disaster risks.”
He however said: “In response to these scenarios and through the support of national governments and the ECOWAS Commission to some extent, member states are increasingly intensifying their interests and efforts in disaster risk reduction. In spite of these efforts, significant disaster events such as flooding, sea erosion, and drought keep escalating in severity and magnitude in the sub-region causing budget overruns for member states. As climate change factors continue to worsen extreme weather events, vulnerabilities of our people will equally increase leading to negative financial implications for member countries. This confirms the conclusion that the extent of vulnerability to hazards in the sub-region account for the level of disaster devastation being experienced annually by countries in the region amid inadequate public financing to maintain and enhance resilience or provide relief assistance for disaster victims.”
The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mrs. Zubaida Umar who was represented by the agency’s Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, Dr. Daniel Obot decried that “the West African subregion which is characterized by its diverse geography, population and cultures has a complex relationship with nature and human induced disasters.
“Over the years, the subregion has experienced series of disasters, crises and conflict that have posed serious threats to the human population, the environment, infrastructure and means of livelihood.”
He added that: “With this disaster scenario, the regional recovery roadmap, the regional resilience strategy, the roster of experts amongst others will have to be deployed for significant progress to be recorded in the management of disaster risk in West Africa in line with the ECOWAS goal of inclusive coordination and harmonization of disaster risk management efforts.”
On his part, the Head of ECOWAS Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Division, Mohammed Ibrahim said: “In West Africa and the Sahel region, the magnitude of vulnerability and exposure to hazards and losses from disasters is expected to continue increasing over the next decade. Countries are particularly vulnerable to sudden onset events such as floods, alongside ongoing issues like land degradation, water scarcity, and coastal erosion, which have increased in occurrence and severity due to the adverse effects of climate change.”
He noted that: “Conflict remains primary driver of displacement, but climate change has significantly impacted migration decisions across West Africa over the last few decades. The overlap of conflict and climate disasters underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated responses to break the cycle of climate change and armed conflict and to increase humanitarian access and funding that supports resilience and adaptation to climate change.”
Government at All Level in West Africa Need to Conscientiously Budget for Disaster- ECOWAS
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FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
By: Our Reporter
On Friday, November 8, 2024, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd) CFR, Betara of Biu and Garkiwan Keffi, paid a solemn visit to the Flag Staff House at Niger Barracks, Abuja, to express his condolences to the family of the late Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Accompanied by a distinguished delegation, Lt. Gen. Buratai extended his deepest sympathies to Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, the widow of the late COAS, and their family.
In a moment of profound reflection, Lt. Gen. Buratai recounted some of the good deeds of the late COAS while serving under him, offered prayers for comfort and strength to the grieving family, recognizing the legacy and selfless service of the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja. Following his words of comfort, he added his tribute to the condolence register, capturing the solemnity of this heartfelt occasion.
Joining Lt. Gen. Buratai at the occasion were Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd) CFR, former Chief of Policy and Plans (Army); Major General Iliya Abba (rtd), former Military Secretary (Army) and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force; Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni, former Army Spokesperson; and Alhaji Manzo Ahmed, a respected businessman and former public servant. Their presence denoted a collective tribute from Nigeria’s military and civilian communities, honouring a leader whose life and service had left an indelible mark on the nation. May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.
FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
EMAN: Zulum bags 5th fellowship award, wins best environmentally friendly governor
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has been nominated for the prestigious Honourary Fellow Award by the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), recognizing him as one of the best environmentally friendly governors in the country.
Zulum has received fellowships from the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers. He has also received honorary fellowships from the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
EMAN, the apex professional body for environmental managers in Nigeria, announced the nomination in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Dr. Ubong Harrison.
The award will be presented to Governor Zulum at the association’s 2024 Annual Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” will bring together stakeholders from across the environmental sector.
The Honourary Fellow Award is in recognition of Governor Zulum’s significant contributions to environmental management and sustainable development in Borno State.
Among the key achievements highlighted by EMAN are the timely and effective management of the recent flood disaster that affected parts of the state, as well as the outstanding performance of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA).
Additionally, the governor’s leadership in establishing the Great Green Wall Agency, which has spearheaded the planting of millions of trees to combat desertification and climate change, has been lauded by the association.
In its statement, EMAN noted, “In recognition of your numerous contributions to ensuring proper environmental management and sustainable development, we most respectfully invite you to receive the prestigious Honourary Fellow Award.”
The association also commended Borno State’s full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, further underscoring the state’s commitment to addressing climate-related challenges.
Governor Zulum’s efforts in environmental stewardship have also been recently recognized by the Nigerian Environmental Society, which awarded him the Environmental Excellence Award.
EMAN: Zulum bags 5th fellowship award, wins best environmentally friendly governor
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Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Borno State council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has donated drugs and consumables worth N 0.5 naira to the Gubio camp housing hundreds of residents displaced by the recent flood in maiduguri.
The PSN also held health outreaches to Bakassi and Gubio camp giving health talks and prescribing medication for the teeming patients at the camp during the peak of the flood.
Chairman of the PSN Umar Abdulkareem told this reporter during a chat that apart from drugs and consumables which were dispensed at the camps, many referrals were made and the patients were further assisted to get better.
Speaking recently during a low keyed celebration of their week, he said that their collective efforts in the 2024 program was directed towards the support of all those who have been affected by the massive flood of September 20th which affected the state.
” We are all united to work as a team to support our dear state by standing by to also give Humanitarian support with logistics and health outreach to support the victims of the devastating flood disaster on our day. Your rewards are in heaven.” He told members during the day.
“This year’s World Pharmacist Day 24 is unique to us bcos we all stood firm and gave back to the community at this time of need. We started fundraising donations and we have achieved a lot.
“I want to appreciate every one that donated and those who are intending to donate. We will hand over what was realized to the flood disaster committee coupled with the updated list, and total amount realized. He noted.
” Thank u very much my PSN family for supporting all the successes we achieved, which definitely was as a result of all our commitment and dedication to our association and profession at large.” He concluded.
Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
FORMER COAS LT GEN TY BURATAI CFR LEADS DIGNITARIES TO PAY RESPECTS TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT NIGER BARRACKS
EMAN: Zulum bags 5th fellowship award, wins best environmentally friendly governor
Borno PSN drum up support for flood affected residents, donates drugs and consumables to Gubio camp
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