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FG Moves To Curb Flood Disasters, Climate-Induced Crises As VP Shettima Launches Preemptive Action Plan

FG Moves To Curb Flood Disasters, Climate-Induced Crises As VP Shettima Launches Preemptive Action Plan
By: Our Reporter
As the rainy season sets in, with its attendant torrential downpour, the federal government has taken proactive steps to prevent flooding through strategic measures to enhance disaster preparedness and risk management across the country.
To this effect, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday launched Nigeria’s Anticipatory Action Framework, designed to shift disaster management from reactive responses to proactive preparedness by leveraging early warnings, local empowerment, and pre-arranged financing to save lives and livelihoods.
A key component of the strategy involves establishing a dedicated trigger group comprising meteorological and emergency management agencies that will synthesise data to enable forecasts up to two weeks in advance.
Speaking during a framework validation workshop held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja, VP Shettima described the framework as a timely intervention to confront the rising threats of climate-induced disasters such as floods, which affected over five million Nigerians in 2024.
“These disasters are no longer distant threats. They are here, knocking at our doors, sweeping through our streets, flooding our homes, and testing not only our moral sensitivity but the depth of our preparation,” he said.
The Vice President stressed the urgent need to dump the costly and inadequate reactive approach to disasters for a more proactive measure.
He stated, “For decades, our response has been reactive. We wait for the waters to rise, for the homes to vanish, and then we scramble for relief. This late arrival of support costs more and saves fewer lives.
“We lose close to 5% of our GDP every year to reactive disaster responses. This approach is not only unsustainable, it is also deeply unjust to the most vulnerable among us. This is why we must act before disasters unfold”.
The VP explained that the new framework is built on three strategic pillars, including “early warning systems powered by satellite technology and delivered through community-based networks to provide life-saving information in real time.
“The second is pre-triggered financing. No plan can succeed without resources made available before the storm arrives. The third is localised preparedness.
“Studies have shown that anticipatory action can reduce losses by up to 60 per cent. That is not just a statistic. It is hope. It is the future of millions salvaged before ruin,” he added.
Senator Shettima drew instances from Benue State where trained volunteers, responding to early warning alerts, evacuated over 80,000 people within 72 hours.
“That is what it means to build early warning systems that work. It’s not just about integrating forecasting tools, but delivering timely alerts in languages our people understand,” the Vice President stated.
He explained that the trigger group is composed of national agencies, including NiMet, NiHSA, NEMA, NASRDA, and NOA, working in collaboration with UNOCHA, WFP, FAO, and the IFRC.
“We cannot leave here with only communiqués and good intentions. We must take ownership of this framework, embed it into our institutions, and stay accountable to its promise,” the Vice President told participants at the workshop.
Earlier in his keynote address, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said the Tinubu administration is committed to supporting the operationalisation of the Anticipatory Action Framework for Nigeria.
He stressed the need for response agencies and intervention organisations to utilise the National Social Register to lay the foundation for a flood-resistant nation, noting that the register is a national resilience infrastructure.
The Minister recommended the enactment of a risk management and data sharing protocol, the establishment of a national risk and sustainable coordination centre, early funding for anticipatory actions, and the deployment of technology to enable real-time monitoring of situations across the country.
On his part, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, commended Nigeria for taking the bold step in leading the institutionalisation of coordinated humanitarian response to disasters in the region.
According to him, the rest of West Africa is looking up to what is being done in Nigeria, as successes recorded in the country will permeate the rest of the region.
In his welcome remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the workshop is a crucial step towards building a resilient and progressive nation, emphasising that poorly managed disasters can exacerbate insecurity, enable displacement, disrupt critical infrastructure and deepen societal fragilities.
He also noted that efforts aimed at strengthening the anticipatory capacity of the nation are a priority of the Tinubu administration, as it is essential in sustaining lives and securing national assets, among other goals.
On her part, the Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Development Partners, Mrs Inna Audu, said the workshop was designed to accelerate the country’s journey towards a national early warning system that is integrated, inclusive, and anticipatory.
She noted that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima are deeply committed to building a disaster-resilient Nigeria, stressing that the time for piecemeal responses was over and that stakeholders must shift to systems thinking where data, people, and policies are interconnected, and where foresight guides interventions.
There were also goodwill messages from the European Union and representatives of response agencies, development partners, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector, among others.
FG Moves To Curb Flood Disasters, Climate-Induced Crises As VP Shettima Launches Preemptive Action Plan
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Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak

Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
By: Zagazola Makama
In a major show of regional military cooperation, troops of the Nigerian Military in collaboration with the Nigerien Defence Forces have launched a decisive joint offensive on a fortified terrorist stronghold located between Damasak in Borno State and Diffa in southern Niger Republic.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the offensive, which began in the early hours of Sunday, targeted a well-defended insurgent position approximately 25 kilometres from Damasak and 17 kilometres from Diffa, believed to be operated by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the location served as a key logistical hub and operational base for the insurgents, complete with anti-aircraft (AA) gun emplacements and an extensive network of trenches.
“In the first wave of the assault, the Air Component Command of Operation HADIN KAI conducted four precision strikes which successfully knocked out enemy anti-aircraft positions and neutralised scores of terrorists,” the source said.
The coordinated strikes were immediately followed by aerial bombardment from the Nigerien Air Force, which delivered additional blows to the insurgents’ infrastructure and personnel. A subsequent Battle Damage Assessment confirmed the effectiveness of the air operations.
On the ground, combined troops from Nigeria and the Nigerien Defence Forces subsequently executed a dual-flank ground offensive to clear and secure the area.
“This joint operation point to the recent deepening regional cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic in the fight against terrorism and trans-border criminality in the Lake Chad Basin,” confirmed the source.
The offensive comes at a time of increasing cross-border attacks and insurgent movement in the region, especially around the Kamadougou-Yobe River axis and other porous points of the Nigeria–Niger border.
Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
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Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi

Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
By: Zagazola Makama
For weeks, residents of Umuasi Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State lived with an uneasy silence. Whispers of cult-related violence, extortion, and intimidation crept through the community like a shadow.
But in the early hours of July 21, a breakthrough by the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Enugu State Police Command brought a glimmer of hope.
It all began with the confession of a 31-year-old cult suspect, Ikemefuna Ani, popularly known as “Majority,” who was already in custody and undergoing investigation for cult-related offenses.
According to sources within the Anti-Cultism Unit, Ani’s detailed statement cracked open what had long been a closely guarded network. Acting on his revelations, the Officer in Charge of the squad led a pre-dawn operation to Umuasi Ngwo at about 4:30 a.m.
The result was the arrest of three notorious cultists: Stephen Chidiebere Ugwu (alias “Shaggy”), aged 42; Arinze Udeh (alias “Anonymous”), aged 30; and Onuigbo Kingsley, all residents of the area and self-confessed members of the Black Axe confraternity.
Their arrest marks a significant milestone in Enugu’s ongoing efforts to rid its communities of cult-related violence and criminality.
One locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel gun was recovered during the raid, further strengthening suspicions that the cultists were involved in activities far beyond mere fraternity.
“These are not just men hanging out in secret corners. They’re part of a dangerous network that has, for too long, threatened the peace and safety of our people,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.
The suspects, now in police custody, reportedly confessed to longstanding involvement in cult activities ranging from intimidation of residents to violent clashes with rival groups. Some community members who spoke to NAN under anonymity said the suspects had long been feared figures in the neighbourhood.
“People avoided them. We knew they were up to no good, but fear kept everyone quiet,” said a youth leader in Umuasi Ngwo.
The Police Command says discreet investigations are ongoing and that more arrests may follow as operatives continue to unravel the network’s operations across the state.
Police sources have reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, urging citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
“We are taking proactive steps. Anyone involved in cultism should know there’s no hiding place. Communities are safer when the people support our work with information,” he said.
This latest development adds to the growing list of successful operations by Enugu’s Anti-Cultism Squad, which has intensified its crackdown on secret cults in both urban and rural areas.
For the people of Umuasi Ngwo, the arrests bring a renewed sense of security. But as investigations continue, residents hope the momentum won’t stop with these three.
“There are more of them out there,” said one elderly resident. “We just pray the police won’t stop until they clean up everything.”
Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
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Nana Shettima at 50: Happy Golden Anniversary to the woman standing tall on this side of life with VP Kashim Shettima.

Nana Shettima at 50: Happy Golden Anniversary to the woman standing tall on this side of life with VP Kashim Shettima.
By: Dr. James BWALA
Nana Shettima’s 50th birthday marks a significant milestone, celebrating not only her personal achievements but also her role as a steadfast partner to Vice President Kashim Shettima. As the Vice Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Nana Shettima has demonstrated unwavering commitment to grassroots development and social welfare, exemplified by her recent visit to Calabar, where she distributed food items to vulnerable communities. Her efforts reflect a profound dedication to humanitarian causes, reinforcing her stature as a respected public figure.
Beyond philanthropy, Nana Shettima embodies resilience and grace in navigating the complexities of public life alongside Nigeria’s vice president. The celebration of her golden anniversary with VP Kashim Shettima underscores their partnership both in private and public spheres. This milestone is a testament to her enduring influence and the vital role she plays on “this side of life,” standing tall amidst challenges while inspiring many through service and leadership.

Her journey to this day is a beacon of hope, illustrating how steadfast dedication to community upliftment can forge pathways for sustainable change and empowerment. Her unwavering dedication to societal betterment has not only enriched countless lives but also set a benchmark for compassionate leadership in the nation. Her leadership style, defined by empathy and inclusivity, continues to inspire a new generation of women leaders who aspire to effect meaningful change within their communities. Her influence extends beyond national borders, where her advocacy for women’s empowerment and education resonates on international platforms, further solidifying her legacy as a transformative leader.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/nigeria-buharis-death-has-thrown-the-adc-coalition-into-chaos-as-plans-to-ride-the-former-presidents-political-fortunes-against-tinubu-and-shettima-in-2027-collapsed/
Nana Shettima’s tireless advocacy for gender equality and her strategic initiatives in educational development underscore the profound impact of her work, fostering a legacy that champions the rights and potential of women across various sectors. Her efforts in grassroots development, as evidenced by her active role in initiatives like the Renewed Hope Initiative, have been pivotal in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities and fostering societal progress. Her presence at events such as her recent visit to Cross River State, where she was warmly welcomed by Governor Bassey Otu, underscores her commitment to grassroots development and the empowerment of vulnerable groups. Her recent endeavors, including the distribution of food items during her visit to Cross River State, highlight her active engagement in addressing the immediate needs of those most vulnerable, reinforcing her commitment to fostering resilience and hope within these communities.

Nana’s strategic vision and compassionate leadership continue to bridge gaps in access to essential resources, empowering women and enriching communities across Nigeria. Her steadfast dedication to uplifting the lives of those around her continues to inspire many, as she remains a beacon of hope and progress in Nigeria’s journey towards an equitable future.
Uwar Marayu”—The Mother of Orphans, as you are fondly called—represents a beacon of compassion and resilience within our community. Your unwavering dedication to the welfare of orphans exemplifies the highest ideals of empathy and selflessness. Over the past fifty years, your tireless efforts have transformed countless lives, providing not only material support but also emotional guidance and a sense of belonging to those who might otherwise feel forgotten.
As we celebrate this remarkable 50th anniversary, we acknowledge the profound impact you have made on both individual lives and society at large. Your commitment has fostered hope and opportunity, inspiring others to emulate your example. In praying with you and your family during this milestone, we invoke blessings upon your continued journey.
May Allah grant you enduring wisdom and courage as you persist in stirring more lives toward glory. Your legacy serves as a testament to the power of dedication in uplifting humanity, encouraging us all to contribute meaningfully to our communities. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
* James BWALA, PhD, writes from Abuja.
Nana Shettima at 50: Happy Golden Anniversary to the woman standing tall on this side of life with VP Kashim Shettima.
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