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Flood in Maiduguri: Why we should learn from history
Flood in Maiduguri: Why we should learn from history
By Yusuf Adamu
30 years ago, there was the same incident in Maiduguri. I can recall my days as a pupil at the Yerwa Practice Primary School. The two rivers that brought floods to Maiduguri, which are the Gadabul and Ngada rivers, have their connecting points near our school. The deepest places we used to go and swim were near the Satus Hotel, a place we called ‘Buzaye’. Our seniors are the ones that go play around that area. We that are junior classes used to go near the veterinary clinic to play because it was not as deep as the area where Satus Hotel is currently situated.
Before the government constructed the Lagos Street Bridge, people at that time used canoes for crossing to the other side and back. Also, there is a place between Gwange and Kulogumna where canoes used to ferry people across the rivers. The Custom Bridge and that of Gwange are one lane; as such, vehicles cross the bridge at a time, as it cannot take two to cross from the sides. Usually during the rainy season, the students, especially those who are living in town, are being asked to remain, while only children from GRA go to Yerwa Practice because the water usually cuts off people from either side. That is why, for me, I have classmates both at Yerwa Practice and Central Primary School. This is owing to the divide as a result of rain whenever it comes as such.
Today, the whole of the river banks are occupied by buildings due to the development of the city. People failed to check the history of these places where they buy plots and build their houses. They block the ways of the rivers, and there are no channels constructed in such a situation. One thing with rivers: they always come their way unless they are diverted. But in this situation and especially on Maiduguri, there are no such diversion or some sort of channels made in readiness for such a situation. People build indiscriminately and never remember that history has a place to play in building. This is the impact we are seeing today.
Today’s government, under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has done well in the construction of roads and drainages in Maiduguri, which is supposed to bring ease to such a situation. But still, the people use such drainages as dumping grounds for waste. I was in Maiduguri recently, and looking at the efforts of the government, I said that with all these in place, flooding is not likely to takeover the state as it has for the last 30 years. People refused to take care of these drainages. They are not conscious of the surroundings and what is likely to happen in such a situation.
I recalled that at a point the state governor warned of indiscriminate building along the river banks and ordered the demolition of such illegal buildings, but the reaction from the people was something else. This has made the government retrace its steps towards averting such a disaster. The government, however, continued to educate the people on the need to keep their drainages open and to make ways within their communities for water passage, but they kept close ears to warning signs. If history has it 30 years ago, what makes the people think that it cannot be repeated? Why are we constantly in motion without counting the cost of motion? I think this should also be a lesson for our people to avoid in the future.
*Yusuf Adamu writes from Maiduguri
Flood in Maiduguri: Why we should learn from history
Boko Haram: Zulum Donates N30m for Purchase of House to Family of Slain Army Officer
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has donated N30 million cash to the family of the late Army Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Alari, who recently lost his life in the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents in the Timbuktu Triangle.
The donation, which was made personally to the wife of the late officer by the Governor on Saturday in Maiduguri, is to enable the family buy a house
The governor while extending his condolences to the family of the late soldier and all others who lost their lives fighting to restore peace in Borno State, said: “Yesterday, we sent a high-level state government delegation to the funeral. However, I felt the need to personally extend my condolences on behalf of the government and people of the state.”
He added: “Let me also extend my condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the cause of the fight against terrorism in Borno and all parts of the northeast.”
“We are also presenting a token donation of N30m for his immediate family to purchase a house because I was told that Lt Col Alari doesn’t own a personal house. I want to assure you that apart from this, we will continue to offer support to you and the families of our fallen heroes who have put their lives in defence of our country.” Zulum stated.
The presentation was made in the presence of the Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, Sector 2 Commander, and Major General Chieiebere Ejike. Also present are Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and House of Representatives members Engr Bukar Talba and Ahmed Jaha.
Other State Government officials who attended the presentation include the Deputy Chief of Staff, Engr. Babagana Malumbe; Commissioners; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mustapha Ali Busuguma; Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Brigadier Gen. Abdullahi Ishaq (Rtd); and Chairman of Damboa Local Government, Ali Kauji among other senior officers.
Boko Haram: Zulum Donates N30m for Purchase of House to Family of Slain Army Officer
Buni elected chairman of the Lake Chad governor’s forum.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, was elected as chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum to run the affairs for two years.
The election of Governor Buni comes shortly after the end of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum meeting held at Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Mai Mala Buni CON commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for providing leadership to the country and region at a very difficult time.
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum meeting was hosted by the Yobe state government and was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima GCON.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his leadership and commitment to peace, security, and development of the Lake Chad Basin region, Governor Buni said.
He appreciated his colleagues, the governors of the Lake Chad Basin region, delegates, and all other stakeholders for attending and contributing to the success of the meeting.
“Therefore, we look forward to a more robust partnership, support, and the needed resource allocation for us to individually and collectively actualize our shared ambition of building a better and prosperous region for our citizens.
“I wish to, on behalf of myself, the government, and the people of Yobe State, commend and appreciate the decision of my colleagues for endorsing me as the new chairman of the forum.
According to Buni, it is gratifying that as we celebrate the successful end of this meeting, my colleagues have found me worthy of chairing the forum for the next two years.
Buni elected chairman of the Lake Chad governor’s forum.
Mustapha Rufau Appointed as Kangiwa of Adamawa Emirate
By: Michael Mike
In a significant development for the Adamawa Emirate, Mustapha Rufau, a distinguished businessman from a prestigious family, has been appointed as the Kangiwa of the Adamawa Emirate.
The appointment underscores his exemplary contributions to business, leadership, and community development.
Mustapha Rufau is renowned for his sharp business acumen and success in diverse ventures, which have cemented his reputation as an astute entrepreneur.
His visionary leadership and commitment to societal growth have earned him admiration both in the corporate world and among community stakeholders.
The title of Kangiwa is one of great honor and responsibility, symbolizing leadership, trust, and service to the emirate. With his deep-rooted values and dedication to progress, Mustapha Rufau is expected to play a pivotal role in preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage while driving unity and development across the region.
This appointment also reflects the enduring influence of the Rufau family, known for their legacy of service and excellence.
As Kangiwa, Mustapha Rufau’s leadership is anticipated to leave a lasting impact on the Adamawa Emirate and beyond.
Mustapha Rufau Appointed as Kangiwa of Adamawa Emirate
Boko Haram: Zulum Donates N30m for Purchase of House to Family of Slain Army Officer
Buni elected chairman of the Lake Chad governor’s forum.
Mustapha Rufau Appointed as Kangiwa of Adamawa Emirate
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