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Flood in Maiduguri: Why we should learn from history

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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

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of palliatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative to vulnerable residents across the state ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebration.

The governor launched the exercise at the Conference Hall of Prime Lodge in Maiduguri.

Governor Zulum commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for supporting widows, orphans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other vulnerable groups through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Borno State, I sincerely appreciate Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Founder of the Renewed Hope Initiative, for this compassionate intervention aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians and restoring hope to families facing economic hardship,” Zulum said.

The governor also praised the resilience and patience of the people of Borno despite years of insurgency and insecurity, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through people-oriented policies and programmes.

“Despite the challenges our state has faced over the years, our people have continued to demonstrate resilience, patience, and courage. As a government, we remain committed to implementing programmes and policies that directly improve the lives of our citizens,” he stated.

Zulum noted that the distribution exercise forms part of the federal and state governments broader social support programme aimed at cushioning economic hardship and strengthening community resilience.

“The distribution exercise we are flagging off today is therefore part of our broader social support programme designed to cushion economic difficulties and strengthen community resilience. I commend members of the Distribution Committee for their efforts and urge them to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability throughout the exercise so that the support will reach the rightful beneficiaries,” he added.

The governor urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the items distributed while also appreciating security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and development partners for their continued support towards peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Dr Abba Bashir Dankellori, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the timely intervention, describing it as a relief that would enable many Muslim families to celebrate the forthcoming Sallah with ease.

“I wish to, on behalf of the committee, thank the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the kind gesture. We also appreciate Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for the selfless leadership, commitment and service to the people of the state,” Dankellori stated.

According to him, beneficiaries of the intervention include Qur’anic and Sangaya school teachers, as well as religious organisations that contribute to the moral upbringing of society.

Governor Zulum was accompanied to the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Malumbe; Coordinator of Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Engr Baba Bukar Gujbawu; Permanent Secretary, Government House, Barr. Mustapha Busuguma, among other top government officials.

Zulum Flags off Distribution of Renewed Hope Sallah Palliative

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint Security forced in Plateau State on Sunday conducted a joint show of force across major flashpoints within Jos metropolis and the Bukuru general area to ensure peaceful church services and strengthen public confidence.

The operation involved troops of Operation Enduring Peace, personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 551 Station, Operation Keystone, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.

Security sources said the exercise commenced at about 7:30 a.m. and was aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action while providing adequate security coverage during church services.

The coordinated patrols and visibility operations covered identified vulnerable areas and strategic locations within Jos and Bukuru.

According to the sources, the operation was conducted without any security breach or incident, while religious activities across the affected areas remained peaceful.

The security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaborative operations aimed at maintaining law and order as well as protecting lives and property in Plateau State.

Security forces Conduct Show of Force In Jos, Bukuru During Church Services

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

Nigeria recorded a major triumph at the 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana, as teenage athletes Rosemary and Miracle delivered a stunning performance to win gold for the country in the women’s 4x100m relay event.

The young stars, both students of NTIC Secondary School, helped Team Nigeria clinch the gold medal with an impressive time of 42.94 seconds, further underlining the country’s growing strength in athletics.

Their victory also secured Nigeria a ticket to the World Championships in Gaborone, while guaranteeing qualification for the 2027 World Championship in China.

The feat was particularly remarkable for Rosemary, who was making her senior debut for Nigeria at the continental championship.

Sports enthusiasts have since praised the duo for proving that age is no barrier to excellence, with many describing their performance as a glimpse into the bright future of Nigerian athletics.

Teenage Sensations Rosemary, Miracle Win Gold for Nigeria, Secure World Championship Spot

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