With Fury of a Tempest, Alau Dam Flood 

By: Balami Lazarus 

Who wants to be a millionaire? a television quiz program anchored by one Frank Idoho, which I hardly missed. I recalled a question once asked: Where is Lake Alau? In the options, there was Borno state among other states. The young man on the hot seat gave a wrong answer. I believe because Lake Alau was then not popular, unlike its cousin, Lake Chad. 

Not much is known about the Lake, Alau, and the dam known and called Lake Alau Dam put together. Let me first start with the lake as a natural geographical feature, a large body of water surrounded by land. However, and to the best of my findings, there is no available written document on the history of this lake in question. But it held that the Lake was there many years traceable to the period of the Kanem- Borno Empire. While the present Alau was a small settlement that emerged during the formative years of Shehu’s dynasty from 1846 to the present day. It later grew into a village with people of Kanuri extraction. 

Alau is today part of the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno state, some few kilometers away from Maiduguri city center. For the purpose of providing portable drinking water and to improve agriculture through irrigation farming and fishing, a dam was constructed by the past administration of the state from 1984 to 1986. The project was tagged as Water for Borno. Thereby, Lake Alau Dam has become part of the people’s lives, for its importance cannot be quantified. 

The recent Alau Dam flood that nearly swept away the city of Maiduguri came with a raging fury of a tempest in September 2024 I will liken to one of the works of William Shakespeare—”The Tempest.”TheTempest”. That of the play was simply and deliberately raised to humble palace traitor Antonio and his co-conspirators, who ousted Duke Prospero, whom they marooned on a deserted island, leaving him to his fate. But ours came with devastating destruction and killing with ravaging effect from head to tail, which has caused unestimated damage. 

The flood was not because of the heavy rainfall experienced last season but from the overflow of the dam and subsequent breakoff of its decks. My last visit to Lake Alau Dam with some friends was years back. What was observed and saw were obsolete facilities that were outdated, old, and weakly decked. There was nothing to show that the dam is being cared for. But while growing up in Zaria as kids, we were so used to seeing Kubani and the University (ABU) dams being opened up to let out large quantities of water to avoid overflow and flooding. Has Alau Dam ever experienced that? Has it been dredged? 

Therefore, the 13-man committee led by Mr. Liman Gana Mustapha, a professional town planner, may wish to consider these questions as an inroad to finding a lasting solution to the flood matter. 

Balami, a Publisher/Columnist. 08036779290

With Fury of a Tempest, Alau Dam Flood 

Kashim Shettima, Leadership, and the Flood in Maiduguri

By Dr. James Bwala

These past few days, I have been thinking back on the flood in Maiduguri. I have spoken with at least thirty people who have been impacted by the flood, and their responses and comments regarding the flood and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s leadership struck me as something people had never observed at the worst of this natural calamity. In addition to highlighting the environmental issues the area is facing, the recent flooding in Maiduguri has also highlighted the leadership style of Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima. Due to excessive rainfall, a section of the Alau dam broke, and insufficient drainage systems, the region’s already preexisting socioeconomic vulnerabilities have been made worse by the floods. In light of this, Shettima’s reaction and crisis management techniques are worthy of close scrutiny.

Shettima’s proactive attitude to governance, especially during times of crisis, has frequently been described as a hallmark of his leadership style. During his term as Borno State’s governor, he made large infrastructural improvements meant to increase the state’s resilience to severe catastrophes. Notwithstanding these endeavors, Maiduguri’s persistent shortcomings in urban planning and emergency preparedness are brought to light by the latest floods. It is admirable how Shettima can organize resources and interact with the community in times of need.

The former Borno State governor and current vice president of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has taken the lead in resolving these crises. His proactive approach to leadership is marked by a desire to both build community resilience and lessen the effects of natural disasters. Shettima has advocated for long-term infrastructure improvements in addition to organizing resources for emergency relief operations in response to the flooding issue. Through collaboration with several entities, such as non-governmental organizations and foreign agencies, his objective is to furnish those impacted by the floods with basic amenities like potable water, food, and medical support.

Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima

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Severe flooding has caused serious problems for Maiduguri and made the humanitarian crises already plaguing the area worse. Kashim Shettima’s prompt action has been essential in meeting the impacted communities’ urgent needs. He took preemptive steps to deliver relief supplies such as food, medical supplies, and shelter for displaced people by organizing local resources and liaising with national agencies. This prompt action not only demonstrates good leadership, but it also emphasizes how crucial leadership is in emergency situations.

The Vice President’s strategy included a thorough evaluation of the flooding damage, which made it possible to identify the most vulnerable groups for focused actions. Through his interactions with local officials and citizens, he made sure that relief efforts were appropriate for the setting and sensitive to cultural differences. By encouraging a sense of ownership among local stakeholders, this participatory technique improved confidence in government activities.

Different stakeholders in the state have responded differently to the visit of Nigeria’s vice president, Kashim Shettima, to address flood victims. Numerous localities have experienced devastation as a result of the extraordinary floods, which has resulted in property and human casualties. Many of the victims Shettima spoke with expressed hope that his presence would spur government action to provide desperately needed relief and to begin rehabilitation efforts. The significance of direct involvement from high-ranking officials was underscored by community leaders, who saw it as an indication that their predicament is being recognized on a national scale.

Kashim Shettima spoke about the suffering of flood victims who have been badly impacted by unusual flooding while on a recent visit to Maiduguri. His words were meant to be comforting, but they also served as a guide for healing and restoration. Shettima underlined the necessity of unity and group efforts to address this environmental catastrophe. He emphasized that in order to ensure that relief efforts are efficient and timely, the government would mobilize resources to aid individuals who have been displaced by the floods.

Shettima’s speech also emphasized how crucial community resilience is to surviving tragedies like this. He asked residents and local authorities to work together with government organizations to identify high-risk locations and put precautionary measures in place to avoid similar flooding incidents in the future. Shettima sought to empower communities while easing their immediate pains through coordinated relief activities by encouraging a sense of shared responsibility.

Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Kashim Shettima, Leadership, and the Flood in Maiduguri

Letter to Kashim Shettima at 58: Happy Birthday, Mr. Vice President

By: Dr. James Bwala

To Kashim Shettima, my esteemed vice president, I would like to wish you a very happy 58th birthday on this memorable day. Many people have found inspiration in your leadership and commitment to serve our nation, and I am honored to have the chance to offer my sincere congratulations on reaching this significant accomplishment.

As a default-level student of the Kashmir political class, I am impressed by your poise and ethics in navigating the complexity of politics. The policies you have supported and the initiatives you have started demonstrate your dedication to raising the standard of living for the citizens of our country. I sincerely appreciate and support your idea for a brighter future for everyone. 

Happy Birthday, Mr. Vice President

What it means to be a public servant has been exemplified by your leadership. We have taken note of your persistent efforts to push for positive change and address the issues affecting our nation. I sincerely appreciate your commitment to enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and education since it has positively impacted countless lives. It is well known that you are a kind and accomplished person, especially now that you are 58 years old. You have undoubtedly contributed significantly to the advancement of both your state and the nation as a whole. More leadership and counting have been seen in your records

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Your empathy for others who are less fortunate is one of your best traits. Everywhere you go, you have continuously sought to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and underprivileged groups. You have put in place a number of social welfare initiatives aimed at helping the poor, widows, orphans, and internally displaced people. You continue to be a tremendous achiever who has advanced significantly in a number of areas in addition to your compassion. 

During your tenure as the governor of Borno State, you managed the execution of multiple developmental initiatives that yielded favorable results for the state’s healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Borno State benefited from increased access to high-quality education, broader healthcare coverage, and greater infrastructure development under your leadership.

In Borno State, an area beset by violence and insurgencies for more than ten years, you have played a crucial role in promoting peace and security. In spite of the obstacles presented by the Boko Haram insurgency, you persisted in your will to advance peace and stability in the area. 

You have been an outspoken supporter of peaceful cohabitation among Borno State’s diverse population and have devoted countless hours to bridging the divide between various ethnic and religious groupings. You distinguish yourself from other political leaders by your commitment to public service and your care for the well-being of your constituents. Many people in Nigeria and beyond admire and respect you for your outstanding accomplishments and kindness.

 As a kind and accomplished individual who has significantly aided in the growth of Borno State and Nigeria overall. You are a genuinely amazing leader because of your devotion to serving the public, your desire to better the lives of those who are less fortunate, and your support of peace and security. As you commemorate your 58th birthday this year, it’s obvious that future generations will be motivated by your example to work for a more positive, inclusive society for all.

As you become older, your charitable endeavors also become more significant in addition to your political career. Thousands of lives have been impacted by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, which helps the less fortunate in Borno State and beyond with healthcare, education, and other services. 

It has also contributed to the reduction of poverty and enhancement of the general well-being of the populace. You continue to be regarded as a significant role in Nigerian politics on many fronts, valued for your honesty, diligence, and devotion to helping your fellow citizens. Your tenure as Borno State’s governor has left a lasting impression on the people you served, and it will continue to motivate upcoming generations of leaders to give selflessly to the advancement of our society.

I hope you pause to consider all that you have achieved and the lives you have impacted as you celebrate your 58th birthday. Your leadership has had an impact, and I have no doubt that your love and dedication to serving our country will continue to motivate others. Mr. Vice President, I hope your special day is filled with joy and happiness. I hope you have a happy, healthy, and prosperous day. 

Happy 58th birthday! Sincerely, Dr. James Bwala, PhD. 

Letter to Kashim Shettima at 58: Happy Birthday, Mr. Vice President