News Agency of Nigeria
FCCPC engages youths on consumer protection initiatives
Economy/Business

FCCPC engages youths on consumer protection initiatives

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has began engagement with students of tertiary institutions to sensitise them on their consumer rights and responsibilities.

Dr Adamu Abdullahi, the acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, said in Abuja on Monday, that the engagement was to equip youths with the knowledge to make consumer protection easier.

Abdullahi said the move was to create a generation of informed and proactive consumers to promote fairness and accountability in the market place.

He said the Commission had recognised the potentials of youths as agents of change in the market place.

”We believe that youths are the ones who go to the market, use social media, know what the market is all about and they can guide us on the way we do our work.

”We will also guide them on our Acts to know what their rights are.

”Advocacy is what is always needed in a Commission like ours so we want them to know that we exist to protect their rights,” he said.

The acting executive vice chairman said the Commission would review secondary schools’ curriculum to upgrade consumer education and sensitise students on their rights and responsibilities.

Abdullahi said that a committee was working on the review to come up with up-to-date and standard curriculum to sensitise children at a younger age.

”What we are trying to do is to review the curriculum so that children from that tender age will get to know what the FCCPC does.

”We want them to know what their rights are and to educate them on their responsibilities, demand and insist on your rights, ”he said.

Some of the youths who spoke through webinar, emphasised the role of the youths to support the Commission to ensure effective consumer protection.

Mr Ibrahim Sanni, a corp member, said the population of the country was youths dominated.

Sanni said that if youths were adequately sensitised and they know their rights, service providers would be careful in treating consumers.

Mr Bashiru Ibrahim, a student, said that there was need for consumer protection courses to be included in school curriculum to better educate youths.

Also, Ijeoma Nnabuike, appealed to the Commission to extend their advocacy to primary schools to enable pupils know their rights at a younger age. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

INEC warns personnel against unethical practices in Edo, Ondo
Politics

INEC warns personnel against unethical practices in Edo, Ondo

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned its personnel against unethical and corrupt practices in the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at a  lecture in honour of late Abubakar Momoh, former Director-General of the Electoral Institute (TEI), from August 2013 to May 2017.

Yakubu, represented by the National Commissioner, and Chairman, Board of Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, warned that any unethical practice before, during and after those elections would  incur severe punishments under the law.

The theme of the lecture was: “Achieving Professionalism among Election Personnel through Effective Training in Preparation for the Edo and Ondo Governorship Elections.’’

Yakubu said the success of any election largely depended on the professionalism and competence of those responsible for conducting it.

He advised electoral officers to be guided by the following principles of integrity, impartiality, transparency, professionalism, gender and disability sensitive.

He said it was important for electoral personnel to be knowledgeable, skilled and well-equipped with relevant competencies to handle the complexities and challenges of the electoral process.

“Moreover, the crucial role election personnel play in upholding the integrity of our democratic processes cannot be overstressed.

“The manner, in which they discharge their duties and responsibilities, affects the degree of confidence voters will have in the electoral process which will impact on their participation and turn out,’’ he said.

Yakubu said that to ensure credibility and trustworthiness in elections and build trust among the electorate, INEC had always prioritised the professional development of its election personnel.

He said the commission identified effective and efficient electoral training as the key to unlocking professionalism among election personnel.

“The commission’s involvement in effective training programmes has empowered its staff to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in order to strengthen our processes and procedures to serve the interests of all Nigerians,’’ he said.

He said that through training, INEC was able to deepen electoral knowledge and strengthen the skills and competences of personnel over time.

The TEI Director-General, Dr Sa’ad Idris in his remarks, said that INEC in pursuit of its mission and vision had prioritised professionalism toward achieving free, credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

“As we prepare for the 2024 Edo and Ondo  off cycle governorship elections, the commission is assured that the outcome of effective training of Election personnel will manifest in the high level of professionalism. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

NGO urges collaboration to improve menstrual hygiene management
Health

NGO urges collaboration to improve menstrual hygiene management

By Safia Abdulrahman

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Wonder Woman has called for increased collaboration by stakeholders to address

menstrual hygiene issues among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The group’s Vice President, Anne Dirkling, made the call during sensitisation workshop at the Federal Government Girls’ Collage Bwari, FCT, on Friday.

She said it is normal to sensitise young girls to understand menstrual health hygiene and to normalise as a natural growth pattern for the female.

She acknowledged the struggles of girls and women in Nigeria who faced period stigma in society, which is why the NGO came up with the sensitisation workshop.

She added that the project in support of the French Embassy in Nigeria provided a platform for girls to learn about puberty and adolescence in a safe, open environment.

“We have containers across the town for people to drop plastic waste, and in exchange, we distribute reusable sanitary pads and soaps,” she said.

According to her, plastic is not used to make pads but to gather, sell to bottle recycling companies, and use the funds to purchase menstrual hygiene kits for vulnerable girls and women in society.

“The Plastic Pads Project is conducted in partnership with other parts and Bwari Area Council by placing containers around town to collect recyclable waste.

“The proceeds are used to provide sanitary hygiene kits, reusable pads, and soap to girls in the community,” Dirkling said.

She emphasised the importance of normalising menstruation where girls could openly discuss and understand menstrual health, noting that “this would be possible by encouraging conversations and providing necessary products.

“The initiative aims to empower girls, reduce school absenteeism, and ensure they remain confident and focused on their education.”

The NGO Programme manager, Mr Kumbet Longdi, said the aim of the workshop is to inspire girls to take action for a period-friendly environment, thereby encouraging them to gather plastic waste in exchange for sanitary pads.

One of the students, Blessing Efeoghene, who came overall best in the questions and answers session, commended the NGO for the initiative, saying “we will ensure that more plastic waste are gathered and deposited in the container given to us by the NGO.”

Thr News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the programme, a container was launched at the school, and 170 menstrual hygiene kits were distributed to the students.

The group explored various aspects of menstruation, societal perceptions, and the importance of menstrual health and hygiene through educative sessions and games with the students.

NAN reports that menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle, indicating the absence of pregnancy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

ECOWAS Court dismisses Dasuki’s enforcement suit against FG
Foreign

ECOWAS Court dismisses Dasuki’s enforcement suit against FG

By Mark Longyen

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed an application filed by former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, praying the court to compel Nigeria to enforce its judgment delivered in his favour on Oct. 4, 2016.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the court had in the judgment declared Dasuki’s arrest and detention by the Nigerian government unlawful and a violation of his rights.

Justice Sengu Koroma, the Judge Rapporteur, while delivering judgment in Abuja on Dasuki’s application for enforcement, dismissed it on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain or enforce the earlier judgment.

Koroma said the court was guided by laid down procedures regarding the enforcement of its judgments as enshrined in the Community Law, and the proper party to institute an enforcement failure claim.

“Having thoroughly assessed the claims and constitutive texts of the Court, it lacks the competence to adjudicate the present claim,” the court said.

NAN reports that in the suit marked: ECW/CCJ/JUD/23/16, Justice Friday Nwoke had declared the government’s action against Dasuki as “arbitrary, unlawful, a mockery of democracy and the rule of law, and a violation of local and international rights to liberty.”

The court had further held that the government’s action violated Dasuki’s rights under the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

It, therefore, ordered the release of all the seized properties of the applicant, as well as the payment of N15, 000,000 damages to him.

Following the federal government’s failure to comply with and enforce the said judgment, the applicant, therefore, filed the application before the court for its enforcement.

Earlier at the hearing of the matter, the federal government denied the applicant’s allegations, stressing that the properties being claimed by Dasuki were subjects of ongoing criminal proceedings, which he did not disclose in the suit.

The respondent’s counsel had argued that the government had already fulfilled its obligations, adding that the court’s Chief Registrar had issued a Writ of Execution, making the relief prayed for by the applicant unnecessary.

The panel, which comprised Justice Edward Asante (presiding), Justice Sengu Koroma (Judge Rapporteur), and Justice Ricardo Claúdio Gonçalves (member), awarded no costs to parties in the suit.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Buni Gari water treatment plant ready June – Yobe Gov.
Environment

Buni Gari water treatment plant ready June – Yobe Gov.

By Ahmed Abba

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe says the 16 million litres per day capacity Buni Gari Water Treatment Plant will be ready by the end of June.

Buni stated this in Buni Gari on Saturday when he inspected the level of work at the project site.

“We are assured that the plant will be ready by June this year, as stipulated in the contractual agreement,” he said.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the depth of the plant’s reservoir, water confluence point, and the installation of solar-powered equipment.

Buni also said the plant’s production capacity could be further upgraded to 20 million litres per day upon completion.

He said that the project would address water scarcity in the town and its environs when completed.

The governor charged the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe for the state to have value for its money.

Buni also expressed satisfaction with the backup generator that would be installed at the plant to ensure consistency in operation.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/ Gabriel Yough

Agency trains 18 mechanics on water facility maintenance in Kano
Environment

Agency trains 18 mechanics on water facility maintenance in Kano

By Tosin Kolade

The Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has trained 18 mechanics and water supply officers on the operation and maintenance of water facilities across seven local governments.

Malam Shamwilu Abdulkadir, Managing Director of the agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that this became necessary to prevent the breakdown of water supply facilities.

According to him, this initiative is part of the ‘Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM)’ strategy, which engages local artisans to manage water facilities in rural areas.

Abdulkadir added that the agency had organised a workshop to review the quality of state rural water and develop a surveillance and implementation strategy.

He said, “We have initiated and executed a number of water supply projects in various communities and institutions where potable water was seriously needed.

“These include the construction of an 8000- litre solar borehole at Babawa General Hospital. In addition to this, the agency also repaired 8 hand pump boreholes in the community.

“It also constructed a 12,000-litre solar powered borehole and reticulation of 500 metres at Kano State School of Health Technology and constructed 4 hand pump boreholes for Sitti communities in Sumaila Local Government.

“We have also rehabilitated many nonfunctional boreholes at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital overhead tank, handpump boreholes, and the Ministry of Information water facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat.

“We rehabilitated the Office of the Head of Civil Service facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat; Rehabilitation and upgrade of motorised solar-powered boreholes at Hugungumai village in Tsanyawa Local Government , among others.”

Abdulkadir said the agency had recorded 11 open defecation-free local government areas within the last ten months.

He said that the feat was part of the sustained plausible efforts to deliver on the mandate to end open defecation practices.

The managing director said the initiative also aimed to promote hygiene in the state, following the 2025 national road-map.

Abdulkadir said this had added to the eight local governments already declared open defecation-free.

He mentioned that a support mechanism had been established to ensure sustainability.

According to him, upon assuming office, he continued with ongoing programmes related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the specialised operational focus of the agency with support from the United Nations.

He added, “We have also set up a mechanism to support the eight validated local governments declared open defecation-free for sustainability.

“RUWASSA also embarked on training 24 WASH officials on community WASH facilities management within these local governments.”

The managing director added that various capacity-building workshops had been organised for better service delivery, including the WASH Framework on Measurement and Evaluation in the state.

NAN reports that WASH sector observers in Kano believe Malam Shamwilu’s appointment marks a positive change in the agency’s management, leading to significant impacts.

They agree that Governor Abba Kabir made the right choice in selecting Malam Shamwilu Abdulkadir as Managing Director of RUWASSA.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Bashir Rabe Mani

NGO urges collaboration to improve menstrual hygiene management
Health

NGO urges collaboration to improve menstrual hygiene management

By Safia Abdulrahman

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Wonder Woman has called for increased collaboration by stakeholders to address

menstrual hygiene issues among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The group’s Vice President, Anne Dirkling, made the call during sensitisation workshop at the Federal Government Girls’ Collage Bwari, FCT, on Friday.

She said it is normal to sensitise young girls to understand menstrual health hygiene and to normalise as a natural growth pattern for the female.

She acknowledged the struggles of girls and women in Nigeria who faced period stigma in society, which is why the NGO came up with the sensitisation workshop.

She added that the project in support of the French Embassy in Nigeria provided a platform for girls to learn about puberty and adolescence in a safe, open environment.

“We have containers across the town for people to drop plastic waste, and in exchange, we distribute reusable sanitary pads and soaps,” she said.

According to her, plastic is not used to make pads but to gather, sell to bottle recycling companies, and use the funds to purchase menstrual hygiene kits for vulnerable girls and women in society.

“The Plastic Pads Project is conducted in partnership with other parts and Bwari Area Council by placing containers around town to collect recyclable waste.

“The proceeds are used to provide sanitary hygiene kits, reusable pads, and soap to girls in the community,” Dirkling said.

She emphasised the importance of normalising menstruation where girls could openly discuss and understand menstrual health, noting that “this would be possible by encouraging conversations and providing necessary products.

“The initiative aims to empower girls, reduce school absenteeism, and ensure they remain confident and focused on their education.”

The NGO Programme manager, Mr Kumbet Longdi, said the aim of the workshop is to inspire girls to take action for a period-friendly environment, thereby encouraging them to gather plastic waste in exchange for sanitary pads.

One of the students, Blessing Efeoghene, who came overall best in the questions and answers session, commended the NGO for the initiative, saying “we will ensure that more plastic waste are gathered and deposited in the container given to us by the NGO.”

Thr News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the programme, a container was launched at the school, and 170 menstrual hygiene kits were distributed to the students.

The group explored various aspects of menstruation, societal perceptions, and the importance of menstrual health and hygiene through educative sessions and games with the students.

NAN reports that menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle, indicating the absence of pregnancy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

I-G tasks regional police chiefs on collaboration to tackle insecurity
Foreign

I-G tasks regional police chiefs on collaboration to tackle insecurity

By Mark Longyen

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called on West African police chiefs to collaborate and devise innovative ways to tackle emerging complex security challenges facing the ECOWAS bloc.

Egbetokun made this known at a meeting of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) technical sub-committee on training and operations in Abuja.

He said that the West African subregion had in recent times been confronted with complex national security challenges, which had been accentuating transnational crimes.

“The activities of these cybercriminals has imposed on us all the additional burden of developing our national security capacity to dominate cyberspace and deny criminals the liberty to operate in our overriding national and regional security interests.

“The differences in legal frameworks and legislative systems continue to hinder effective law enforcement operations and criminal justice delivery initiatives among member states.

“Our security reality continually deepens the need to commit to regional collaboration, towards dissecting the pattern and trend of crimes on the one hand, and towards pulling together and supporting each other in bridging our national security gaps,” he said.

According to him, these challenges have been posing significant threats to the national security order of member states, as well as regional peace and social economic profile.

Egbetokun enumerated such crimes to include traditional crimes of stealing, cross border robberies, human goods, drugs trafficking, small arms and light weapons smuggling, banditry, terrorism, as well as other non-state actors.

He further said that cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes were now emerging as bigger challenges to the subregion’s security.

The I-G said that a critical hindrance to effective regional law enforcement operations and criminal justice delivery initiatives was the differences in legal frameworks and legislative systems among member states.

“The situation calls for a collective review of the multivarious legal framework and regulates law enforcement and criminal justice delivery system.

“It also calls for a stronger operational partnership that will encourage the evolution of workable protocol that will engender stronger operational integration amongst security forces and border management agencies within the sub region,” Egbetokun said.

Also speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatah Musah, said that the fast evolution of information technology had further sophisticated the platforms and tactics used by criminal networks against targets.

Represented by Dr Abdourahmane Dieng, the Permanent Secretary, WAPCCO, Musah said that crime and criminality continued to pose a big threat to lives and property in the subregion, thereby creating an unconditional environment for meaningful development.

The commissioner said that security and law enforcement agents in the region had for so many years focused on territorial, aerial and maritime borders as key points for close surveillance against crime.

“However, with the dynamic availability and capacity of cyberspace, which transcends beyond geographical borders, criminality has become more efficient, faster and safer for criminals to execute.

“Therefore, our mandate is to increase our capacity on the fight against transnational border crime of all forms which include employing training and operational strategies.

“The illicit traffic and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human smuggling activities, armed robbery, illicit migration, child trafficking and labor, kidnapping, abduction, maritime piracy are but a few of the main highlights trending in our region,” Musah said.

He, therefore, urged the participants to share, inform, exchange and discuss issues and activities surrounding training and operations in their respective member states with a view to coming up with joint strategies on security personnel’s training and operations.

The Director, Interpol Regional Bureau, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Paule Ouedrago, said the transnational dimension of the crimes required collaboration between countries, adding that the Regional Office would support the efforts through international police cooperation.

She called for the strengthening of collaboration between the Permanent Secretariat of the Committee of Police Chiefs and her office in the organisation and implementation of police training and operations.

“This is how, together, we will succeed in dismantling and disrupting the criminal networks that undermine the tireless development efforts,”Ouedrago added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Statistician-General calls for action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria
Business

Statistician-General calls for action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria

By Okeoghene Akubuike

Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation has called on stakeholders to take action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.

Adeniran, CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said this at a Stakeholders Technical Dialogue on the “Operationalisation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI) as a Policy Tool in Nigeria” in Abuja on Thursday.

He said results from the 2022 MPI survey showed Nigeria has 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty in spite of its vast resources and potential for exponential growth.

“The MPI has given us a clear picture of what is happening in Nigeria. It has shown us that poverty in Nigeria is not merely a lack of income but a deprivation of health, education and living standards.

“It is a daily struggle for clean water, adequate nutrition, safe housing and quality education for all genders and demography. But we have an opportunity to change the situation we are in.

“We can no longer afford to look away, the MPI report has highlighted critical areas that demand our attention. It has illuminated a clear path for strategic recommendations to lift millions out of poverty.

“We need your support and your contribution can turn this recommendations into reality.”

Adeniran said the common fund basket that was used from 2021 to 2022 to conduct the MPI survey was empty, as he called for adequate funding for the proposed programmes.

“The urgency we need to put in place programmes and projects to eradicate poverty is very urgent now.

“Every second we delay to tackle this poverty, another child loses their chance for a better life, and another family struggles to make ends meet.

“Our collective action is crucial in changing this narrative. Investing in these programmes is an investment in the future and our testament to our shared vision of a Nigeria where every citizen can live in dignity and opportunity.

“We call upon you all present, international donor agencies, international and national development banks, philanthropists, business leaders, policymakers and every Nigerian who believes in the power of hope.

“ Please be the catalyst that transforms vulnerability into strength, and that can change poverty into prosperity.”

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff said an essential step to responding to poverty in Nigeria was to integrate a gender perspective into data collection.

“Based on what has been highlighted in this report and we hope to see the discussion steered today as well, is how the technical discussions are going to address gender disparities in Nigeria.

“ There is an opportunity to undertake a deeper action at the state level to better address the disproportionate burden of poverty.

“Also on the climate impact on women and girls, and to more effectively direct resources and design programmes to address this.”

Christoff, represented by Djifa Ahado, said the Canadian government would continue to partner and support Nigeria in its development priorities, including those related to sustainable economic growth, health, and political participation.

According to him, as we look at our support in 2022-2023, we can see that Nigeria is now the second largest recipient of Canadian international assistance with funding of 277 million Canadian dollars.

Clare Henshaw, National Programme Specialist, UNDP, who spoke earlier on the progress of the MPI, said one of the next steps was to constitute an MPI Joint Basket Fund.

Henshaw said the MPI brought hope that poverty could be eradicated adding that it could only be achieved by collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

She said poverty in Nigeria could end by strengthening the country’s social protection, adding that it was important to strengthen the social protection around women to achieve significant results.

“ A key element of the MPI report was gender analysis for selected indicators, therefore gender analysis should constitute a core element of the MPI policy implementation and updates going forward.”

She said another way to reduce poverty was to ensure the National Social Register (NSR) was dynamic to capture everyone ensuring “no one is left behind.”

Henshaw said the MPI should be mainstreamed into the NSR for the identification of the poorest households, adding that the NSR should become a living document. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

SGF inaugurates 1.2km flood control drainage in Benue
Entertainment

SGF inaugurates 1.2km flood control drainage in Benue

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume has inaugurated the 1.2 kilometers Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project in Makurdi, Benue.

Akume while performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi said President Bola Tinubu was committed to a healthy and green environment for the development of the country.

He said the country was faced with numerous challenges, and the environmental destruction consistently caused by floods and gully erosion was a significant one.

Represented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Akume admitted that even before the establishment of N-HYPPADEC in 2021, environmental problems have been prevalent in most of the communities in the country.

He said N-HYPPADEC was tasked with environmental conservation in the country and has since then put in place the necessary infrastructure to reverse environmental degradation caused by floods and erosion.

“The task of reversing environmental damages caused by floods and erosion over the years is definitely not an easy one. It requires meticulous and long-term planning that should be executed in stages.

“This flood control project which we are here to inaugurate today, is only one of the early steps taken by the Commission towards reversing ecological degradation and promoting sustainable developments in riverine communities across the country.

“Thus, the completion of this project is a significant milestone in the efforts by N-HYPPADEC to mitigate the devastating effects of floods and erosion in Benue,” he said

Akume said the 1.2 kilometer flood control drainage would not only protect the environment and infrastructure but would also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals within the state capital.

“This Flood Control/Dyke Project, spanning a distance of 1.2 kilometers, is a shining example of what can be achieved when government agencies, private sector partners and local communities come together with a shared purpose.

“The project will not only protect the environment and infrastructure but will also safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals who call this region home,” he assured.

In his goodwill message, Gov. Hyacinth Alia commended the Federal Government for construction of the drainage system that would go a long way to mitigate the impact of flood on Makurdi residents.

Represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, Alia said the project stood  as a vital solution to the persistent problems of flooding and erosion within Makurdi metropolis.

Earlier, the Managing Director (MD), National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) Mr Abubakar Yelwa, said the project cost N1.2 billion.

Yelwa disclosed that the Federal Government had before now spent about N700 million on the Idye Basin flood control project in Makurdi.

He said for years Makurdi residents and other parts of Benue have endured annual flooding that has consumed thousands of homes and farmlands, displacing numerous families.

“The 2022 Benue floods were even more tragic. In 2022, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency reported that the floods consumed about 18,349 houses and farmlands, displacing a total of 134,797 people.

“This staggering impact shows the urgent need to take decisive action to safeguard the communities and the livelihoods of people in the state.

“Today, we stand to celebrate the completion of one of the contributions of the Federal Government through the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) by inaugurating the Idye Flood Control/Dyke Project, which spans an impressive 1.2 kilometers.

“This project, supplemented by an additional excavation of 2.5 kilometers to salvage the lower basin of the community, is a significant investment of approximately N1.2 billion,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that flood has become an annual ritual in Benue displacing hundreds of thousands and causing untold hardship and damage to them. (NAN) www.nannews.ng


Edited by Ifeanyi Okoronko/Gabriel Yough

 

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email