DG, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency ( NIHSA),Mr Clement Nze
Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu , other stakeholders during the official unveiling of the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook in Abuja

By Akpan Kehinde

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu has warned that 178 Local Government Areas(LGAs) in 32 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) fell among highly probable flood risk Areas for 2023.

The minister gave the early warning, following earlier predictions by the NIgeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), at the official unveiling of the 2023 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), themed ‘ Flood Prediction and it’s impact on Soco- Economic Livelihood’ on Friday in Abuja.

According to him, the forecasts for the 2023 AFO, showed that 178 LGAs in 32 states of the Federation, and the FCT, fall within the Highly Probable Flood Risk Areas, and 224 LGAs in 35 States of the Federation, including the FCT fall within the Moderately Probable Flood Risk Areas

Meanwhile, the remaining 402 LGAs fall within the Probable Flood Risk Areas.

“The Highly Probable Flood Risk States are: Adamawa, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross- River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and the FCT.

Adamu said the level of floods in highly probable flood risk States, is expected to be high in terms of impact on the population, agriculture, livelihood, livestock , Infrastructure and the environment, between April and November.

“Part of 66 LGA’s across the country fall within the Highly Probable Risk areas in the months of April, May and June, while part of 148 LGAs in the months of July, August and September, while part of 100 LGAs in the months of October and November, 2023.

“The details of the LGAs and their corresponding states are contained in our publication.

” The moderate impact level of floods are expected in parts of 41 LGAs within the months of April, May and June, and in parts of 199 LGAS within the months of July, August and September, and parts of 73 LGAs within the months of October and November, 2023.”he added.

He noted that Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers and Ondo, would be experiencing coastal flooding, due to rise in sea level and tidal surge, which would impact on fishing, wildlife habitation and river navigation.

“The flash and urban flood will be experienced in urban cities centres across cities of Lagos, Kaduna, Suleja, Gombe, Yola, Makurdi, Abuja, Lafia, Asaba, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Benin City, Bimin- Kebbi, Sokoto, Lakoja, Maiduguri, Kano, Oshogbo, Ado-Ekiti, Abakaliki, Awka, Nsukka, Calabar, Owerri

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders, policy makers and agencies to rise up, with appropriate mechanism on how to curtail impending floods.

The Permanent Secretary, Didi Walson- Jack, in her speech read by a representive who is Director, Inspectorate, River Basin, Mr AJ Ochigbo, spoke on the negative impacts of flood and other disasters.

He said flooding would be drastically reduced if better understanding of flood risks are promoted and ensuring adequate and appropriate mitigating measures are deployed.

The Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr Clement Nze, in his vote of thanks, emphasized on the need for farmers, policy makers and Nigerians, to use the information provided for preventive measures.

Nze added that the objective of the AFO was to prepare the nation to avert the negative impact of floods, and come up with pre- emptive measures to get it right before the rains start.

“We have been working round the clock to come up with actionable solutions,we have been given 90 days,this is the first time we are having this in February, believing this year that the sub Nationals at this time will be able to do something.

“There’s enough time now to work, we have taken some steps to ensure that we improve on that of 2022,this year, we are introducing a new dimension.

“From the month of June, every five days we will be giving out predictions,tell you what will happen,it will be broken into pieces and segments,we expect that at the end of the day, all the agencies will come together and speak with one voice. “he added (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Isaac Aregbesola

The governments of Gabon, Jamaica and Sri Lanka have joined forces to fight back against damaging beauty practices, launching a joint 14-million dollars project to eliminate the use of mercury in skin lightening products.

Using cosmetics to inhibit the body’s production of melanin, leading the skin to appear lighter, is a centuries-old practice in many parts of the world that continues to take a toxic toll today.

Both men and women use skin lightening products, not only to lighten their skin but to fade freckles, blemishes, age spots and treat acne.

However, consumers are often unaware that many of these products contain harmful chemicals including mercury, a toxic substance which poses risks to human health and contaminates the environment.

Skin lightening products can cause skin rashes and discolouration; scarring; nervous, digestive and immune system damage, as well as anxiety and depression.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury has set a limit of 1mg/1kg (1ppm) for mercury in skin lightening products.

However, a 2018 Zero Mercury Working Group and Biodiversity Research Institute test of over 300 products from 22 countries found that approximately 10 per cent of skin lightening creams exceeded this limit, with many containing as much as 100 times the authorised amount.

Led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and executed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI), the Eliminating mercury skin lightening products project will work to reduce the risk of exposure to mercury-added skin lightening products, raising awareness of the health risks associated with their use, developing model regulations to reduce their circulation, and halting production, trade and distribution across domestic and international markets.

“Mercury is a hidden and toxic ingredient in the skin lightening creams that many people are using daily, often without an understanding of just how dangerous this is,” GEF CEO and Chairperson Carlos Manuel Rodriguez said.

“This initiative is significant as it focuses not only on substitutions for harmful ingredients, but on awareness building that can help change behaviours that are damaging to individual health as well as the planet.”

Skin lightening products don’t just pose a risk to the user – children can be exposed through breastmilk, and food chains can become contaminated when cosmetics are washed off into wastewater.

In addition, the compound can travel far from its point of dispersal, accumulating in the earth, water and soil without breaking down in the environment.

With demand for skin lightening products projected to grow to $11.8-billion by 2026, fuelled by a growing middle class in the Asia-Pacific region and changing demographics in Africa and the Caribbean, the use of harmful ingredients in skin lightening products is a global issue.

UNEP Industry and Economy Division Director Sheila Aggarwal-Khan said the use of mercury in skin lightening products was a serious public health issue in need of urgent attention.

“While Governments have agreed limitations on mercury use through the Minamata Convention, companies continue to manufacture, trade and sell toxic products to consumers”, she said. “UNEP is proud to work with these three countries, as well as a passionate set of co-financing partners to transform the industry.”

“WHO calls for urgent action on mercury as one of the top chemicals of public health concern. The health impacts of mercury have been known for centuries but more people should become aware now,” said Dr Annette Prüss, Acting Director, WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.

By Deji Abdulwahab

Showmax, an African video streaming service, on Tuesday unveiled the Real Housewives of Abuja (RHOAbuja), a television reality show at the Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the like The Real Housewives of Lagos and the other shows in the franchise, RHOAbuja will follow the lives of influential and successful women as they navigate their social lives, relationships, businesses, careers, and family within the capital city and beyond.

The RHOAbuja series stars Arafa, who is Creative Director, Comfort Booth, a lawyer and Talk show host and OJ Posharella who is marketing influencer.

Others are princess Jecoco, a lawyer and hotelier, Tutupie, who is chef and event curator and Samantha Homossany, who is entrepreneur.

The six professionals in Abuja on Tuesday evening delivered a high dose of glamour and drama as they intermingle and share their lifestyle experiences with one another.

Arafa said, “ I am a business entrepreneur who is not one to follow cliques, so it’s been difficult to expose myself to a wider audience. Therefore, I am grateful for this platform that allows me to do so.

“I have never pretended to be anybody other than who I am. It hasn’t been an easy road, but everything that has happened in my life has led me up to this point.

“I have learned from my past, I have grown from my past, and I am grateful for all the experiences. Everyone has a story to tell, and I am no different,” she said.

Comfort, who is also a foodie, said she sees The Real Housewives of Abuja as an opportunity to “write a story on a blank slate that is on an international platform.

She said that she used to think she was familiar with the franchise but found out that she does not.

According to her, I understand that being on the show will open me more to the world.

Speaking shortly after their presentations, Dr Modupe Alesinloye, Dean of Students Affairs, Nile University of Nigeria described the show as very exciting.

Alesinloye said, “This is a show that we are all looking to, considering what has been done with the real housewives of Lagos. So, we are all being excited.

“I look at ladies that are involved in it and I see that they are all amazing personalities.

“So, having them here on Nile University campus it has been very exciting for both staff and students”

According to her, I think it is obvious how the women in their own different capacity has been able to build themselves up.

“They are all professionals in their different fields and the same time still finding time to entertain and mentor. I think it is a great thing they are doing,” don said.

According to her, women need to strike a balance in all they have to do in life.

“As you can see the stars of the show they are mothers, professionals and passionate about what they do.

“So, this is very important for young girls to realize that whatever positions they find themselves, you can still be real of themselves and at the same time maintain a good balance in every thing that they do,” she said.

Also speaking, Fatima Garba, an undergraduate said that the show made her to understand that she could realise her dream by combining motherhood with professional career.

NAN reports that the Real Housewives, a reality TV show that was birthed in Orange County, the U. S., almost 17 years ago, continues to capture hearts around the world with the intriguing lifestyle of cast members.

Now adapted in many countries, Nigeria premiered its first iteration with the ‘Real Housewives of Lagos’ which became a successful in 2022. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Diana Omueza

Mr Ojie Okosun, a Relationship, Life Coach  and  Counselor says emotional intelligence is the secret to any form of lasting relationship, especially intimate relationships.

Okosun said this on Wednesday, in Abuja in a Special Valentine’s message tagged “Unleashing the power of emotional intelligence in relationship and work place”.

He said that emotional intelligence created the awareness of the entire changes that consistently appeared in ones live and in the lives of others.

According to him, through this awareness, one can actively take notice of changes both big and small that need immediate actions in a relationship.

“Emotional intelligence is seen as the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes, it helps an individual to communicate their needs and meet their partners need as well as navigate relationship conflicts effectively.

“Couples with matching levels of emotional intelligence tend to be happier and stay longer together.

“And, if the partner with lower emotional intelligence is willing to improve themselves and both partners are committed to making the relationship work, it can get better,” he said.

Okosun said that dating a partner who was too emotional could be overwhelming because it was usually not easy to keep emotions to oneself, hence the need for healthy communication.

He said that most times emotional needs were not the problems in relationships but that struggling to communicate those needs and lack of emotional intelligence to understand and meet those needs were the problem.

He said that intimate partners and work colleagues should understand that different environments could induce different levels of certain aspects of emotional intelligence hence the need for effective communication.

The relationship expert said that people with high emotional intelligence knew themselves and were also good at expressing their feelings because they had high social awareness and adaptability.

He said that someone could be successful at work but had poor relationship qualities, meaning emotional intelligence was not developed uniformly.

Okosun said that there were ways to spot emotional intelligence in a partner or a work colleague.

“Emotionally intelligent people are self-aware, if you can’t identify your own emotions, it’s very unlikely that you’re able to identify them in someone else.

“They’re curious about others, they are more likely to be open minded and curious, meaning that they are flexible in thinking.

‘They’re self-sufficient, they know their body and emotions which allows them to meet their own needs.

“They have good boundaries because when people are self-aware, they know what boundaries to set,” he said.

He, however, urged partners or colleagues not to allow emotions to override rational judgement by overlooking bad behaviors which was a sign of underdeveloped emotional intelligence.

He said that people who had healthy lasting non-romantic relationships with their friends and close family were emotionally intelligent.

Okosun advised lovers, couples and work colleagues to avoid conflicting needs and wants which mostly led to choosing wrong partners, having multiple failed marriages and failed romance.

He advised partners to share emotional experience in order to attain the desired type of love, intimacy, commitment and care they both deserved or yawned for.

He also advised couples to be open minded and sought changes in order to grow.

“Always seek for change in every relationship, any relationship not nudged towards the kind of growth you want will drift into change, so the ability to embrace change is very important

“The changes are opportunities not problems, see yourselves being resourceful in solving problems, don’t blame each other, respect each other’s feelings.

“Being in love doesn’t mean never feeling angry, disappointed, hurt, or jealous but how you act towards your partners emotions is key, ” he said.

The love coach said that many relationships had been ruined by blames instead of embracing and changing.

He urged couples to learn to accept and laugh over things and to keep improving in their relationships by paying attention to how each other’s feelings.

Okosun also advised partners to watch and monitor each others energy, thoughtfulness, and benevolence all the time.

According to him, this is exactly where we go wrong because people think they are in love for many reasons like lust, infatuation, desire for security, status, or social acceptance.

“They feel they found true love because the current prospect fulfills some image or expectation, but unless they know how they feel, their choice is destined to be wrong.

“Take a chance on reaching out, most times we often on guard with someone new and we automatically build barriers to getting to know each other and being vulnerable and this stage can be scary.

“But it is the only way to find out if real love is possible, so try being the first to reach out, if your partners reaction fills you with warmth, you may have found an empathic soul,” he said.

Okosun advised partners and colleagues to strive to understand and respond to each others’ emotional behaviors by considering each person’s feelings as well as their words.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Ephraims Sheyin

A play, Zik, which depicts the life and times of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, is to be staged in Lagos on April 9 and 10.

The play is produced by Duke of Shomolu Foundation, a Lagos-based theatrical plays producing outfit that specialises in historical plays.

Mr Joseph Edgar, Chairman, Duke of Shomolu Foundation, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, said the play would be seen by over one million people globally.

“The play will be staged in six shows in Lagos and will tour Awka, Enugu and Abuja,” the statement said.

Edgar described the play as “the biggest ever stage play in Africa”, adding that the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, would attend the show in Lagos.

Also expected at the show are Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Azikiwe’s family members including Amb. Emeka Azikiwe, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Uwakwe Azikiwe and Molokwu Azikiwe.

He said that Achebe, in a letter he personnally signed, confirmed his attendance of the play.

NAN reports that the Duke of Shomolu Foundation has emerged one of Nigeria’s prolific theatre production outfits, churning out plays that showcase the lives of historical Nigerian figures.

Azikiwe is the latest in a long line of subjects that include Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, deposed Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido, among others.

Zik is written and directed by Dr Ikechukwu Erojikwe and produced on behalf of The Duke of Shomolu Foundation by Mofoluwake Edgar, Emeka Agwu- Oju, and Olisa Adibua. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Babatunde Ogunrinde

The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 lived up to expectations as international stars like Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel won Best Performance/Best Artiste of the year

The Tingo-powered award show was held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on Saturday Night which had all the razzmatazz and the glitters and electrifying moments.

South African actress Pearl Thusi was the host of the night show and it featured performances from African artistes, including Gyakie, Arya Starr, Bad Boy Timz Seyi Vibez, Ruger and Black Sherif of Ghana.

Highlights from the show included a tribute to departed artistes and their loved ones, including Sound Sultan, Ifeanyi Adeleke (Davido’s Son), Rico Swavey and Kiennan Forbes (AKA).

Out of the 15 musical categories, Nigerian singers, including, Asake, Fireboy DML, Ruger and others, won awards in 12 different categories.

Ruger worn the Best new artiste award as Oxlade also won the Listeners choice category with ‘Ku Lo Sa’.

Kizz Daniel’s Buga won the ‘Song of the Year’ award.

Asake became the new male MVP, while Tems won the new Female MVP adding to her list of wins in a year.

Burna Boy won the African artiste of the year, further strengthening his African Giant title, while Rema secured the Digital artiste of the year.

In the Best Collaboration category, Pheelz and Buju won with their song ‘Finesse’, and Ajebo Hustlers also grabbed the win as the Best Duo.

Music Producer Magixsticks and Video Director TG Omori also won awards respectively for their ingenious creativity.

Magicsticks won the Best Producer award for ‘Organise’ while TG Omori won the Video of the year award with ‘Fireboy and Asake – Bandana’ music video.

The legend awards went to AKON, Senegalese born US hip-hop star.

Arya Star rounded the event with scintillating performance to the delight of the fans that followed every word while sang.

Several stars told NAN that the award had lived up to expectations and they were proud of the efforts of the organisers for yet again investing their funds to promote music in Nigeria and Africa.

Oxlade told NAN that he was proud of the moments and hope to be around some come 2023 while Seyi Vibez expressed appreciation to the organisers and the sponsors.

He said that more needs to be done and urged more stakeholders to take up the opportunity and contribute their resources to the ever growing music and entertainment industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined fans and lovers of Nigerian music in celebrating new heights of recognition and appreciation as Afrobeat crooner, Tems, wins “‘Best Melodic Rap Performance” category at the Grammy Awards.

Buhari, in a congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Monday in Abuja extolled Tems, Temilade Openiyi, for showcasing her talent to the world, with dedication and hard work.

According to him, this again, has placed Nigeria in the spotlight for excellence.

The president lauded all Nigerian nominees for this year’s Grammy, including Burna Boy, for pursuing their passion with vigour and continuously reinventing global entertainment with creativity.

He thanked the creative industry, particularly managers, producers and directors, for encouraging talents like Tems, who had taken Nigeria’s culture and tourism to the world.

Buhari said that this further displayed the resourcefulness and potentials of Nigeria as a great nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Taiye Olayemi

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in partnership with Medicard Health Management and Universal Insurance on Monday re-launched a health management and insurance scheme for its members.

Emeka Rollas, National President, AGN, during the launch of the health insurance scheme in Lagos, emphasised the need for actors to take their health seriously.

“The issue of health and wellness of members is very key to this administration because health is the most important aspect of our life.

“There is nothing more important than health for any human being, this fact made us to introduce special retail health management scheme with Medicard Ltd., in the year 2020.

“We have so far enrolled some indigent members on the scheme through the support of the Chairman of the Board of National Patrons, Rt. Hon. Ned Nwoko in 2021 and ROK TV.

“We are relaunching this scheme for the benefit of our members.

“We are also in partnership with Universal Insurance, providing group on-set cover for members in cases of emergency,” he said.

Rollas noted that other juicy welfare packages had also been put in place for members.

He said it was so discouraging to note the apathy and lackadaisical attitude guild members had shown toward welfare packages including their health issues.

He said  that in view of this, the guild had designed a week-long health and wellness sensitisation programme aimed at creating awareness to enable members enrol on the health management scheme and insurance policy.

He said Feb. 11  had been slated for a health walk and free medical check-up at Teslim Balogun Stadium from 7a.m. to 5p.m.

According to him, this will also feature health management and insurance renewals, lectures, healthy and complete diet tutorials.

“This is to help make healthy life style a priority,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Paulinus Offor, Executive Director, Technical, Universal Insurance, noted that actors trully need to enrol in an insurance scheme, considering the occupational hazard they are  consistently exposed to on movie locations.

“Coming on board will make you have access to compensations as you are exposed to hazards, so we are partnering with AGN for a long time,” he said.

Also, Mr Ezekiel Eseagwu, Executive Director, Medicard Nigeria, while explaining  the modalities of the health management scheme, said each actor would be registered on the scheme at a subsidised fee.

Eseagwu noted that this would guide against the situation whereby actors continue to depend on public donations whenever they have health challenges.

“We are partnering with AGN to give actors the opportunity to come on board while we have subsidised the rate.

“You will have access to over 100 hospitals because we have considered the way you move from one location to the other,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran