NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
World Bank to construct latrines for 1,500 households in Katsina

World Bank to construct latrines for 1,500 households in Katsina

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By Abbas Bamalli

The World Bank, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government, is to construct latrines for about 1,500 households across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

Alhaji Ibrahim Dankaba, the Executive Director of the state’s Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (STOWASSA), disclosed this in Katsina on Saturday.

Dankaba said this during an advocacy visit to the Chairmen and other key stakeholders of the three benefiting LGAs of Baure, Funtua and Kafur.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dankaba was represented by a Sanitation Officer, Mr Muntari Sani-Saulawa.

According to Dankaba, the visit was part of preparations for the 2025 Household Latrines Exercise under the World Bank supported NG-SURWASH project.

He added that the key activities include the community engagement for the formation of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs).

Dankaba mentioned other activities as the establishment of Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs), and conducting both household baseline surveys and household screenings.

“Furthermore, the activities also aim to strengthen community involvement and lay the groundwork for sustainable sanitation improvements, in line with the project’s goal of achieving universal access to safe water and sanitation.

“The project aims to construct 1,500 household latrines across the three selected local government areas.

“The benefiting communities in Baure LGA include Garki, Babban- Mutum, and Yanduna, where 125 latrines will be delivered.

“In Funtua LGA, the communities of Nassarawa and Dikke will benefit from 250 latrines each, while Mahuta and Gozaki in Kafur LGA, will also benefit 250 household latrines each,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Don advocates mangroves restoration to tackle climate change

Don advocates mangroves restoration to tackle climate change

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By Shedrack Frank

Prof. Dileep Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa, has advocated mangroves restoration to mitigate climate action and boost restoration in Nigeria.

Kumar said this on Saturday during a workshop tagged: “Capacity Building Training for Community Women and Youth on Mangroves Restoration.

He commended the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), community leaders, women of Toru-Orua, students of Hensard University, and climate advocates for the workshop.

The vice chancellor was represented at the event by Prof. Femi Shaka, Dean Communication and Media Studies, Hensard University.

“This capacity building workshop on Mangrove Restoration was organised with the hope that we can open new doors of opportunity to our participants.

“Education is more than just the acquisition of information,” he said.

According to him, there is an intention to make a real difference by harnessing a movement.

Kumar said the objectives of the workshop was to give opportunity to a number of women and youths with the skill to restore the mangroves.

He said: “The path to environmental stewardship is paved not with grandeur, but with silent, mundane acts of care.”

In his remarks, Prof. Aduabobo Ibitoru-Hart, Board Member, CSDevNet, represented by Mr Patrick Amaibi, state coordinator CSDevNet, said mangroves were the backbone of the coastal resilience.

“Mangroves shield humans from erosion, nurturing biodiversity, and combating climate change.

“Yet, humans face relentless threats from deforestation and unsustainable practices,” he said.

He added that a collaboration between Hensard University, CSDevNet, and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, was a bold step toward reversing the loss.

“Our goal is to train 100 participants; 30 women and 70 students in mangrove restoration techniques, fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods.

“By focusing on women, we champion gender equity, recognising their critical role in conservation and community resilience,” he said.

According to him, the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action and SDG 5 on Gender Equality.

“We can restore a pilot mangrove site, develop a community action plan, and lay the foundation for ongoing restoration efforts,” he said.

Mr Stephen Abu, National Coordinator, CSDevNet, said that Nigeria was still faced with the issue of climate change, which must be addressed.

He said that planting of trees was still another good way to tackle climate action on the part of human beings.

He said that behavioural change could also rescue the impact of climate change, by doing things that would help restore the immediate environment.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Mary Domotimi, a student of the university, commended the organisers for the training.

High point of the event was the planting of trees in the campus by the students, lecturers, and the organisers of the workshop. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Joe Idika

NEWMAP-EIB holds pre-launch meeting with states

NEWMAP-EIB holds pre-launch meeting with states

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By Abigael Joshua

Mr Ayuba Yalaks, National Project Coordinator, European Investment Bank-assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation–Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) on Friday convened a high-level meeting with coordinators from the 23 participating states ahead of its official launch.

The states are Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, who was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mrs Oluyemisi Salako.

Hazel Natukunda, Head of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Nigeria; as well as all state Project Coordinators, Procurement Officers, and Monitoring and Evaluation personnel were in attendance.

In his keynote address, Kambari reiterated the ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

He emphasised the importance of the NEWMAP-EIB project in tackling Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, erosion, and land degradation.

In a goodwill message, Natukunda reaffirmed UNOPS’s continued support for Nigeria’s environmental development initiatives, noting the significance of partnerships and teamwork in driving progress.

Earlier, Yalaks outlined the project’s objectives, which included providing updates on the current status, reviewing the draft work plan, and planning strategies for a successful launch scheduled for June 2025.

He urged the state coordinators and their teams to work with unity, team spirit, and effective coordination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NEWMAP was initially launched with support from the World Bank and the Nigerian Government to tackle gully erosion, land degradation, and watershed mismanagement nationwide.

Between 2013 and 2022, the project implemented transformative interventions in 23 states, employing bio-engineering, strategic catchment management, community-driven development, environmental protection, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

After the World Bank-supported phase ended in June 2022, the European Investment Bank partnered with the Nigerian Government to sustain and expand NEWMAP’s achievements.

This new phase, which will last five years, continues to focus on watershed management through two main components, as outlined in the project documentation.

The first component focuses on stabilising severe erosion sites, preventing emerging erosion to reduce future costs, and improving preparedness for landslides and flooding.

The second component supports project delivery through technical assistance, enabling Federal and State units to implement the project effectively and achieve its goals.

By retaining the original 23 states, NEWMAP-EIB ensures continuity, builds on past successes, and strengthens Nigeria’s climate resilience, natural resource protection, and support for vulnerable communities. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders urge climate action for rural women farmers

Stakeholders urge climate action for rural women farmers

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By Victor Adeoti

Stakeholders have called for the inclusion of rural small scale women farmers in climate change action plan.

They said that amplifying the voices of rural women farmers, who stand at the frontline of climate impacts, was not only timely but essential for equitable and sustainable development.

The stakeholders made the remarks at a one-day workshop on Drafting and Validation of Rural Agricultural Women’s Perspective On State’s Climate Action Plan on Wednesday in Osogbo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Advocate For Sustainable and Inclusive Community Development, with the support of Urgent Action Fund Africa, for rural women farmers in Osun.

The state Commissioner For Environment and Sanitation, Mr Mayowa Adejoorin, said the crucial perspectives and experiences of rural women farmers, who were mostly affected by climate change, had been neglected for too long.

Adejoorin, represented by Mr Samuel Ogunleye, Director of Climate Change and Renewable Energy in the ministry, said the state government recognised that a truly effective and sustainable climate action plan could not be formulated in isolation.

“You (women) are the custodians of our land, the backbone of our food security, and the first to witness and adapt to the shifting patterns of our climate.

“Your deep understanding of local ecosystems, traditional farming practices, and the subtle changes in weather patterns is not just scientific enough; it is critical data that must inform our strategies and actions.

“This is why your participation in this process is not merely symbolic, it is fundamental to the success of this endeavor.

“Climate change presents unique challenges to our rural women farmers”, he said.

Also, Prof. Opeyemi Ekundayo, the Director of Centre For Gender and Social Policy Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said that climate change was not gender-neutral.

Ekundayo said that women farmers were already contending with systemic barriers, such as limited access to resources, decision-making exclusion, gender-based violence, among others.

She, however, said that a climate policy that failed to integrate the views and experiences of women farmers risked perpetrating the aforementioned barriers.
Ekundayo said that the initiative of the NGO to mobilise women’s groups and demand gender sensitive policies was a powerful step towards ensuring women farmers inclusion in climate change policy.

In her remarks, the NGO’s Executive Director, Chioma Otugo, said that the organisation was galvanising movement of women’s group to demand inclusion of gender issues in the proposed climate plan actions by the state government.

Otugo noted that the organisation was currently implementing a project on a gender reflective policy for the state climate change policy.

She said the policy was a critical document that would impact women farmers, businesses and environmentalist in the state.

“Women farmers already facing severe economic barriers, decision-making power and climate change challenges exacerbates these inequalities
“Our mission is to enhance the lives of women, girls, and youth by promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth.

“Our goal is to foster sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to advocate for their rights and contribute to social and economic progress”, she said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Abimbola Babatunde, said the workshop was timely, as it reflected a deep understanding that climate action must be inclusive to be effective.

Babatunde, represented by Mrs Olufunmilola Adewale, Director of Gender Affair in the ministry, said that rural women farmers were among the most vulnerable yet most resilient in the face of climate challenges.
She said the farmers desired a prominent voice in shaping policies that affect their livelihood.

“As a ministry, we are steadfast in our commitment to promoting gender-responsive climate action”, she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi

World Bank lauds Jigawa Govt. on ACRESAL projects

World Bank lauds Jigawa Govt. on ACRESAL projects

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By Aisha Ahmed
The World Bank has hailed the Jigawa Government for transparency and effective coordination in the implementation of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
Dr Joy Agene, the ACReSAL Task Team Lead, gave the commendation when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi in Dutse.
Agene praised Namadi’s administration for its dedication and integrity, saying that it’s unmatched to many states across the federation.

“Your Excellency, you are one of the most efficient, committed, transparent, and honest governors we have engaged with. The people of Jigawa are indeed blessed to have you,” she said.

She said that during a recent evaluation of the World Bank-supported projects, Jigawa emerged as one of the best-performing states under the ACReSAL project.

“Jigawa stands tall whenever we meet with other states. The multi-sectoral coordination in the state is exemplary and serves as a model for others.

“Your commitment towards the community level really emphasized what ACReSAL is set to do and we have no doubt that the communities in Jigawa are well positioned to benefit from the project,” she said.

Agene further stressed that the team was on a diligence mission to assess ongoing projects, identify areas of strength and improvement and offer recommendations to enhance implementation.

The focus of the mission she added, was to see ongoing projects and provide recommendations on implementation and progress.

In his remarks, Gov. Namadi, welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for the recognition accorded him and the state.

“I want to use this opportunity to say that ACReSal projects have impacted very well on the lives of people of Jigawa.

“The livelihood of the people of Jigawa has been impacted by various aspects such as water projects, erosion control, environmental degradation, and desert encroachment, among others,” Namadi said.

He also acknowledged Agene’s commitment and strict adherence to best practices, describing her as a firm, honest and dedicated partner in development.

“I want to assure you that in Jigawa you have a partner that will ensure the sustainability of this project.”

The ACReSAL project, is a World Bank-funded initiative that focuses on addressing climate and environmental challenges in Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.

It promotes sustainable land and water management thus enhancing livelihoods in the communities engaged for the project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
FG commissions N5.7bn Gashua water scheme in Yobe

FG commissions N5.7bn Gashua water scheme in Yobe

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By Akpan Glory

The Federal Government has commissioned the 5.7 billion naira Gashua water supply scheme in Yobe, as part of its efforts to expand access to safe and potable water in underserved communities across Nigeria.

Unveiled on Tuesday, by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, the project is expected to serve over one million residents of Gashua and neighbouring communities in Bade Local Government Area.

Speaking at the commissioning held at the Gashua Water Works in Filin Tanda, Utsev outlined the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the region.

The minister in a statement noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises clean water access as a pillar of public health, economic growth, and poverty reduction.

According to the minister, the scheme features four solar-powered borehole-based water systems, including one within a university campus.

It also includes a modern water treatment facility, surface and elevated storage tanks, electro-mechanical installations, and an extensive transmission and distribution network.

Utsev urged inclusive stakeholder participation and emphasised the need for the state water board to ensure the infrastructure is sustainably managed for long-term community benefit.

He also acknowledged other ongoing federal government interventions in the state, including the Damaturu Lots A & B, Nguru, Fika/Gadaka, and Potiskum water supply projects.

Commending the federal government’s commitment, Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, represented by Deputy Governor Idi Barde, expressed appreciation for the intervention.

He noted the significance of clean water in improving healthcare outcomes and fostering socio-economic development, especially in northern Yobe, where residents have grappled with chronic water scarcity.

He further referenced ongoing research into possible links between local water quality and a rise in kidney-related illnesses.

Former Senate President, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, who was also present, recalled that the project was initiated in response to recurring outbreaks of waterborne diseases in Gashua.

He lauded the Tinubu administration and the water resources and sanitation ministry for prioritising clean water access.

The ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, congratulated the Government and people of Yobe and encouraged community members to take ownership of the facility to ensure its protection and sustainability.

Also in attendance were directors from the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, including Mr Mukaila Babarinde, Director of Water Supply and Support Services, who presented an overview of the project.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of handover documents and the official commissioning of the water scheme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the urgency of this project is underscored by a reported surge in kidney diseases among residents of Gashua and its environs.

An investigation by the National Water Resources Institute Kaduna is also underway to determine the causes of the high prevalence of kidney diseases in the area. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NEMA, SEMA initiate measures to mitigate flooding in Abia, Imo

NEMA, SEMA initiate measures to mitigate flooding in Abia, Imo

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Owerri Operations Office, and Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) say they have initiated adequate measures to avert flooding in both states this rainy season.

The NEMA’s Head of Operations, Owerri Office, Mr Nnamdi Igwe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri that part of the agency’s efforts included the early warning alerts issued to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) that were at risk.

Igwe said the agency, in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA), had also intensified awareness in the affected areas.

According to him, the agency has intensified public sensitisation through radio, television, social media, and town hall meetings, focusing on flood-prone areas to educate residents on precautionary measures.

He further said that the emergency response teams had undergone refresher training in flood rescue operations, first aid, evacuation, and camp management.

Igwe said that strategic food reserve, medical supplies, and emergency shelter materials had been adequately made in zonal warehouses across the country.

“High-risk communities have been identified and evacuation routes and temporary shelters have been mapped out in collaboration with state emergency agencies.

“NEMA has coordinated with the state governments, security agencies, NGOs, and the Red Cross for a harmonised and swift emergency response when needed,” he said.

He expressed the hope that with those proactive strategies, “the agency will mitigate the impact of flooding and safeguard lives and property in the state”.

Meanwhile, rainy season farming activities commenced in earnest in the state as both farmers and unskilled labourers, who had previously moved to cities in search of menial jobs, have returned to their villages to cultivate their farms.

A cucumber farmer, Mr Gregory Nzenwa, who shared his experience with NAN, said the major problems faced by farmers included the lack of access to high yielding seeds and organic fertiliser.

Nzenwa said that a lot of smallholder farmers, who could not afford high yield seedlings to cultivate, often ended up with low yields during harvest.

He further explained that poor soil quality also affects farmers, especially those that farm on the same land for several years, leading to the depletion of soil nutrients.

He said the development could be combated with proper introduction of organic fertiliser to ensure seedlings had a great start.

Nzenwa, however, regretted that farmers had limited access to such fertiliser and called on government at various levels to do more to encourage agriculture in the South-East.

The Leader of Oganiru Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Mrs Ukamaka Ilomuanya, said the cassava farming group had been in business for four years at Egbu in Owerri North LGA of the state.

Ilomuanya said they still rely on manual labour and traditional farming methods, which are time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Despite the challenge, she said that rainy season farming remained a vital source of livelihood for many rural communities.

She emphasised the importance of farming in providing food security, income, and a sense of purpose.

Another farmer, Mr Charles Iwuozor, said that poor pest control also posed challenge to farmers, adding that some pesticides also have adverse effects on crops.

Iwuozor said that the provision of organic pest control would encourage more farmers to go into large-scale farming without the fear of destroying their crops with poisonous pesticides.

He also said that wildlife activities also cause problems for farmers, pointing out that animals sometimes destroy their crops before they are ready for harvest.

Also in Umuahia, the Abia capital, the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr Sunday Jackson, said that the state government had taken proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding, including the construction of drainages in the ongoing massive road construction in different parts of the state, traversing the agrarian communities.

Jackson said that the state was conscious of the 2025 Flood Prediction by NIMET and NHSA, where Abia was listed among the 30 states to experience flooding this year.

He said that many communities were usually affected in the past and that the agency had already embarked on awareness creation to ensure that communities evacuate areas that are prone to flooding.

He commended Gov. Alex Otti for addressing environmental challenges and building resilient communities in the state.

Jackson commended NEMA for always providing succour to the state.

He, however, appealed for more interventions, saying that “the magnitude of flood disasters in Abia is usually far beyond the capacity of the state.”

The Director, Department of Climate Change, state Ministry of Environment, Mr Chris Ike, said that the ministry had embarked on information dissemination to farmers and communities, using a flood guide that was shared by NiMET.

He said that the ministry was doing a lot of publicity in that regard to ensure that people were not taken unawares.

“We are sharing a lot of flood alert information to farmers, community leaders and quite a number of people so that they will prepare and take precautionary actions ahead of it,” Ike said.

Also, the Coordinator, Machiani Foundation for the Needy and Community Development, Mrs Peace Ezeka, said that the organisation was collaborating with SEMA to sensitise the people about flooding.

Ezeka said that the group had visited different rural communities, especially the flood prone areas in the state, to educate them on flood prevention and mitigation measures.

“Last year, we visited flood prone communities in Umuahia North, Bende and other LGAs to sensitise them and we are doing more this year,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

Stakeholders laud ANI over livelihood support to 450 women in Toungo

Stakeholders laud ANI over livelihood support to 450 women in Toungo

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By Gabriel Yough

A cross-section of stakeholders on Saturday commended the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation for the launch of a women centre and livelihood support to 450 in Toungo, Adamawa.

Mr David Peter, Deputy Project Manager of ANI Foundation, said the programme was created to empower women and foster community development through the savings and loan groups.

Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the National Parks Service (NPS), said the launch of the Women’s Centre and livelihood support to 450 women reflected the shared vision of the foundation and NPS to empowerment and economic transformation.

Represented by Assistant Conservator-General (ACG) Mohammed Kabir, the C-G said the partnership has brought significant transformation and development to the fortunes of Gashaka Gumti National Park and communities surrounding it.

“You may recall that in October 2023, Gashaka LGA in Taraba hosted one of the largest empowerment events of its kind, serving as a pilot initiative where over 1,000 women were uplifted through a similar economic empowerment event.

“They gained not just skills but the confidence to thrive. Beneficiaries received assets to help support their livelihoods, including four agro-processing machines, 10 hairdressing kits, 20 sewing machines and 20 clippers.

“Additionally, 13 Women’s Savings and Loan Groups (SLGs) were established in Toungo. Each of these initiatives serves as a stepping stone toward economic independence and self-sufficiency for families that would otherwise depend on our dwindling resources.

“It is important to note that, in addition to empowering women and youth groups, our partnership also addresses the needs of pastoralists.

“Currently, over 100,000 cattle have been vaccinated across both sectors of the park, Gashaka and Gumti, ensuring the safeguarding of our households.

“This partnership has also created jobs for our unemployed youths; over 70 rangers have been selected, trained and are currently engaged in protecting our invaluable park resources.

“This effort not only strengthens our conservation initiatives but also allows the participation of the indigenous people in the management of our essential resources,” he said.

Mrs Nedo Kafulto, Adamawa Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, said it was gratifying to see such efforts come to life while noting its tremendous impact on women in particular and society in general.

“It’s an honour to stand before you this morning on behalf of Gov. Umaru Fintri of Adamawa and the First Lady. I commend the ANI Foundation and everyone involved in this lovely initiative,” she said.

Mr Amos Hamman, Conservator of Park, Gashaka Gumti National Park, said the initiative, sponsored by the ANI Foundation and implemented by Roshan Renewables, began with the signing of a partnership agreement with the National Park Service in 2017.

“This programme started when the NPS went into a partnership with ANI in 2017, and the essence was to see that within the support zone of the park, they have something to do that will reflect the importance of the natural resources in the park,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr George Okeyoyin, ANI Foundation’s Senior Strategic Adviser, said the impact of livelihood support in effective conservation could not be overemphasised.

“It is important that we provide alternative means of livelihood for the support communities for them to be able to support the conservation efforts in the Gashaka Gumti National Park, and that is why we are here today.

“I want to acknowledge the role of the NPS and ANI Foundation in this notable programme. It is vital to mention also that the foundation is doing all these so that beneficiaries will support its conservation efforts,” Okeyoyin said.

Mr Happy Amos, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Roshan Renewables, the implementing partner of the scheme, said over N30 million has been saved by the women’s savings and loan groups in Toungo in one year.

“Initially, we didn’t give money to them. We still don’t give them money even at this stage. The arrangement is that we offer them low-interest loans, and it’s usually based on their needs.

“There are some women who only need N200,000 or N100,000. Some women even need just N30,000 to improve and expand their business, and we give them this at zero interest rate,” she said.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded the efforts of the foundation towards improving their livelihood, stating that their lives have not remained the same since the coming of ANI.

One of the beneficiaries, Grace Emmanuel, said a lot has changed in her life with the support she got from ANI Foundation.

“I don’t bother about what to eat or how to send my children to school anymore since I got the support from ANI, through which I am able to get loans, produce and sell my products in the community and beyond,” she noted.

Mrs Florence Dauda, another beneficiary, was also full of praises for the foundation, saying its coming was the best thing that has ever happened to the community.

“We used to envy the women at the Gashaka end of the park because of the things we heard ANI was doing there.

“We are now involved, and you can see the array of products we have on ground due to the savings and loan groups through the empowerment initiative,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Flooding: South-East Govts., NEMA declare zero tolerance for silted drains

Flooding: South-East Govts., NEMA declare zero tolerance for silted drains

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu State Governments have declared zero tolerance for blocked or silted up drains to avert flooding in the zone.

They made the declaration in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey on preparations for the 2025 flood predictions in the South-East by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

NAN reports that NIMET identified 30 states that would likely experience heavy rains and possible flooding.

The Head of Operations NEMA in Enugu, Mrs Ngozi Echeazu, said the agency started early sensitisation and action plans to avert the incidents of flash flood within major metropolis and highly populated areas within the South-East.

She said that the agency had remained proactive knowing that the 2025 Flood Prediction forecasted an early onset of rains in the South-East.

Echeazu, whose office covers NEMA operations in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States, noted that the agency had held some engagements with its partners and critical stakeholders on the need to start early on all sensitisation and action-plan.

She said that NEMA had written to state governments, State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and council areas on the 2025 Flood Prediction stating the need for all to start preparations to forestall flash flood usually coming with early rains.

According to her, with active collaboration of Enugu SEMA, Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), NEMA has carried massive sensitisation in major markets in two local governments within Enugu metropolis, whose locations had high population and human activities.

Echeazu noted that during the sensitisation, NEMA and its partners reached out to the market leadership, traders and passers-by on the need to check dumping of refuse in drains and waterways as well as desilt of all drains.

“We are using the NYSC-NEMA Vanguard to reach out to schools and playgrounds and fields to sensitise youths, who are the ones that evacuate their families’ waste, to do it properly and desist from dropping them indiscriminately,” she said.

The operational head noted that the agency’s sensitisation had not been full blown since the awaited logistics support from headquarters was yet to arrive, adding: “We are doing the ones within Enugu to manage cost.”

Corroborating, the Chairman of the Enugu South LGA, Chief Caleb Ani, said that for the past two months, the council had embarked on ‘operation open drainages’.

The chairman said that the council had deployed resources to ensure that major drainages and waterways were opened.

Ani noted that ward councillors and neighbourhood chairmen had been engaged and sensitised on the need to complement what the council had done by desilting drainages and waterways in their areas.

The chairman noted that he had briefed market chairmen and heads that indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road and on drainages especially in Mayor and Garki Markets would not be tolerated any more.

“We want to ensure that proactive steps are taken to forestall all forms of flooding, be it the initial flash flood or the main flood in the later part of the year as forecast by NIMET,” he said.

In Anambra, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, said the state government has kicked off a statewide campaign codenamed “Operation Clear Your Waterways”.

He said that the whole essence of the statewide campaign was to clear the drainages for free flow of flood water ahead of the rainy season across the communities and cities of the state.

Odimegwu said that the enforcement had already commenced, saying that the campaign was in pursuant to Public Health Law, Drainage Management Policy and Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law.

He disclosed that the proactive measure initiated was in line with Gov. Charles Soludo’s vision to transform Anambra into a smart mega city.

Odimegwu said that the state already braced up to the challenges hence reasons for the state’s quick response to the 2025 weather prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

“To prevent potential flooding and associated risks, we have declared a zero-tolerance policy on blocked or silted drains,” he said.

Odimegwu urged residents to evacuate all de-silted debris around their domain warning that offenders would be prosecuted according to the law.

Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has blamed incessant flooding at Anor Community in Ivo Local Government Area to abandoned dam project.

Mr Clement Ovuoba, Executive Secretary of the agency, revealed that a section of the uncompleted dam had collapsed thereby causing flooding annually in the area.

According to him, lives, houses, farmlands and outputs are affected during the rainy season.

He explained that during the rainy season, two rivers in the area merge together, finding its way into the dam, overflowing and splitting apart because of the damage.

“Ivo abandoned dam is another place we have serious flooding in the state during rainy season.

“Ngwongwo, Okwe and Amokwe in Anor Community where the dam is situated, have suffered for years now,” Ovuoba said.

He called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the perennial experience and intervene by ensuring completion of the dam project in the area to mitigate flood.

He commended the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) on the Iyiudele drainage project and others in the capital city and stressed the need to channel the Ebonyi River to reduce flooding.

The SEMA official disclosed its readiness against any eventual flooding in the state and announced reactivation of effective response.

He said the reactivation followed the release of seasonal rainfall prediction and warning of heavy rainfall in 30 states, including Ebonyi by NIMET in its weather forecast.

He said that the state had commenced sensitisation campaign through jingles, public lectures on disaster control and advocacy visits to avert any emergency.

He urged those in the affected areas to avoid building on water ways, clean up drainages and utilise other key information and warning to avert flood.

“We have reactivated town hall meetings across the state and reached flood prone places such as Ivo, Ikwo, Izzi, Abakaliki, Afikpo North LGAs to pay attention to warnings.

“The locations are always impacted by flooding,” he said.

He further disclosed reactivation of its temporary Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDP) across the 13 LGAs in the state as steps taken to avert flooding.

He said that the temporary IDP camps, located across the state would accommodate 2,000 IDPs.

“The camps comprised churches with school dormitories and other school structures. 

“They were not built as permanent camps but improvised to enable affected victims relocate to safety. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

NGO sensitises CAN leaders on building regulations

NGO sensitises CAN leaders on building regulations

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By Mercy Omoike

 

Thrivescape Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, has sensitised Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) leaders, Alimosho Chapter, on compliance with urban planning and building regulations to prevent building collapse and drive zero demolition.

 

Ms Tosin Ayodele, during the “Avoidance is Better than Building Collapse/Demolition” campaign, on Thursday in Lagos, emphasised the importance of bridging knowledge gaps in constructing a building.

 

According to Ayodele, the thrivescape campaign is designed to tackle the root causes of demolition and structural failures.

 

She called for partnership in achieving zero demolition and building collapse to promote livable and sustainable cities where everyone can thrive.

 

Ayodele outlined key factors that led to building demolition to include encroachment into setbacks and rights of way, construction under high-tension power lines, building in flood-prone zones, canals, or other unsafe areas.

 

She noted that development without obtaining physical planning permits, construction on government acquisition lands, non-compliance with approved building plans and poor building maintenance resulted in distressed structures.

 

Ayodele added that use of substandard materials and unqualified personnel, foundational failures, poor structural design and inadequate building maintenance contributed to the menace.

 

She called on the faith leaders to champion the cause of safer buildings by encouraging their congregations to always obtain the necessary development permits.

 

She implored them to engage qualified professionals instead of unlicensed builders, adhere strictly to approved building plan and avoid constructing in unsafe or unauthorised locations, regardless of cost.

 

“Demolitions and collapses are devastating and heart-wrenching.

 

“They are often preventable, and we must treat prevention as a moral and civic duty,” she stated.

 

Ayodele called on CAN leadership to collaborate with Thrivescape Initiative by inviting them to their worship centres to extend this awareness campaign to them.

 

The Chairman, CAN, Alimosho Chapter, Rev. Samuel Adeyemi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely, relevant, and necessary.

 

Adeyemi expressed their commitment to collaborating with Thrivescape Initiative on outreaches and to educate more citizens, with the ultimate goal of eliminating building collapses and demolitions in Lagos State.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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