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Flood victims in Bayelsa jubilate as they get donation of food items from Ambassador Igali

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By Obinna Nwachukwu

There was jubilation in the seven local governments in Bayelsa state affected by the current flood as former Nigerian Ambassador to the Scandinavian countries His Excellency, Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, donated a number of food items to flood victims in the state.

Igali who is also the current Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure ( FUTA) expressed sadness over the effects of devastation caused by flood in his home state Bayelsa and 32 other states of the country

Igali, himself a victim of the flood which covered the ground floor of his mansion in the village and forced him to shift burial date of his late his mother fanny from the earlier scheduled date of 3rd-4th November, 2022 described the disaster as worst in the recent time. 


In reaching out to other victims of the flood in the state, Igali said he was moved to come to the aid of the poor and downtrodden in the communities, many of whom had their homes, livelihoods and loved ones destroyed by the flood. The food items donated include Rice, Garri, beans and noodles.

The former federal permanent secretary also used the opportunity to thank the Governor of Bayelsa State his Excellency, Senator Douye Diri for releasing funds and providing IDP camps for flood victims in the State.

He also thanked other individuals for supporting the state and called on the International Community, the Federal Government, and donor agencies for more assistance in providing succor to flood victims in Bayelsa State

Igali was appointed by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in September 2007 as an ambassador to theScandinavian countries – Sweden, Denmark and Norway, a position he occupied until he was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources on 4 May 2010
During his tenure as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Resources, he undertook the most comprehensive water sector reform policy including the introduction of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in water supply which has become a reference point in the Nigeria water sector today.

He also played a major role in bringing the nexus between water, energy and agriculture through the construction of multipurpose dams in Nigeria. These dams include Gurara (which provide portable water, 30 megawatts of power and 3,000 hectares of farmland irrigation) and Kashimbila (which provides portable water, 40 megawatts of power and 4,000 hectares of farmland irrigation) that have been completed.

This recent distribution of relief materials is not the first time he would openly identify with his kiths and kin in Bayelsa and other ijaw speaking states as he has been actively involved in the issues of the Niger Delta.

For instance, former president Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as a special assistant on special duties and honorary adviser and peace envoy to the Niger Delta at the peak of the militancy crisis. During this period, Igali was placed in charge of negotiations with various militant camps following the emergence of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND. Through his engagement with the militants and other stakeholders, the Nigerian General Election of 2007 was able to hold in spite of several threats and tens of kidnapped expatriates were released in the Niger Delta.

He served as secretary of the Presidential Council of the Coastal States of the Niger Delta under the President Obasanjo administration and suggested the Amnesty programme in a 27 February 2007 meeting of the council. He was appointed the substantive adviser on the Niger Delta by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in June 2007. It was during his tenure as the presidential adviser that the framework for the Niger Delta Amnesty programme was developed.

Igali remains engaged in Niger Delta issues as one of the leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum which helped to facilitate dialogue between the Federal Government and the Niger Delta Avengers – a resurgent militant group that had grounded Nigeria’s Oil production to 900,000 barrels per day from the budgeted 2.3 million barrels per day. He was appointed by the former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson as a member of the Bayelsa Business Council.

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Empowerment

Ex-Senate President Lawan Donates N50 Million to Borno Flood Victims

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The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has donated N50 million to support victims of the recent flooding disaster in Borno State.
A statemw t by hia special advoser om Meia Dr. Ezrel Taboriwo indicated that the donation was announced during Lawan’s visit to Maiduguri on Tuesday, where he met with the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, to express his condolences and solidarity.

Senator Lawan, who represents the Yobe North Senatorial District, according to the statrment arrived in Maiduguri accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including the Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Y’au Usman Dachia, as well as other members of the Yobe State House of Assembly, such as Rt. Hon. Adamu Dala Dogo and Hon. Sanda Karabade.

During his visit, Senator Lawan commended Governor Zulum and the Borno State Government for their swift response to the disaster. He praised their efforts to deploy emergency services, distribute relief materials, evacuate affected residents, and work towards restoring basic services. The lawmaker also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support and urged development partners and humanitarian organizations to join efforts in providing additional assistance to mitigate the impact of the floods on the affected communities.

“Governor Zulum and the Borno State Government have demonstrated commendable leadership and prompt action in responding to this crisis,” Lawan stated. “We must continue to work together to provide relief and support to those affected.”

Senator Lawan expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. His delegation included key figures such as his Special Adviser on Budget, Alhaji Suleiman Jamo; Chairman of Bade Local Government Council, Hon. Ibrahim Yurema; his former Chief of Staff, Dr. Mohammed Aji; and other stakeholders from the Yobe North Senatorial District.

The donation is part of efforts to provide relief and support to communities devastated by the flooding, which has left many residents displaced and in need of basic necessities.
The statement said the generous contribution is expected to bolster ongoing relief efforts and strengthen the support network for flood victims in Borno State.

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Empowerment

Kogi East farmers get boost from Echocho’s empowerment initiative

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In a bid to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has launched a comprehensive empowerment program for farmers in Ankpa Federal Constituency.

The program, which includes the distribution of essential agricultural inputs such as high-quality rice seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, is aimed at supporting local farmers to boost their crop yields and improving their overall productivity.

Senator Echocho, who was represented by his legislative aide, Hon. Ibro Akiti, reiterated his commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in Kogi East, stating that the empowerment program is an important part of his efforts to alleviate poverty and promote economic growth in the region.

The farmers, who benefited from the program, expressed their gratitude to Senator Echocho for his support, noting that the empowerment program will go a long way in improving their agricultural productivity and enhancing their livelihoods.

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Empowerment

Echocho donates fertilizer to farmers in Dekina/Bassa to boost agricultural production

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In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity in Kogi East, Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho has donated a significant quantity of fertilizer to farmers in the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency.
This initiative is part of the senator’s broader effort to support local farmers and ensure a successful harvest during the current farming season.
His special adviser on Media Mikail Ibrahim in a statement on Sunday indicated that the fertilizer donation, aimed at benefiting households across the region, underscores Senator Echocho’s commitment to agricultural development.
Speaking on the distribution, Senator Echocho emphasized that the initiative is non-partisan and open to all farmers in Kogi East.
“Farming knows no party or affiliation; therefore, every farmer in Kogi East is entitled to this support,” he stated.

According to the statement, beneficiaries of the donation included a wide array of community members, such as teachers, artisans, security personnel, political party members, market women, youth organizations, and representatives from religious and traditional institutions.

The initiative is designed to encourage farming as a viable solution to the economic challenges currently facing many Nigerians.

Alhaji Danlami Garba, Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Echocho, led the distribution effort and stressed that the process was conducted without bias.
“We have ensured that the fertilizer reaches farmers in Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency fairly and without consideration of political, religious, or cultural differences,” Garba said.
He also revealed that similar distributions would soon take place in other federal constituencies within Kogi East, including Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro and Idah/Odolu/Ofu.

This fertilizer distribution is part of Senator Echocho’s broader facilitation programs, aimed at improving the livelihoods of his constituents and fostering sustainable agricultural growth in the region.
The initiative has been well-received by the local community, which views it as a critical step towards enhancing food security and economic stability in Kogi East.

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