Environment
Ecological Devastation: Jigawa desilts 72Km, Embarks on 5.5m Trees Planting
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi of
Jigawa state has disclosed that his administration has desilted 72 kilometers along Hadejia River Channel to ensure smooth flow of the river to mitigate against flood dusaster in the rainy season.
The Governor made the disclosure in a speech delivered at the 2024 Tree Planting Campaign at Andaza village, in Kiyawa local government area.
He said under the project all the typha grass and other blockages in the river have been cleared from Gagiya in Guri Local Government to Wacakal in Yobe State.
Namadi also stated that the government has constructed 72 kilometers embankment as an effort to mitigate the effects of ecological problems at the flash points predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
According to him “As parts of efforts to safeguard the environment, we have in the last one year, constructed about 20 kilometers of drainages and reclaimed 72 kilometers of eroded areas in several affected villages and towns across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.
“Most of these have been completed and a few are nearing completion. In areas of flood mitigation, we have desilted 72 kilometers along Hadejia River Channel from Gagiya in Guri Local Government to Wacakal in Yobe State”.
He noted that the gathering is to witness the flag-off of the 2024 year Tree Planting Campaign and Distribution of 5.5 Millon Tree Seedlings produced as part of the crusade against desertification, deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation that occur primarily due to inadequate forest cover.
The governor maintained that human interference with the natural environment has continued to wreck havoc with devasting consequences on environmental sustainability, loss of the environmental flora and fauna as well as loss of sustainable means of livelihood for the people.
Namadi added that the phenomenon of desertification, and gradual loss of the forest reserves have continued to raise grave concerns for environmental sustainability with negative consequences on sustainable livelihood for most of our citizens.
“One of the commitments I made to the people of Jigawa State during my inauguration as governor of the Sate was to reinvigorate and expand ongoing programmes including the production of 2.5 million tree seedlings annually for distribution to the citizens, public sensitization on tree planting, deforestation, and general environmental protection.
“I am really delighted that the 2024 Tree Planting Campaign is very unique as it glaringly demonstrates our commitment to the delivery of our promise”.
He also said that “While flagging off of the tree planting campaign earlier than we used to do it gladdens my heart that today, we are also commencing the distribution of over 5.5 million assorted seedlings produced in our nurseries across the 27 LGAs in the state”.
“Let me at this stage express our sincere gratitude to the World-Bank Assisted ACReSAL Project for complementing the efforts of the State Government in trying to build environmental resilience and significantly improve on the greenery of our environment.
“In the same vein, I would also like to express our appreciation to the Great Green Wall (GGW) Project in Jigawa State with whom we are partnering to protect and safeguard the Environment”.
‘I am aware that the Great Green Wall Project is also establishing shelter belts, woodlots and orchards across the frontline Local Governments in the State which will go a long way in complimenting the efforts of the State Government”.
Environment
Maiduguri flood: Ndume asks FG, international community to urgently intervene
Former leader of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has expressed sympathy with the people and Government of Borno State, after a devastating flood submerged many homes and parts of the state capital, Maiduguri.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume who represents Borno South, called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene by giving support to the State Government to the aid of affected residents
The State Government, had raised the alarm aver severe flood that submerged many homes following the alleged breakdown of Alau Dam that has been filled to capacity for the past one week.
“Due to the unusually high volume of water this year, we urge all the residents living along the river bank to take immediate action to protect themselves and their properties.
“The Alau Dam water has broken down another channel that is currently destroying farms, and the water is heading toward the river bank,” a statement by the State Government had revealed.
Senator Ndume, who just returned from Borno, where he reached out to families affected by insurgenc in the Southern Senatorial District of the State, said he is devastated by the news report about the ravaging flood.
The former Senate Chief Whip said all hands must be on deck, including development partners and other agencies of government, to immediately mobilise and come to the aid of affected residents and homes in Maiduguri.
He said the State Government, being very proactive, has already activated all mechanisms to salvage the situation by evaluating people from affected areas and providing the needed support.
He, however, lamented that the gravity of the damage by the flooding is beyond the State Government, hence the need for the Federal Government to immediately step in and assist the residents in getting the needed support.
Already, some institutions and government agencies have shut down. University of Maiduguri has been closed until further notice
The university management announced the temporary closure in a statement on Tuesday by its registrar, Ahmad A. Lawan, the institution, sympathised with staff members and students affected by the disaster.
Ndume said: “What has happened in my dear State capital, Maiduguri is unfortunate. The level of damage is very bad. I’ve been briefed, and what I’ve heard isn’t something we should take likely.
“Homes, institutions, government agencies, and other businesses have been submerged in the flood. Many people are trapped and are trying to evacuate. I’m worried that the situation may get worse unless the federal government immediately steps in to assist the state government in salvaging the situation.
“I’m also calling on various international partners, development agencies, and men of goodwill to do something urgent before we’ll witness the kind of human disaster in Maiduguri that will be unimaginable.
“I’m in touch with my colleagues, the State Government, its officials, and other stakeholders on what we can do to solve the situation. I hope that in the future, we’ll be able to guide against this occurrence. This is a serious disaster, and we need the prayers and support of every Nigerian.”
Environment
Borno Flood Disaster: Prisoners Escape, Schools Shut, Thousands Displaced
Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has been faced with Severe flooding that has submetged Major roads, houses, and shops in the metropolis, and parts of the Jere Local Government Area displacing thousands and damaging critical infrastructure.
The immediate cause of the disaster has been attributed to Heavy rainfall and the overflow of the Alo Dam, which draws water from River Ngadda and Lake Chad
The effect has led to widespread devastation, affecting homes, major roads, markets, and public institutions.
The humanitarian crisis has been unfolding as the State contends with one of its worst flood disasters in recent history.
The University of Maiduguri, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Shehu’s Palace were all submerged.
The flood also broke through a prison wall in the Custom area, resulting in some inmates allegedly drowning, while others escaped. Sanda Kyarimi Zoo Park, a popular landmark, reported the loss of 80% of its animals, with the remainder escaping into the city.
Thousands of residents, predominantly women and children, have been displaced from flood-prone areas, many seeking shelter under trees along major roads.
The flood has also led to the shutdown of the University of Maiduguri and Borno State University, while local businesses and markets, including the Monday Market and Cattle Market, were severely impacted.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief and evacuation for victims. He expressed deep concern and assured the state government of the Federal Government’s readiness to support the displaced and mitigate the damage caused by the flood.
Environment
Jigawa Flood Disaster: Governor Namadi reports over 40,000 affected, 28 Dead
From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
During a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund at the Government House in Dutse, Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi disclosed that the recent flood disaster has affected over 40,000 people and claimed 28 lives.
The Governor informed his visitors that the flood has devastated 14 local government areas, displacing 8,000 people who are currently in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps. Additionally, he indicated that the disaster resulted in the collapse of over 7,500 houses and the destruction of 6,500 farmlands.
Governor Namadi expressed concern over the early onset of flooding, attributing it to the silting of dams and the release of water from dams. He urged the federal government to conduct environmental impact assessments for road constructions and other projects to prevent artificial environmental problems.
Citing the example of the Shuwari-Maiduguri federal highway construction, Governor Namadi noted that it has caused flooding in previously unaffected areas. He appealed to the committee to assess the damage and provide special assistance to the state.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund, Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, stated that the committee is in Jigawa to identify areas requiring special intervention to address ecological challenges. He explained that Jigawa was selected among a few states to benefit from the committee’s tour due to its significant ecological challenges.
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