Flood Alert
Annual Flood: Magada Kick Start Flood Warning/Alertness Campaign in Churches and Markets in the Niger Delta Communities.
By Anthony Beauty
“Floods are coming. Be Prepared!” Environmentalist Magada Warns as his team kick starts Flood Warning/Alertness Campaign in campaign in Churches and Markets across the Niger Delta.
Environmentalist Franklin D. Magada is the Executive Director of Niger Delta Ecoh Monitors with a track record of vigorous environmental advocacy across Nigeria and the world.
As Nigeria has joined the list of countries annually hit by colossal magnitude of flooding, Magada and his team have kicked-off a “Flood Warning and Alertness awareness Campaign” in flood-prone communities across the Niger Delta.
The Environmentalist was the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on the Environmental Protection Agency (DELSEPA) to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State.
While explaining the steps to take to avoid serious impact of the expected flood to the riverine dwellers of flood-prone communities in Bomadi and Burutu LGAs of Delta State, Magada emphasized that the people should start carrying their properties and moving to alternative locations on higher ground, outside the known flood-hazard areas, adding that this year flood projection outlook shows larger scale flooding compared to the mother of all floods experienced in Nigeria in 2022.
Franklin Magada Executive Director of Ecoh Monitors NGOs stressed that people shouldn’t wait for governments’ reactive approach to the now endemic tale of flooding but take seriously, the counsel of professional NGOs and practicing environmentalist with a broad knowledge of disaster emergency management, who understands the flooding disasters as a recurring events.
“To escape the dangers locking, people must understand the four phases in disaster management: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, and act before, during and after and that’s why we as disaster emergency manager and executive director of one of the most formidable NGOs of the Niger Delta are going round the Niger Delta especially the flood prone communities to enlightened people on their level of preparedness. Since prevention is beyond the reach of the people, mitigation of the associated damages to properties and death can be averted.
Magada recommends a comprehensive approach to flood disaster management that comprises four phases: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR) to ensure a balance between the reduction of risk and the enhancement of community resilience while ensuring effective response and recovery capabilities.
“We are going round the Niger Delta for this Awareness and Enlightenment Campaign to encourage the vulnerable flood-prone Niger Delta dwellers to be prepared and adhere to own response strategies and not wait government.”
By Admin
Abuja – A proposal to create 31 additional states across Nigeria is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review. According to the committee, the move aims to address concerns about representation, governance, and regional development across the country.
The proposed states are distributed across various geopolitical zones, with six states suggested for the North-Central region, four for the North-East, five for the North-West, five for the South-South, and seven for the South-West. The committee has indicated that the proposal is in line with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the requirements for state creation.
Proposed States by Region
North-Central
1. Benue Ala (Benue)
2. Okun (Kogi)
3. Okura (Kogi)
4. Confluence (Kogi)
5. Apa-Agba (Benue South Senatorial District)
6. Apa (Benue)
7. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (as an autonomous state)
North-East
8. Amana (Adamawa)
9. Katagum (Bauchi)
10. Savannah (Borno)
11. Muri (Taraba)
North-West
12. New Kaduna (Kaduna)
13. Gurara (Kaduna)
14. Tiga (Kano)
15. Kainji (Kebbi)
16. Ghari (Kano)
South-East
17. Etiti (New)
18. Adada (Enugu)
19. Urashi (New)
20. Orlu (Imo)
21. Aba (Abia)
South-South
22. Ogoja (Cross River)
23. Warri (Delta)
24. Bori (Rivers)
25. Obolo (Rivers & Akwa Ibom), possibly a renamed Oil Rivers State
South-West
26. Toru-Ebe (Delta, Edo & Ondo)
27. Ibadan (Oyo)
28. Lagoon (Lagos & Ogun)
29. Ibeju (Ogun)
30. Ife-Ijesha (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
31. Oke-Ogun (Ogun, Oyo & Osun)
Constitutional Process for State Creation
The proposal will require approval through a series of legislative steps. The Nigerian Constitution stipulates that for a new state to be established, it must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected areas. Additionally, a referendum will be conducted, with the final decision forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification.
This proposed restructuring has generated mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a step toward decentralization and regional autonomy, while others question its feasibility given Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
What are your thoughts on this development? Share your views!
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INC Demands the Creation of Toru-ebe and Oil Rivers States to Address the Underdevelopment of Ijaw Nation.
By Admin – Yenagoa
Ijaw National Congress (INC), the highest socio-cultural body representing the Ijaw people globally, has renewed its call for the establishment of two homogeneous Ijaw states—Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers—citing persistent infrastructural under-development, political marginalization, and environmental neglect.
This was disclosed during a press conference held on Wednesday at Ijaw Ware in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, emphasized that despite being Nigeria’s fourth-largest ethnic group and hosting some of the country’s key oil export terminals as the single highest producer of oil and gas, the Ijaw people have endured systemic neglect, both in infrastructure and politics.
“We call on the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all distinguished members of the National Assembly to seize this moment in history and act in the interest of justice,” Prof. Okaba stated.
He described this demand as a crucial step toward achieving justice, equity, and lasting peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that it would help redress historical injustices, drive economic progress, and secure a better future for the Ijaw people.
According to the INC, the creation of the proposed states would not only address issues of political exclusion and under-development, but also strengthen national unity. The organization urged all Ijaw people, along with other well-meaning Nigerians, to support the move towards the actualization of this critical milestone for fairness and equity.
By Divine Perezide
In a developing environmental crisis, residents and concerned stakeholders have raised alarms about an ongoing issue threatening marine life in Alakiri (Ofiemina Ama), Okrika.
According to reports, the cause of the problem remains unknown. However, its impact is severe, as it is actively destroying the sea life in the affected region. A call for urgent intervention has been made to prevent further damage.
In a statement issued by a concerned source, it was noted: “Matter of Urgent Repair. Location: Alakiri (Ofiemina Ama) Okrika. Reason: Unknown. Status: Not yet stopped. Impact: Destroying our sea life.”
The exact nature of the issue has yet to be determined, but local authorities and environmental agencies are urged to investigate and address the situation promptly.
This report is credited to MEDBOSS, with the hashtag #MEDBOSS signaling a wider appeal for awareness and action.
As the crisis unfolds, environmentalists and community leaders emphasize the need for swift measures to mitigate further harm and preserve the delicate marine ecosystem of Okrika.