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10 Ways to Stay Safe During Flooding Season
10 Ways to Stay Safe During Glooding Season
By Efosa Taiwo
The rainfalls are here thick and fast, and according to ScienceDirect; flash flood is closely associated with high-intensity rainstorms. They are characterized by short response time and have the potential to severely impact and damage communities in different climatic settings all over the world.
In 2022, over five million people in 19 African countries, out of which Nigeria accounts for 3.5 million were affected by flooding.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted of severe flooding this year as indicated by predictions from relevant agencies.
Here are, however, ten ways to ensure safety during the flooding season, according to Waterroam:
Don’t drive through floodwaters
Many people make the false assumption that staying in their vehicle will keep them safe from the floodwater during flooding season, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost half of all drowning fatalities are car related.
Don’t drink unfiltered water
Untreated floodwater often contains many contaminants such as faecal matter, chemical substances and physical debris. Drinking floodwater can expose one to diarrheal diseases, leading to dehydration and even death.
Relocate to higher grounds
Whenever possible, try to relocate to higher ground. However, avoid doing this if it involves navigating through floodwater.
Maintain a line of communication
Either ensure your phone is fully charged and you are connected to information portals to listen for evacuation orders and other relevant information from the authorities
Avoid electrical hazards
Avoid any fallen electrical poles as they might still be live and can conduct electricity through flood water. Turn off utilities at the main source and disconnect all electrical appliances in affected flooded areas.
Avoid exposure of open wounds to flood water
Open wounds are a gateway for bacteria into the human body. As covered above, floodwater is full of dangerous bacteria and one should avoid exposing open wounds to the contaminated water. Clean any wounds with clean water to avoid infection.
Culled: Vanguard News
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
As the celestial drums of the gods beat in harmony with the rhythmic waves of the Niger Delta, the Amaseikumor Fiesta awakens, summoning all from the four cardinal po8nts to witness the grandeur of Gbaramatu’s rich cultural heritage! Come and behold the majestic procession of colourful masquerades, the symbolic embodiment of the ancestral spirits that guard the kingdom.
The Amaseikumor fiesta is here again, Immerse yourself in the splendour of Gbaramatu and the ijaw nation. a resplendent celebration of Gbaramatu’s rich cultural heritage!
Come and witness the majestic procession of colourful masquerades, the rhythmic cadence of traditional drums, and the vibrant display of ancestral worship.
Be moved by the primal essence of the Ijaw course through your veins as you revel in the grandeur of this ancient kingdom.
Do not hesitate to be present to unveil the mystique ofAmaseikumor Festival by stepping into the enchanting realms of Festival, where the veil and physical realms of spiritual worlds is lifted!
You will marvel at the elaborate rituals, the symbolic dances, and the reverent homage paid to the gods of the land. As the festival’s primal energy courses through the air, you will be transported to a world of ancient wisdom, mystical power, and timeless beauty.
Get ready to be electrified by Amaseikumor Oge, Gbaramatu’s most screened and anticipated cultural extravaganza! This spectacular celebration is a symphony of colours, sounds, and rhythms that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. From the pulsating beats of the drums to the dazzling display of traditional attire, every moment of this festival is an aesthetic and spiritual establishment of the indomitable spirit and creative genius of the Gbaramatu people.
Join the legendary journey of discovery of Amaseikumor Festival where the ancient traditions and mystical energies of Gbaramatu await your arrival!. As you navigate the festival’s vibrant landscape, you will encounter a rich fabric of cultural practices, time-honoured rituals, and warm hospitality. The rise and fall of the pleasant sea waves, the pacific wind, and the melody of earthly sounds are erected to welcome you. Whether you are a curious traveller, a cultural enthusiast, a prince of tourism or simply a seeker of new experiences, this festival promises to be an unforgettable journey of discovery and enchantment.
We mourns the physical departure of our revered patriarch, Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. Though his mortal form may have faded, his essence remains etched in the annals of history. As a great defender of the Ijaw people, a sage historian, and a fearless politician, he embodied the spirit of the Odudu – a mythical force that commands reverence and awe
Like a colossus, Edwin Clark strode across Nigeria’s landscape, leaving an indelible mark on its sands. His voice thundered like the thunder of Egbesu, shaking the foundations of injustice and oppression. With each step, he forged a path of courage, conviction, and unasailable commitment to the Ijaw cause.
As a deity among mortals, Chief Clark’s presence was palpable, his wisdom and guidance sought by many. Though he may have walked among us, his essence transcended the mundane, touching the realm of the sacred. Deities, as the saying goes, do not die; they merely transit to another realm, where their essence continues to inspire and guide.
Farewell, revered patriarch! May your odyssey on earth be remembered for generations to come. Your legacy, like the evergreen mangrove, will continue to flourish, nourished by the waters of our collective memory.
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!