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[UPDATE] Borno Flood: One Million Persons Affected, 414,000 Displaced — NEMA

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…as death toll hits 30, victims sleep on streets

…NEMA opens nine IDP camps, Bayelsa flooded after downpour

 

A severe flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reports that: at least 30 people have lost their lives, approximately 414,000 individuals have been displaced.

The flood, described as the worst in 30 years by the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents, was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam following heavy rainfall.

NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel confirmed the updated figures on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for relief efforts to support affected communities.

“It’s 30 people that have been recorded dead so far, around 414,000 people were displaced and are in nine IDP camps across the state,” Manzo said.

According to NEMA, more than 23,000 households have been hit by the rapid rise of waters following the weekend rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, 20km south of Maiduguri.

Reports indicate the water had receded as of Wednesday after 70 per cent of Maiduguri was submerged by the fast-moving waters, according to NEMA, which ravaged major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi; the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

The flood also washed away 80 per cent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo, and damaged houses, schools, as well as commercial and worship centres.

  • Federal Government Intervenes

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding and tasked relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts while Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in the Borno capital Tuesday to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods.

Tinubu also called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods.

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, told journalists that a preliminary assessment conducted by the government showed that more than a third of Maiduguri was flooded, which affected an estimated one million people following the heavy flooding.

“The floods covered one-third of the city, affecting over one million people. It is very devastating,” Zulum said while distributing cash and food to thousands of displaced persons at a camp.

Zulu added that the Federal Government allocated N3bn for rehabilitation of the victims, adding that the funds would be used to provide food and other essential supplies, as well as support long-term strategies, including health monitoring to prevent disease outbreaks.

The governor also announced that cash distributions of N10,000 per household have been made to flood victims.

In addition, the state government organised search and rescue operations to assess casualties and gather data on those affected.

“We are distributing money and food to head of each of the families as a temporary measure to cushion the impact,” he said.

Luckily for us, we just received N3bn flood intervention fund from the Federal Government. So, we are using part of this fund to provide immediate support to the communities affected by the flood.

“We have separated them into different camps and already providing support. We will come up with long-term and short-term measures as soon as we take the data of the people affected.”

  • Officials Trail Inmates

Meanwhile, some of the inmates who escaped from the Maiduguri correctional facility after a portion of the facility’s perimeter fence was pulled down in the aftermath of the flood are yet to be recaptured.

The floodwaters ravaged the facility’s security, damaged barriers and weakened its structure, leading to the escape of the inmates.

The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service Borno Command, Bala Adamu, confirmed the jailbreak on Tuesday. He stated that following a manhunt for the escapees, three were recaptured.

“We are still assessing the number of inmates who escaped from the prison. As of now, we have recaptured three of the escapees,” Adamu said.

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Correctional Service, Bashir Adewale, and Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo, and other top officials were in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

While the delegation didn’t disclose the major purpose of their visit, an official told The PUNCH meetings were ongoing but declined comments on the runaway inmates.

However, a Nigeria Correctional Officer in Borno, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said a manhunt had begun to recapture the escapees.

  • Victims Ordeal

Despite efforts by the FG and the state government to evacuate victims of flood to IDP camps, some victims slept on roads following the disaster.

The victims, comprising children and women around Al-ansar Mosque along the Polo Road, told our correspondent they preferred the roads than going to the IDP camp.

One of the flood victims, Hassana Shaibu, a mother of four children, said they slept under a tree close to the road on Wednesday because she got the news of the IDP camp late and could not locate the place.

“I got the news that people can go to the IDP camp at the late hour, and I couldn’t move around at night with my children. So, since this place is close to the mosque and there is light, me and my friend, who has two children, decided to pass the night here,” Shaibu said.

Another victim, Salisu Fatti, added, “I heard stories of how camps used to be. Its better I stay here that I am sure is safe. Hopefully, tomorrow (today) before evening, I will go back to Modugari, where my house is. There’s the possibility the water must have subside.

A Red Cross official Abass Mohammed narrated how a family of a resident of Custom area sailed through the flood to a flyover for safety.

The man, identified as Abacha, carried two of his children while his wife had a child as they all scampered through the raging flood to the bridge.

“He (Abacha) was sure that no matter how high the flood got, it won’t overflow the bridge. It’s obvious he had lost his property but grateful that none of his kids were swept by the flood,” Mohammed said.

It was gathered that the level of water had reduced drastically in some parts of the city, including Modugari, Custom, Kofar Shehu and Post Office, on Wednesday.

A resident of Modugari, Anas Plankat, said he observed that the water that previously occupied his compound has reduced.

In his words, “I went to my compound this morning (Wednesday), the water has reduced. It was previously at my chest level but now at my kneel level. With this, we hope that the flood will not last long,” a resident of Modugari, Anas Plankat, said.

Babagana Ngala, who lives in Custom area, said his family slept inside the Maiduguri Lake Chad Research Institute on Tuesday after the flood began. However, he is optimistic of returning home soon after news reached him that the water had reduced.

“Custom area took a different shape on Tuesday and we had to leave but when I called I was told the water is fast reducing in the area.”

  • Bayelsa Affected

Several neighbourhoods were submerged as rains continued from Tuesday to Wednesday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Cemetery, Azikoro, Ekeki, Okaka, Swali, Kpansia, Amarata and Ovom were some areas seriously affected by the floods.

The rains in Yenagoa contributed to the continued rise of the water levels in the adjoining Epie Creek and River Nun, indicating that the flood could be damaging.

The FG had warned of the danger posed by rising water levels. The Nigeria Meteorological Agency had predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms in many states between Wednesday and Friday.

The prediction came as NEMA and the military continued to battle the heavy flooding in Maiduguri.

In Bayelsa, a flood-prone state lying six feet below sea level, the situation was worsened by poor town planning, inadequate drainage, and construction on natural water courses, among other factors.

In some neighbourhoods such as Amarata and Ekeki, residents resorted to using buckets and basins to keep the water out of their homes, while some had their property destroyed.

Recounting his ordeal, an environmentalist, Alagoa Morris, said his home and offices were flooded.

A resident of Amarata, Nathan, said he returned home from work on Tuesday only to find his wife and seven-year-old son battling to bail water from their house.

“There was no place to sleep. The water forced everyone to seek refuge, but like the captain of the RMS Titanic, I refused to abandon the ship,” he said.

In another development, the Benue State Government raised the alarm about the invasion of snakes in some of the IDP camps across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, James Iorpuu, who raised the alarm during the distribution of relief materials to IDPs in the state on Wednesday, said 15 displaced persons had been treated in recent times.

“In recent months, Benue-SEMA has faced the tragic challenge of snake bites among our IDP populations. I am pleased to report that we have successfully treated over 15 cases across various camps, thanks to the swift action of our health teams and the support from our partners,” he said.

He added that to curtail the occurrence of snake bites in the camps, the agency had fumigated all the camps.

The SEMA boss stated that the World Bank would soon commence the construction of 50 units of shelter in Nyihemba in Kwande Local Government Area of the state, adding that the agency would soon begin IDP farm projects in Kwande, Logo and Gwer-West Local Government Areas.

Meanwhile, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has commiserated with his Borno State counterpart, Prof Babagana Zulum and the people of the state over the devastating flood in the state.

“It’s with sympathetic feeling that critical government institutions such as the Government House, Teaching Hospital, Shehu of Borno’s Palace, secretariat, schools and business centres were reported to have been affected,” Idris said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Zuru, on Wednesday.

“Although we in Kebbi have experienced a similar unfortunate incident, we share your grief, and we are deeply pained by the natural disaster.”

Shettima on Wednesday said the FG was partnering with the 36 states of the federation to address the challenges of flood and other natural disasters.

This, he said, explained why President Tinubu approved the sum of N3bn for each state to tackle natural disasters such as flooding as well as other challenges.

Shettima stated this when he received Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who paid him a commiseration visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement titled, “We will partner states in combating flood disaster – VP Shettima.”

“It is a national calamity that has befallen us, and it is a concomitant effect of the incestuous relationship among climate change, ecology and the economy,” the Vice President said.

“From Bayelsa to Sokoto, there is hardly any part of this nation that has not been affected by these flooding incidences,” he noted.

The VP, however, avowed that with the zeal and willingness demonstrated by the President, the challenge of flooding and other issues in the states would be addressed soon.

“The President has shown his zeal, willingness and commitment to partner with the states towards addressing these issues.

“Recently, he approved the release of N3bn to each state of the federation to address some of these challenges so that all parts of the federation should have buy-in and belonging.”

Earlier, Speaker Abbas commiserated with the President, the Vice President, the government and people of Borno State, assuring them that the National Assembly would provide support for the affected communities.

He said, “We in the National Assembly are looking all through to see what kind of support we will give to the people affected.

“We are very sorry for what happened. We share your pains; we share your concerns; we are together in this from the beginning to the end.”

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Welcomes New Executive, Emphasizing Commitment To Professional Excellence

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In a strategic move to foster growth and elevate the quality of service delivery, the Management of Adron Homes and Properties is thrilled to announce the appointment of exceptional staff members who have exemplified remarkable professionalism and have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Adron brand. We proudly introduce our newly appointed leaders: Adenike Ajobo as Managing Director, Olubunmi Akinfe as Deputy Managing Director, Ihuoma Azuru as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Lagos Nigeria), Barbie Ette as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Northern Nigeria), Odunola Ogundapo as Assistant Managing Director of Sales and Marketing (Western Nigeria), Olasumbo Oguntoye as Assistant Managing Director of Housing Nigeria, and Haastrup as Director General of Customer Service. Together, they will drive our mission forward and ensure continued excellence at Adron Homes.

Aare Adetola Emmanuel King, the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, has issued an important directive to the newly appointed directors of the company. He emphasized the critical need for quality delivery in all aspects of their work. Aare King highlighted that each director must align their actions and decisions with the overarching vision and mission of the organization. He urged them to remain committed to the company’s goals and to foster a culture of excellence, ensuring that their contributions not only meet but exceed the expectations set forth by Adron Homes.

Adenike Abosede Ajobo stands out as a highly regarded authority in the fields of corporate branding, public relations, business repositioning, and organizational strategy. She holds a degree in Linguistics from the prestigious University of Ibadan and has further enhanced her expertise with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Marketing from The Polytechnic of Ibadan.

Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her memberships with esteemed organizations, including the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (MNIMN), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Nigeria Institute of Personality Development and Customer Relationship Management (NIPD-CRM-dsgnt). These affiliations illustrate her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and excellence within her industry.

Adenike’s professional journey with Adron Homes commenced in January 2024 when she took on the role of Group Company Secretary. Her exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision quickly propelled her up the ranks, and she soon became the Deputy Managing Director of Southern Nigeria. Her impressive performance has now garnered her a well-deserved promotion to the position of Managing Director at Adron Homes, where she is set to steer the company toward a promising future, leveraging her insights and experience to craft innovative strategies for growth and development.

Akinfe Olubunmi Omolara is an esteemed leader and achiever, recognized for her dedication to maximizing her potential in every role she undertakes. She is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle-Ife, Osun State, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Her career journey at Adron Homes and Properties, reflects her remarkable growth and commitment to excellence. She has progressed through a range of pivotal roles, from Deputy Group Sales Manager, District Sales Manager, and Deputy District Sales Manager to Deputy Group Customer Relations Officer, Regional Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership and strategic acumen continued to shine through her promotions as the Director of Sales and Marketer and later promoted as the Director General of Sales and Marketing. She has now been promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director , where she will drive growth and operational efficiency for Adron Homes.

Ihuoma Udodirim Azuru’s journey is a testament to exceptional leadership and dedication. Her academic prowess shines through with a B.Sc in Accounting, M.Sc in Business Management, MBA in Human Resources and currently studying Law at the Leadership City University, underscoring her commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. Her career with the company began as Group Head Admin and HR, where she showcased her adaptive leadership style. Subsequently, she transitioned to the role of Director of Sales and Marketing (Southwest). Moreover, she was promoted to the prestigious role of Director General for Sales and Marketing at Adron Homes. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and strategic vision within the organization leads to her appointment as the Assistant Managing Director Lagos Nigeria.

Odunola Ogundapo is a highly regarded sales and marketing professional, celebrated for her steadfast dedication and strategic insight, which have contributed to her impressive track record of success in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she developed a strong foundational knowledge of earth sciences. Further enhancing her expertise, she earned a Master’s degree in Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology from the prestigious University of Lagos, a program renowned for its rigorous approach and focus on the energy sector. This combination of academic credentials allows Odunola to meld deep scientific understanding with strategic business acumen, enabling her to deliver exceptional results in her professional endeavors.

Odunola embarked on her career in 2017 at Adron Homes and Properties Ltd, starting as a Business Executive. In this role, she quickly demonstrated her innate talents and passion for sales and marketing, employing a goal-driven approach that not only set her apart but also paved the way for her rapid advancement within the company. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to forge strong relationships with clients and stakeholders led to her recognition as a rising star in the organization.

Currently serving as the Assistant Managing Director, Odunola plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing innovative strategies aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s market position. Her forward-thinking mindset and comprehensive understanding of market dynamics allow her to identify and seize new opportunities effectively. Under her leadership, the team is not only motivated but also encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries, resulting in increased productivity and morale.

Odunola’s leadership style is characterized by a unique blend of optimism and resilience, which fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment. She prioritizes the development of her team members, nurturing their potential and empowering them to become future leaders in the organization. This commitment to mentorship and professional growth among her staff has created a culture of excellence that thrives on teamwork and innovation, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision and goals. Through her unwavering dedication to her work and her ability to inspire those around her, Odunola Ogundapo continues to make a significant impact in the sales and marketing realm.

Aminat Olaniyan Haastrup is an inspirational customer service specialist, deeply committed to creating exceptional service experiences. With a strong educational background in Estate Management and Customer Experience, she earned her degree from Yaba College of Technology. An Associate Member of The Association of Business Practitioners (ABP) in the UK and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management, Aminat’s journey began as the Director of Customer Services. Renowned for her dedication to customer-centric strategies, she passionately pursues unparalleled service excellence. Through transformative initiatives across the company’s customer relations landscape, Aminat has inspired those around her and achieved her new role as the Director General of Customer Service.

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BIG STORY

EFCC Probes Viral Video Of Chinese Allegedly Tearing Naira Note

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed it is investigating an incident involving a Chinese national who tore Naira notes in Lagos.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, provided confirmation of this development to our correspondent on Friday.

Reports indicate that the incident took place at a Chinese-owned company along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, when Lagos State Government officials arrived to seal the premises over alleged regulatory violations.

A viral video captured the Chinese national resisting the officials’ attempts to shut down the company. During the confrontation, he pulled Naira notes from his bag and tore them, igniting widespread outrage on social media.

At the scene, some individuals believed to be Nigerian workers at the company appeared to shield the man from being apprehended by the Lagos State officials.

The incident has sparked significant reactions, with many Nigerians calling for the immediate arrest of the individual involved.

Social media users have expressed their anger, urging the authorities to take swift action.

Controversial social media influencer Daniel Regha posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “The EFCC should arrest this man and charge him to court for committing a punishable offense. However, my concern is how selectively justice is applied in Nigeria. If this were a high-ranking politician or their associates, the case would likely go nowhere.”

Another user, @Qladele, wrote, “The Chinese man who disrespected Nigerian currency should be arrested. The company involved should also be permanently shut down. Disrespecting your host country should have consequences. Those who obstructed justice should also face the law.”

Similarly, @Dele93748586 shared a similar sentiment, stating, “The person who insulted the Nigerian currency should be arrested, and the location sealed permanently. There must be consequences for this disrespect, and the security personnel who hindered justice should be detained.”

“Imagine if a Nigerian went to China and tore the Chinese Yuan after the Chinese government sealed his business. This is a huge blow to Nigeria. Even though I don’t support the Tinubu-led government, this is an insult to our country and government!” said @PureStanley1.

Another user, @OyinAtiBode, remarked, “Those protecting this man should face consequences, and the disrespectful foreigner should be severely punished—arrested, jailed, deported, and permanently banned from returning to Nigeria.”

Legal practitioner Tolu Babaleye, speaking (with Saturday Punch), stated that the Chinese national should be subjected to Nigerian law, as long as he was not a diplomat.

“He can be arrested, tried, and if convicted, sentenced for mutilating Naira notes, as this is an offense under Nigerian law,” Babaleye said.

Asked if the EFCC had taken action on the matter, Oyewale, the spokesperson for the commission, responded in a message (to Saturday Punch), saying, “The EFCC is looking into the issue, please.”

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BIG STORY

BON Awards Release Line-Up Of Activities Ahead Of November 24

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  • Kwara First Lady To Join Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo Others For Book-Reading

As the Nigerian film industry gets set for the annual pan-Nigerian Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 24, at the Sugar Factory in Ilorin, Kwara State, the organisers of the travelling awards have released a line-up of activities, alongside other highlights of the 16th edition.

This year’s event is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a variety of engaging activities, including a book reading session and the unveiling of new award categories.

A key highlight of the pre-award festivities will be the welcome party scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd in Ilorin. This will be followed by the Book of the Year reading on the morning of November 24, showcasing “Do As You Are Told, Bani” by the acclaimed author Lola Shoneyin.

Esteemed personalities, including the First Lady of Kwara State and well-known Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze, Wole Ojo, Kemi Adekomi, Cynthia Clarke, and Chioma Okafor, will participate in the reading. This session aims to inspire and engage the youths, specifically a select number of school children from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Also, the 2024 BON Awards has been revealed that four of its major award categories have been endowed by notable figures and organisations. The endowed categories include:

Best Indigenous Movie – Endowed by Oba Saheed Eleguishi, a distinguished traditional ruler and arts patron. Best Use of Food – Endowed by Abundish Limited, an agricultural product wholesaler cum grocery market in Lekki, Lagos.

The Best Actress category is also endowed by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Moji Ojora, a well-known philanthropist and public servant dedicated to women’s empowerment. While the movie with the Best Social Message is endowed by Hon. Toke Benson, the Lagos Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and a prominent advocate for social issues.

According to the founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, these new endowments promise to enhance the awards’ prestige by taking it to the next level and also offer greater recognition for excellence in these fields.

As the seven-day countdown to the 2024 BON Awards begins, and the excitement is building, Feranmi Olaoye, the Executive Director of the awards has promised that this year is not just another gala night but a getaway weekend for hardworking Nollywood practitioners, and others within the Nollywood community.

With the awards’ unique blend of celebrity-filled events and meaningful high-impact initiatives, this year’s ceremony is poised to leave a significant mark on the entertainment industry and the wider Nigerian cultural scene.

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