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Borno Cannot Afford Another Flood DisasterHuman Rights Lawyer Hamza Dantani Raises Alarm

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……Call on Government to be proactive to avoid impending disasters
By Lateef Taiwo

Renowned human rights activist , barrister Hamza N Dantani has raised alarm on the impending flood disaster in eleven states of the federation including Borno State announced by Nigeria meteorological agency

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the Constitutional Lawyer called for urgent and proactive steps by the Borno State government saying that the state cannot afford another flood disaster.

“The rainy season is here again in Borno, and I, along with many Maiduguri and Borno state residents, am pretty worried. We remember what happened last year very well. How could we forget? As August approaches, I am painfully reminded of the devastating flooding that ravaged our beloved state in September 2024, when heavy rainfall and the collapse of the Alau dam caused one of the worst floods in the state’s history.”

He lamented that” that flood destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, and wrecked the state’s economy. It displaced hundreds of thousands of people and claimed many lives. Now, weather experts have warned of another impending flood this year, but sadly, the Borno state government has not taken enough action to prevent another disaster.”

He noted that if nothing is done quickly, we may face the same or a worse situation again. This is a clear call for the government to act now and protect the people and their properties.

The erudite lawyer recalled with nostalgia the flood disaster in the state

“In September 2024, intense and sustained rainfall triggered the collapse of the Alau Dam, unleashing flash floods that submerged vast parts of Maiduguri and Jere local government areas.”

“According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 70% of residents in Maiduguri were displaced. More than one million people were affected, hundreds lost their lives, and property worth billions of naira was destroyed.”

“The impacts were widespread and devastating. Schools were shut down as floodwaters rose. The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the state General Hospital were inundated, disrupting vital health services. “

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps were overrun, with residents relocated in panic from El Miskin to Bakasi Camp. Even the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo suffered tragic losses as 40% of its animals perished, and others escaped onto the streets of the capital.

“Another significant impact of the flood was that it affected the water system, making it difficult for citizens to access good drinking water even up until now. It also destroyed the electricity supply, causing many areas to be thrown into darkness.”

“Governor Babagana Zulum described the event as “beyond human imagination,” rightly so. It was a humanitarian disaster on an unprecedented scale.”

The Abuja based legal practitioner said that
” The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has issued fresh warnings for 2025, cautioning that continued rainfall in Bama, Damboa, Gwoza, and other areas could trigger massive flooding again. Despite this, the Borno State Government has not taken sufficient proactive measures to avert another disaster.”

“Many of the areas that were worst affected last year: Shehu’s Palace Area, Gwange Axis, Bulabulin Ward, Shehu Sanda Kyari Zoo Park area, Post Office axis, Custom area, Gidan Dambe, Bakin Kasuwa, and Bakin Asibiti General, remain vulnerable and unfortified. The road behind Gidan Madara, which links to Bulabulin, a known flashpoint during the flood, remains unrepaired and exposed.”

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“Critical infrastructure damaged by last year’s floods has not been restored. Several connecting bridges remain broken, and only one near the Sheraton Hotel, Abujan Talakawa area, has seen any attempt at repair; yet even that project has dragged on for over six months with no meaningful progress. The state has not shown the urgency or commitment to protect its citizens from another looming disaster.”

“After last year’s flood, the federal government, international organizations, and philanthropists poured in support. Yet, for many victims, help never came as the donations did not trickle down to the real victims. Relief materials were either insufficient or failed to reach those who needed them most. The process lacked transparency and coordination, leaving affected communities to fend for themselves.”

“This failure must not be repeated. A repeat disaster without adequate government response would indict leadership and betray public trust.”

“The Borno State Government must act decisively and urgently. The following steps are non-negotiable:

Reconstruction of damaged bridges, such as the Monday market bridge beside the fish market, which is about to collapse, the Gwange bridge that links customs areas, the bridge behind Gidan Madara bypassed to the Bulabulin area, and drainage systems, especially in flood-prone areas.

  1. 2. Reinforcement and maintenance of Alau Dam and other water-related infrastructure to prevent future breaches;
  2. Implementation of a robust early warning system, in collaboration with NEMA and other relevant agencies;
  3. Public sensitization campaigns to educate residents about evacuation plans and safety precautions.
  4. Pre-positioning of emergency relief materials in high-risk communities and IDP camps; and
  5. Desilting and clearing blocked drainage channels across vulnerable areas in Maiduguri and the state.”

“Borno State residents are already burdened by economic hardship, insecurity, and displacement. “

“A second flood of the magnitude witnessed in 2024 would be utterly devastating. This is not just about infrastructure; it is about human lives, dignity, and the future of our state.”

“Our government must rise above bureaucracy and indifference. What is at stake is too precious to ignore.”

“The people of Borno, especially within the metropolis, have suffered enough. They should not have to relive last year’s nightmare”

“The signs are clear, the warnings have been given, and the time to act is now. No amount of aid can undo the loss of a loved one, and no relief package can fully replace a destroyed home or business. The government must ensure that the 2024 tragedy does not repeat itself.”

“Let us not wait for disaster to strike again before we act. Let this be the year we choose preparedness over pity, prevention over reaction, and responsibility over neglect.”

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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares

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President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.

The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.

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Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere

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By: Fabian Apechihin

In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.

The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.

Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:

“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”

She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.

Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:

“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”

She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.

Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.

With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.

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Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra

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By Fabian Apechihin

A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.

However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:

“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”

He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.

“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.

Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”

He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.

“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.

Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.

“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.

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