Reps invite NEMA over 2023 flood prediction

The House of Representatives has invited the DirectorGeneral, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Ahmed over 2023 flood predications in the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, during plenary in Abuja on Wednesday.

Presenting the motion, Gbajabiamila, said there was need for NEMA to brief the House on measures taken to prevent flood disaster and manage socioeconomic impact on the people in flood prone areas.

The motion is titled; “Need to Commence Active Measures to Mitigate the Probable Devastation of a Severe Flood Season and prepare Palliative Intervention to Prevent the worst Socio-Economic Consequences for Nigerians in the Affected Areas’’.

He said that a large portion of the country was prone to annual flooding which had been recurring in recent years.

According to him, the extent of the devastation of lives and property has been huge.

Gbajabiamila said that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency in January, released the seasonal climate prediction with a forecast of early onset of rain across the country and heavy rains throughout the season.

He said that the prediction of an early rain fall had a come to pass, adding that there was every reason to expect the forecast of a heavy rainy season.

The lawmaker, however, expressed concerned that the 2023 annual flood outlook prepared by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency showed that 178 local goernment areas in 32 states and the FCT fell within the highly probable flood risk areas.

He said that Nigeria had yet to recover from the 2022 flood which affected more than four million people, displaced over two million and caused the death of 665.

Gbajabiamila said that the flooding caused damaged to about 355,986 houses and homesteads as well as destroyed an estimated 944,989 hectares of farmland.

“With sufficient preparation and collaboration between the Federal and State Governments,

Nigeria can mitigate the loss of lives and the socio-economic hardships caused by the recurring flooding,’’ he said.

The House urged the Federal Government to liaise with the relevant agencies to ensure the relocation of Nigerians from the flood-prone areas.

It also said the federal government should ensure stockpile of sufficient temporary shelter materials, food and nutrition items as well as medicine to support people in flood-prone areas.

The House urged NEMA to encourage communication between the federal and the state governments, to ensure effective collaboration to prevent flooding in the country. (NAN)

NSDC lays solid structures, partnership for older persons in 2 years - DG

By Albert Akota

The Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre, (NSCC) Dr. Emem Omokaro has said that the body has used two years in laying solid structures, designing programs as well building partnerships for the betterment of older persons in Nigeria.

Dr. Omokaro who disclosed this at the weekend during maiden media luncheon in Abuja, emphasized that the coming year is going to see a rollout of so many of these programs for the betterment of older persons.

According to her, “We are really looking forward in engaging the Governor’s Forum and then finding the focal points in the states.

Since we cannot put up state offices, we will find focal points in their State Assembly and their Executive arms to ensure that they understand the vision and they can also be passionate about including their older people.

“We have gained so much in our partnership with NDE, SMEDAN and other partners.

It is now for us to leverage on their nationwide structures and then increase the tempo of our penetration into the states to reach out to older persons as fast as possible.

“I also look forward to our care quality assurance, seeing us roll out the national benchmark and minimum curricular for training, certifying and registering care agencies, caregivers and then rolling out this agency model where these agencies and caregivers can be sent to homes”, she stated.

She noted that having been able to mainstream geriatric social care into the national skills framework which has now made it a skill that is classified and recognized, the Agency is really looking forward to rolling that out so as to get quality care to older citizens.

She also recognized the efforts of the media in promoting the activities of the Agency, as well as bringing issues affecting older persons to the forefront.

The DG used the opportunity to award the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for its partnership with the Agency by providing a platform to ensure smooth and easy broadcast of NSCC’s activities to Nigerians and the world at large.

Meanwhile, Media practitioners present took turns to laud the Agency and the DG for her tenacity and resilience in promoting the issues of older persons and engaging their skills even after retirement.

She adding that the efforts of NSCC will help older persons to remain relevant in the society long after retirement.

Jigawa 8th Assembly, Dangyatin emerges new speaker

From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse

The member representing Miga constituency, honourable Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin of All Progressive Congress (APC), has emerged Speaker of the 8th Jigawa State House of Assembly.

Dangyatin, was nominated by a member representing Malam Madori Constituency, Hamza Adamu and seconded by member representing Birnin Kudu Constituency honourable Muhammad Kabir.

Also, honourable Sani Isyaku a member representing Gumel constituency emerged as deputy speaker of the house.

Honourable Sani Isyaku Gumel was nominated by Ahmad Aliyu member representing Kiri-kasamma constituency and seconded by Lawal Mohd Dansure a member representing Roni constituency.

The new speaker, his deputy and other members, sworn in by the clerk of the house Barrister Musa Abubakar after the election.

While delivering his acceptance speech, the new speaker promised to run an open and inclusive house.

Honourable Dangyatin then seeks members support and cooperation for speedy passage of executive bills as well as for better development of the state.