Environment
NEMA Urges Adherence To Flood Warnings
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday in Lagos State warned Nigerians against non-adherence to the 2013 flood warnings.
The Information Officer, South-West Zone of NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, who gave the warning in a statement, said that non-adherence was an invitation to disaster.
Farinloye advised Nigerians to take the forecast seriously by embarking on last minute measures against anything that could worsen the risk of the predicted heavy rain.
“The other tiers of government are closer to the grassroots and they are expected to mobilise the people towards mitigation actions of the fallout of heavy rainfall.”
The NEMA spokesman said that the agency had embarked on an independent exercise to monitor the state of preparedness of stakeholders for the challenges of climate change.
Farinloye said that NEMA had mobilised all critical stakeholders in the three tiers of government, the private sector, individuals and NGOs after the 2013 rainfall prediction.
“In the South/West Geopolitical Zone, the prediction revealed that Saki and Ibadan in Oyo State, Ondo and Akure in Ondo State, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun are expected to experience excessive rainfall,” he said.
He said that local governments were expected to embark on massive mobilisation of residents while the drains and infrastructure that might impede free flow of rainwater had been cleared.
“It was observed that the excessive down pour in Saki and Oke/Ogun in Oyo State, will flow to Ajegunle and Majidun settlements along Ikorodu, Lagos State.
“NEMA’s assessment around these areas especially at Ajegunle revealed that the people are not prepared for the risks as all the drains and water channels are still blocked.
“The whole areas are located in flood plain area while the present road construction is putting hazards on the communities as the creation of craters in some residential areas are worrisome,” he said.
He commended the Ondo State Government for installing flood alarm systems at strategic locations in the state and advised that residents should be sensitised on the significance and the use of the system.
“Lagos State Government has tried in the emergency flood abatement activities but residents should comply with rules by not dumping waste in drains and water channels.’’
Farinloye, however, said that corporate organisations should contribute their quota in risk reduction and reducing the negative impact of predicted excessive rainfall since disasters did not discriminate.
Also the North West Zone of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday in Birnin Kebbi began training its personnel to handle any flooding in the area in the wake of increasing rainfall.
The Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Malam Musa Ilallah, who addressed participants at the training session, said the training comprised of “mitigation and response measures that could assist in flood disaster cases.
He said the measure was also in response to predictions by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) of the expected heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding.
According to Ilallah, “the populace will be guided on preparations for flood” at the training sessions.
The one day training workshop has its theme as “Flood Preparedness and Strengthening Mechanism for Community-based Early Warning System”.
“The public would be enlightened on early warning, on severity of impending disaster, damage to property and loss of lives”.
“The primary targets would be people identified to be residing along flood prone areas as well as what to do during and after rainfall,” he said.
A senior of the agency, Mr Simon Katu, said the agency would collaborate with local government councils, traditional and religious leaders.
The state was among those identified by NIMET that could experience heavy rainfall, leading to flooding resulting in flood.
The state had experienced flooding in the past three years that claimed lives and destroyed farmlands and settlements, among other property.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday, launched an awareness campaign, aimed at educating residents on the increasing impact of climate change.
The campaign also seeks to enlighten residents on the urgent need for personal and community protection measures.
During the launch in Uyo on Thursday, the Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said that the campaign aims at enlightening residents, about the changes in weather patterns.
He said that this includes unpredictable rise in temperatures, and how these changes threaten public health across the state.
Mkpoutom noted that the current weather was not harmattan, but an extreme form of air pollution, which is harmful to health as it could cause oxidative stress which affects body balance.
“Our environment is changing rapidly, and the effects are evident in the disruptions faced by our communities.
“It is paramount that every citizen of Akwa Ibom understands these changes and take necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their livelihoods,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to take the following precautions which include wearing of nose mask, drinking sufficient water, covering of food and water to keep away dust, washing fruits thoroughly before eating, among others.
He directed all NOA structures within the state to engage with local communities through town hall meetings and collaboration.
He also urged engagement with schools and community leaders, to disseminate vital information on early warning signs, as well as safety protocols during extreme weather conditions.
The Chairman of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Ms Surah Animashaun, has urged traders of Aiyetoro and Oluwo fish markets to consistently ensure a hygienic trading environment.
She urged the traders to maintain cleanliness and observe proper environmental sanitation in the markets.
Animashaun said this during a visit to some of the market areas in Epe on Saturday.
She said that clean markets were critical to public health.According to her, poor sanitation could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases, especially in fish markets, where waste management must be handled with extra care.
The council chairman urged traders to dispose of refuse appropriately, avoid indiscriminate dumping of waste, and ensure regular cleaning of stalls and surroundings
She noted that environmental hygiene is a collective responsibility, adding that everyone should be involved in this development.
Animashaun also warned that the local government would not hesitate to enforce existing environmental laws, including sanctions against defaulters.
She assured traders of the council’s commitment to providing adequate waste disposal facilities and regular monitoring to sustain a clean and healthy market environment.
The council boss also urged traders to desist from selling by the roadside, so as to avoid accidents, noting that several motor accidents had occurred along the Aiyetoro market area.
“We, therefore, urge traders to stop selling on the roadside,” she said.
President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, has inaugurated the construction of 18 units residential terrace in highbrow Alausa area of Lagos toward bridging the nation’s shelter gap.
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