News
2022 Flood Outlook: Fear Grips Engenni Communities
Fear has gripped some communities in Engenni Kingdom, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, following prediction by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) that the area risks flooding this year.
NHISA had in its 2022 flood prediction, classified Rivers State, and specifically, Ahoada West, as highly probable floor risk state and local government area.
Speaking with The Tide, some residents of the area said the situation has caused panic, especially among farmers who have resorted to panic harvesting.
They also alleged that some persons have started erecting makeshift structures with a view to relocating to them when the flood comes.
The residents also called for government support to cushion negative effect of the pandemic.
Speaking, Prince Sodin Akiagba, a resident of Joinkrama community, said fear has gripped the communities, especially as the area had suffered from previous flood disasters.
Akiagba said more than 21 communities would be affected by the impending flood disasters.
He said his people are now resorting to self-help as there was no help from any quarters.
According to him, “We have received no support from anywhere”.
He said previous flood in the area has led to the displacement of thousands of residents, stressing that people have lost their means of livelihood as well as their property.
“Some people have not only lost their means of livelihood but even residential facilities have been affected”.
Akiagba stressed the need for the government to come to the aid of his people by providing permanent internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
“Permanent internally displaced persons camps should now be put in place where people can be accommodated temporarily when the flood comes”.
Akiagba also called for crops that can be harvested within three to five months to be introduced while the Orashi River be dredged to ensure for free flow of waters.
He said annual flooding in the area normally come with mosquitoes, thereby creating big health challenge for his people.
Akiagba also urged for regular sensitisations of the people on the effect of the impending flood disasters.
The zonal coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) could not be reached for comment but a staff of the agency said that NEMA was on top of the situation.
By; John Bibor
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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