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 Flooding: Buhari Has The Solution

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4 years ago

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A decade ago, Nigeria experienced what was termed the worst flooding disaster, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). Ten years later nothing has changed, and nothing has been done to forestall a recurrence of the flooding disaster, or action taken to attenuate the impact of another flooding disaster. Presently,  cities in states situated along the banks of the great Rivers of Benue and Niger are passing through a similitude of Noah’s  experience. Farmlands are flooded and crops washed away; whole towns are completely submerged, in Kogi, Benue, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, but 2023 is the only priority of our politicians. The ruling class has no real sympathy for the masses; and neither the dead nor the displaced hundreds of thousands.  Not even the lost livelihoods matter. Currently, the deluge has already surpassed the earlier forecast by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that 13 states would be affected. By the time the spillover from Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba is added to the mix due to the knock-on effect as expected,  the full measure of the disaster can be appreciated

The situation in Kogi State can only be imagined; in fact, no one better describes the state of affairs in Kogi than the State Governor, Yahaya Bello, He said:  “Flooding has affected the nine local government areas which lie along the Rivers Niger and Benue, namely, Lokoja, Kogi-Koto, Ajaokuta, Ofu, Igalamela-Odolu, Bassa, Idah, Ibaji, and Omala. Ibaji is almost 100 per cent underwater while the rest range from 30 percent up. Other inland LGAs also have some degree of flooding from smaller rivers and tributaries.” The current deluge portends great danger to the already dilapidated road infrastructure in the country, especially in Kogi, Rivers, and Bayelsa States. Presently, some parts of the East-West Road are submerged, just like the case in Lokoja. The exacerbation is at a level never seen before. The lifespan of most of these roads will drastically decrease, while some will be completely washed away, as is already the case in Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State.

Due to erratic weather patterns, as evidenced by the timing of the rainy season, and a marked increase in the millimeters per year, there is no doubt that the country has entered a new era where annual flooding disaster is seen as normal upending the lives of millions of Nigerians in the low planes along the tributaries of the great rivers. The resultant effect will be irreparable damage to the nation’s agricultural value chain. Already, Olam Agric has reported a loss of about $20 million resulting from the flooding of 4,400 hectares of cultivated rice farm in Nasarawa State. It is estimated that Olam supplies as much as 25 percent of the rice consumed in Nigeria.

The implication, according to Olam’s Vice President, External Relations and Stakeholder Management, Mr Ade Adefeko, is that before December 2022, rice which is a major staple for most Nigerian families might cost as high as N100, 000. In fact, going by the terrifying projections of Mr Adefeko, food inflamtion might be heading to the precipice. It was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, amplified by the activities of Fulani herdsmen, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, and now Noah-like flooding in the food basket states. The idea that a bag of rice which sold for N20,000 at the time of the 2012 flood, and currently selling for around N40,000 could be sold for as much as N100,000 in the next two months,  is an existential threat of unimaginable proportions. .

What about other staple foods? Already, it is estimated that the economy has lost around N1 trillion in the past two weeks alone, and this figure is expected to rise.  Recall that in the 2012 flood disaster that affected 30 states, which peaked between July and October, many cities were submerged and about 400 persons lost their lives. In the aftermath, the country lost a whopping N2.6 trillion, therefore if the current estimate of N1 trillion in the past two weeks is correct, then nobody occupying any government office relevant to solving the problem of flooding deserves to sleep. You may recall that NIMET and NEMA warned the country of the amount of rain expected this year and the possible aftermath. However it must be stated clearly that our current ordeal is not because of Nigerian rainfall, but the Lagdo  Dam in the Northern Province of Cameroon.

Nigerians must know that abandoned projects have mortal consequences.
The flooding did not happen overnight, the Cameroonians warned the Nigerian Government that it was about to release excess water from Lagdo Dam, and the Nigerian Government equally warned helpless Nigerians to either move from low planes or wait and die, because in most cases in Kogi, Edo, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa States,  there are no other options. Was the government taken unawares? No. The Lagdo dam has a mummified stillborn twin on the Nigerian side called the Dasin Hausa Dam located in Dasin Village of the Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

A bilateral agreement was reached around 1977 before construction began on the  Lagdo dam, and the Nigerian government was to build a dam twice the size of the Lagdo dam to serve as a buffer. More than four decades later, the Dasin Housa Dam remains at 90 percent of completion. Since its commissioning in 1982, the Lagdo dam has been supplying electricity and irrigating 15,000 hectares of farmlands for our Cameroonian neighbours. Unfortunately, while the Cameroonians have enjoyed the benefits of the bilateral agreement these forty years, we have remained the weeping child. We continue to suffer calamity as a result of the spillovers from the Lagdo dam.

The Dasin Hausa Dam was never finished to fulfil its primary purpose, and neither did it add any power to the national grid or bring prosperity. Sadly, after the 2012 disaster, then Director of Dams in the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr Emmanuel Adanu, told Environews that the feasibility study done in 1982 for the Dasin Hausa Dam was outdated. He mentioned that a new design was in the works, and if approved, would take 36 months to finish.  He said: “It is now imperative for the Federal Government to build a bumper dam to cushion the effect of water released by Lagdo Dam. We are already taking steps to do the construction and we have started looking at how we can improve on the old design.” It is already ten years and we are back to square one, or even worse. As a nation, our penchant for abandoning projects is second to none. It does not matter the scale, the importance, the level of completion, or even the amount so far spent. At the end of the day even though climate change has a hand in our current ordeal, a greater part of our suffering in this case is self-inflicted. It is due in large part to the inability of the Nigerian Government to honour an agreement and to do what is right for its people since 1977.

Our government’s only role in this whole saga is to relay information from the Cameroonian government. Should we be surprised? No. But we ought to be aware that after 43 years, and after several military and civilian governments, including Obasanjo, Shagari, Buhari, Babangida, Abacha, Obasanjo again, Yar Adua and Jonathan, and Buhari again, a very important infrastructure as the Dasin Hausa Dam is still inoperational. In truth, good leaders think many years into the future. They protect the now, but they also take steps to secure the future.  It is a monumental betrayal,  that the bilateral agreement was signed at the time Nigeria brought the whole of Africa for FESTAC. Recall also, that during that era, someone was heard saying that Nigeria has so much money that we do not even know what to do with it. But during the same era, the first Governor of Rivers State, Navy Commander, Alfred Diete Spief built enduring infrastructure changing the landscape of the city of Port Harcourt.

Interestingly, the Dasin Hausa Dam was started in 1982, but on December 31, 1983, the coup that brought in Major General Mahammadu Buhari took place. Maybe providence has given him another chance to redeem himself. President Buhari must therefore put everything in place to see that even after he leaves office in  May 2023, the Dasin Hausa Dam would still be completed to bring an end to the current perennial flooding.

By: Raphael Pepple

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Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship 

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”
In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.
One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.
As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.
 Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.
 Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.
These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.
Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

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1 week ago

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June 17, 2026

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Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”
Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.
Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.
Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.
Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.
Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.
 The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.
By;  Confidence Adoo
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Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’  Prescription 

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 8, 2026

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Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”
The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.
Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,
when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.
Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?
Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
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