Environment

Red Cross Recovers Five Corpses From River Niger

Published

14 years ago

October 17, 2012

The Nigeria Red Cross Society said on Monday it had recovered three corpses washed ashore River Niger in Lokoja.

It also said that the corpses of two other male adults, swept away on Saturday night by the flood at Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi, had been recovered

The Kogi branch Chairman of the society, Mr Mustafa Allah-Dey, who confirmed the recoveries to newsmen in Lokoja, said the bodies were recovered late Sunday evening.

He said that all the corpses were male adults and their sources were yet to be ascertained, adding that the attention of the society was drawn to the corpses by local fishermen.

Allah-Dey said the first three corpses might not be from Kogi, adding that they were likely to be among the passengers in a canoe that capsized in a community in Niger two days ago.

He said that the five bodies had since been buried, adding the recent discoveries brought to 11, the number of deaths recorded so far as a result of the flood.

He said that the flood was still devastating some parts of the state, describing the situation in Ibaji and Idah as becoming too precarious.

The chairman said that the situation had forced the National Inland Waterways Authority to release five additional boats for the rescue operations in Ibaji, where hundreds of people were endangered.

He said that the boats, in addition to the three released on Sunday by the organisation, had been deployed to Ibaji, Idah and other flood ravaged communities to rescue the victims.

Allah-Dey said some of the victims, who had taken refuge on tree tops since Saturday, had been brought down and relocated to the four camps in Idah.

Mohammed Garba, the state Sector Commander of the FRSC, said that no movement of vehicle was possible on the Lokoja-Abuja road for now.

“The water level is increasing, no movement for now, what we saw yesterday is not what we are seeing today, no movement is possible on the road now,’’ Garba said.

He said that the FRSC had no idea of when the road would be officially opened to traffic, and urged motorists to make use of alternative routes.

Meanwhile, some motorists have been struggling to find their ways through the road, in spite of the FRSC’s warning to stay off the road.

The Tide correspondent who visited NATAKO junction in Lokoja, observed that passengers simply took commercial motorcycles from the junction to Ukomi community, one of the areas where the water had flooded the road.

On getting to Ukomi, youths making brisk businesses out of the situation, usually ferried the passengers on canoe across to Banda at NI00 per passenger.

At Banda area, another group of youths ferried passengers across at N200 per person to Jamata, where they finally board vehicles going to Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and other parts of the North.

Environment

LWC, Julius Berger seek stronger coordination on Lagos infrastructure

Published

4 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has commenced discussions with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to strengthen coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

This is contained in a statement issued by the corporation.

The corporation said the engagement followed a courtesy and familiarisation visit led by its Managing Director, Mr Mukhtaar Tijani, to Julius Berger’s Ijora office.

It said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and creating opportunities for deeper collaboration between both organisations.

The corporation stressed the importance of cordial relationships with neighbouring organisations and strategic stakeholders to promote future collaboration.

The meeting focused on road construction, water pipeline protection, water infrastructure development and sustainable water supply across Lagos Island and its environs.

Both organisations highlighted the need for early communication and technical coordination to prevent conflicts between road projects and existing water infrastructure.

Julius Berger Regional Commercial Manager, Region West, Mr Alexander Bauer, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainable engineering solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Bauer stressed the importance of early stakeholder engagement and proper coordination before construction activities begin.

The meeting also examined access to project drawings and technical information required to improve coordination between water and road infrastructure projects.

Julius Berger explained that releasing detailed project drawings remained subject to approval from the appropriate client.

Both organisations therefore agreed on the need to engage the Lagos State Government to secure necessary approvals and strengthen technical collaboration.

The discussions also focused on accurate pipeline information and its importance in planning future water infrastructure and urban development projects.

The LWC delegation raised concerns about uncoordinated borehole drilling and its potential effects on groundwater resources and the ecosystem.

Participants noted that stronger public water supply systems could reduce dependence on individual boreholes and help protect underground water resources.

Construction & Maintenance

They also agreed on the importance of sharing information on construction activities, road conditions, project schedules and potential disruptions.

Security and community considerations were also discussed, with Julius Berger highlighting its engagement with relevant authorities on security infrastructure within the area.

The meeting ended with a shared commitment to open communication, stronger technical coordination and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement is expected to strengthen synergies between water and road infrastructure planning and support resilient and sustainable infrastructure development across Lagos.

Environment

IYD: Climate experts advocate investment in African youth

Published

4 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

Some Climate Experts across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.

They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).

According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.

The Tide source reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.

Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.

The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.

‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.

‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.

‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.

According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.

Environment

PWDs: CCD Unveils Report On Climate Change Impacts, Urges Implementation

Published

4 days ago

August 17, 2026

The Tide

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has unveiled a research report on impacts of climate change on Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), calling for its implementation in the country.

The Acting Director CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the public presentation of the report titled: “Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emission and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria” on Wednesday in Lagos.

The event brought together government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other key stakeholder to foster dialogue, collaboration and stronger commitment to disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Nigeria.

Unumeri urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and policy commitment toward building climate resilience and ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response.

He noted that valuable insights and recommendations from stakeholders at a validation workshop in February had been incorporated into the report.

According to him, effective implementation of the recommendations requires sustained collaboration, strong policy commitment, adequate resource mobilisation and coordinated action across sectors.

“By working together, we can translate these findings into practical interventions that strengthen climate resilience and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s climate response,” he said.

In her remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, urged the stakeholders to ensure that the report would be translated into practical interventions to enhance full inclusion of PWDs particularly in climate change policies.