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Tag: September

  • ICPC recovers N13bn diverted public funds in September

    ICPC recovers N13bn diverted public funds in September

    Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the recovery of N13 billion diverted public funds in September.

    ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, who made the announcement in his address of welcome at the launch of ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 on Wednesday in Abuja, described the feat as a remarkable achievement.

    According to him, the impressive haul is a testament to the commission’s relentless efforts at combating corruption and ensuring accountability in Nigeria.

    ”Over the past years, the ICPC has made significant progress in discharging its mandate; for example, we recovered over N13 billion diverted public funds in September 2024 alone.

    ”This is just one of the many ways we have worked tirelessly to fulfill our mandate.

    ”We are also embarking on ICT reforms that will digitalise our operations and enable more efficient investigations, case management, and internal processes.

    ”This transformation will position the commission as a leader in leveraging technology to combat corruption, keeping us one step ahead of criminal activities in the digital age,” he said.

    Aliyu said that the commission was also developing a specialised curriculum aimed at enhancing the enforcement capacity of our personnel.

    ”This initiative equips our officers with the skills and expertise needed to address the complexities of corruption cases with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.

    ”We are decentralising the anti-corruption efforts by empowering state governments through the mobilisation of state attorneys-general.

    ”This approach ensures that state governments are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to effectively combat corruption at the local level,” he said.

    The ICPC chairman recalled that the commission successfully held a conference with state attorneys-general in September, adding that more than 30 state chief law officers attended.

    He said that in response to the findings from the Third National Corruption Survey, the commission had intensified efforts to broaden the reach of the anti-corruption campaign by actively engaging citizens, civil society and the media.

    ”A key part of this initiative is our upcoming EthicsPod digital community, designed to foster a culture of transparency and accountability across both public offices and everyday life nationwide.

    ”These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy, forming the backbone of our Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028, which builds on our past achievements and charts a clear path for the future,” he said.

    “SAP, in line with our ‘CARE for Impact’ initiative (Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency), provided a comprehensive roadmap for achieving our goals over the next five years.

    ”It aligns with key national policies such as the Nigeria Agenda 2050, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026, and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, among others.

    ”As part of this strategy, we will continue to strengthen our institutional integrity and deepen collaborations with other stakeholders,” he said.

    The ICPC boss stressed the need to intensify efforts on prevention of corruption and corrupt practices.

    ”As we know, prevention is better than cure, and the ICPC has intensified efforts to identify institutional and administrative vulnerabilities through System Studies and Corruption Risk Assessments.

    ”We have also continued to engage with the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), reinforcing our grassroots monitoring mechanisms.

    ”As we look ahead, the success of this strategic plan will rely heavily on synergy, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, and I want to reaffirm the ICPC’s commitment to a multi-agency approach in tackling corruption,” he said.

    According to him, the journey required collective sacrifice, discipline, and integrity from all stakeholders.

    “Together, we can institutionalise integrity in our systems and mobilise our citizenry to embrace the anti-corruption war,” Aliyu said.

  • Umahi introduces night construction, to inaugurate Lagos-Ibadan Expressway September

    Umahi introduces night construction, to inaugurate Lagos-Ibadan Expressway September

    The Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, on Tuesday introduced night construction to fast track Nigeria’s highway projects in line with global practices.

    Umahi said this during a visit to project sites in Lagos/Ogun States.

    He said during the visit that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway rehabilitation/reconstruction was 98 per cent completed and would be inaugurated mid-September.

    The minister said other ancillary works including interchanges and underpasses on the project would continue while he sought support of Ogun government towards payment of compensations for  Right of Way recovery.

    While inspecting section two of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, he was joined by Sen. Gbenga Daniel, a former Governor of Ogun.

    Umahi, who is a civil engineer, said the government was going to use consultants to concession and toll all federal highways in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

    He advised the contractor, Raynolds Construction Company (RCC), handling section two of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project, to include a mix of cement in the Macadam being used on the project.

    The minister explained that inclusion of cement could make the highway last 100 years and be used for 50 years without maintenance.

    Daniel, on his part, thanked the Federal Government for the progress of the project, saying his people had endured hardship including gridlock and insecurity during construction works.

    “On behalf of our people, thank you for this quick visit,” he said.

    While inspecting the Lagoon section of Eko Bridge, Umahi instructed the engineers to introduce night construction in line with global practices.

    He said good construction ethics required minimal discomfort to road users, hence, the need to close critical sections that needed lifting for repairs after midnight.

    The minister added that night hours of construction under his supervision would improve the pace of project delivery.

    He said it was cost effective to maintain the bridges to prevent their collapse, noting that reconstruction of any bridge would cost trillions of Naira.

    Umahi assured the various contractors that the outstandings of their contract sums would be paid without further delay, so as to achieve prompt delivery of the projects.

    He  expressed satisfaction and praised the contractor, Buildwell Plants and Industries Ltd, for quality of work done at Apongbon, Ijora Olopa, Lagoon and Costain sections of Eko bridge.

    “We are happy with the designs and assure that the bridge will be completed before the end of November,” he said.

    Umahi promised to prevail on President Bola Tinubu for quick completion of bridges undergoing maintenance in Lagos State.

    While inspecting the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonsoki Expressway project, he praised Dangote for quality of work and use of concrete.

    “The -Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonsoki Expressway project is 99 per cent completed,” he said.

    He also commended Dangote for the durable rigid pavement construction done at Apapa-Wharf Road, insisting that henceforth, all projects supervised under him must be done with concrete.

    The minister, however, was unhappy with heaps of refuse along projects alignment from Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonsoki exit from the ports.

    Umahi said he would seek help of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos on the issue.

    He urged his engineers to prevail on users of open spaces under the bridges to clean and maintain them.

    The minister started the inspection tour from outer Marina Road and transversed roads, met with traders under Liverpool Bridge, before ending the trip with a visit to Dangote Refinery Road at the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

    Umahi was accompanied on the trip by the Federal Ministry of Works Director, Highways, Bridges and Designs, Mr Omotayo Awosanya, the Director, Federal Highways, Southwest, Mr Adedamola Kuti and other senior directors.

    Also on the delegation were the Federal Controllers of Works of Lagos and Ogun, Mrs Olukorede Kesha and Mrs Forosola Oloyede respectively, as well as officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

  • U.S. House Speaker, top Republicans plan Biden impeachment inquiry for September – Reports

    U.S. House Speaker, top Republicans plan Biden impeachment inquiry for September – Reports

    U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other top Republican officials are in talks to advance an impeachment inquiry into U.S. President Joe Biden in September, CNN reported on Monday.

    McCarthy told top Republicans that he intends to initiate the impeachment inquiry by the end of next month, the report said, citing Republican sources familiar with the talks.

    McCarthy has previously hinted at the potential for an impeachment inquiry into Biden, threatening earlier this month to launch the process if documents are withheld from lawmakers investigating Biden and his family for alleged criminal activity.

    An impeachment inquiry would grant Congress increased authority to subpoena Biden for documents like bank and credit card statements that could reveal financial ties to foreign sources, McCarthy has said.

    However, Republican lawmakers do not ubiquitously support an impeachment inquiry, the report said.

    The party lacks the 218 votes needed to open an inquiry via floor vote, although there is no constitutional rule requiring they hold a vote, the report said.

    The potential inquiry would also launch as Congress pushes to secure government funding before the end of September to avoid a government shutdown.

  • EPL: Rashford emerges PL Player of the Month for September

    EPL: Rashford emerges PL Player of the Month for September

    Marcus Rashford has been named Premier League Player of the Month for September.

    Rashford was only called for duty in two games in the month of September as fixtures were postponed due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, he played against Leicester City on 1 September and Arsenal three days later but his exploits in those games were immeasurable.

    Manchester United were highly impressive in the two games securing maximum points with Rashford proving key in both encounters.

    The Manchester United forward scored two goals and assisted Antony’s opener in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal, having played in Jadon Sancho to score United’s winner at Leicester at the start of the month.

    His four goal involvements in September – no PL player managed more during the month – were enough for Rashford to see off competition from the likes of Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

    It is the second time Rashford has received the accolade. The first time he received it was in January 2019.

    Manchester City”s Erling Haaland won it for the month of August while, Rashford on the other  end of Manchester won for September.

    Both Haaland and Rashford go head to head in Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.

     

  • NFF Elections: Electoral Committee rolls out roadmap

    NFF Elections: Electoral Committee rolls out roadmap

    The NFF Electoral Committee 2022 on Wednesday rolled out the time-table towards the elections that have been scheduled for Friday, 30th September 2022 in Benin City, capital of Edo State.

    The process for a new NFF Executive Committee to replace the Amaju Pinnick-board that has served for eight years will commence properly on Monday, 29th August with the sales of nomination forms, endorsements and return of forms. This particular process will last until Thursday, 8th September 2022.

    The screening of candidates will be within two days – Friday, 9th and Saturday, 10th September. On Monday, 12th September, the names of candidates that scaled the screening procedure will be released by the Electoral Committee.

    Between Monday, 12th September and Thursday, 15th September, candidates not satisfied with the screening procedure can elect to submit protests while the hearing and determination of the appeals will be done on Friday, 16th and Saturday, 17th September by 12 noon daily.

    The Electoral Committee will release the final list of successful candidates for the elections on Monday, 19th September, with campaigning by the successful candidates to commence on Tuesday, 20th September and end by midnight on Thursday, 29th September 2022.

  • Collision Course premieres on Netflix September 2

    Collision Course premieres on Netflix September 2

    Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions, the producers of award winning films, “93 DAYS”, “Bling Lagosians” and “Man of God” is happy to announce the premiere on Netflix of their multiple award-winning blockbuster, COLLISION COURSE.

    In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, COLLISION COURSE will be available on Netflix from Friday September 2 for a universal release.

    COLLISION COURSE was directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, and produced by Joseph Umoibom and James Amuta.

    Featuring Chioma Akpotha, Daniel Etim Effiong, Kelechi Udegbe, Ade Laoye, Kenneth Okolie, Bimbo Manuel, Gregory Ojefua, Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan (BamBam), Kalu Ikeagwu, and Nobert Young, Collision is a heart thumping story told in 24 hours that dives into the lives of a police officer, a young up and coming artiste and some rogue element in the society. The movie is set against the background of widespread agitations against police brutality in Nigeria and how youths were ready to make their voices heard.

    Regarded as one of Mrs. Austen-Peters’ most accomplished works, ‘Collision Course’ has earned national acclaim since its Nigerian premiere last October 2021 as the closing film for the prestigious African Film Festival (AFRIFF), where it earned Kelechi Udegbe the Best Actor In A Lead Role award.

    It also picked two out of the four awards for which it was nominated at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

    And early this year, the film emerged as West Africa’s Best Movie at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA).

    Bolanle Austen-Peters Production is a leading multi-purpose production and content creating company in the areas of film, television, documentaries, series and stage productions.

    ‘Collision Course’ is their latest film on Netflix after ‘Bling Lagosians’ and ‘Man of God’.

  • The ember months, By Abdu Rafiu

    The ember months, By Abdu Rafiu

    Whenever we embark on the last leg of each year tagged the ‘Ember Months’ millions become edgy, the atmosphere is tensed up. It is a period that is approached with dread and trepidations.

    The enlightened communities live in morbid fear and trembling. The sense of foreboding arises from widespread misconception that the last four months of the year—September to December—must be doom-laden. It has been ordained and woven into the journey of man, so a majority of us human beings so believe. From the first day of the month, many figuratively lose their composure: What has the period in store this year for us?

    Here is a season we ought to look forward to with joyful longing, a period that should bring back to our memories the herald of great tidings, and attendant joy and happiness, of glitters, of dancing and at the same time sober reflection. It usually takes the arrival of January before the discomposure is restored to normalcy and many get back their breath. Consequences of blunders that may have been committed are blamed on the period, believing it to be accident-prone. It will be surprising if the calamitous collapse of a 21-storey building that occurred on Monday at Ikoyi is not blamed on the season by the unwary. The building was under construction when it came down.

    Yesterday, an aircraft ferrying fuel for the UN’s World Food Programme crashed in the Sudan capital of Juba. All on board were killed. Three weeks ago, a small aircraft crashed into some homes and close to a high school in California following which it burst into flames. A week after that another plane crashed into an empty building outside in the outskirts of Milan.

    As if to buttress the belief of the ember months doom merchants, statistics from year to year have always shown that September to December holds the highest record of untimely deaths from road accidents in this country.

    Consequently, as August winds down, Federal and state agencies, particularly the Road Safety swing into action, indeed bringing out the gong for public enlightenment campaigns in an attempt to minimize road traffic crashes. Traffic officials blame the accidents on the impact of hard drugs on drivers, speeding, indiscriminate parking, wrong overtaking, driving against traffic, and traders displaying their wares on walkways, in some cases the display eating into the roads. They urge all road users to comply with traffic regulations and be conscious of other road users. Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander in Anambra State, Adeoye Irelewuyi, flagging off this year’s Ember months campaign said the theme of the campaign is: “maintain Safe speed, Avoid Night Travels and Enjoy Quality Road Experience.”

    According to NAN, Irelewuyi said crashes occurred owing to the impatience of drivers and the quest to make fast money for the Yuletide period. “This year in Anambra, the ember months coincide with the election period thereby further increasing the vehicular and human movements in the state. I wish to disabuse our minds of the belief that evil spirits are responsible for increased crashes recorded during this period. The crashes are mostly as a result of human errors while using the roads.”

    The sector commander in Gombe, fearing that crashes might be high during Yuletide said between January and March 501 persons were involved in crashes in the state and these claimed 33 lives with 298 persons injured. “Since 2017”, he went on, “we have embarked on the installation of speed limit devices in all commercial vehicles and we have realised that some vehicles have not been complying with speed limiters.”

    From the forgoing and despite visible causes attributed to human errors, the unfounded belief that the ember months are jinxed lingers and for many it is not about to go away soon all of which is borne out of ignorance.

    The truth is there is no day, let an alone month, that is cursed. Higher knowledge that is available to those seeking the truth about life and existence, about reasons for all happenings; to those who are genuinely seeking solutions to problems, shows that we are granted intuitional guidance every second, year in, year out. We are exposed to unnecessary risks only when we do not take advantage of the high grace.

    For many, the five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch are all there are to receive knowledge. The sixth sense through which delicate impressions and premonitory signs are received has been deadened by the hustle and bustle as well as the coarseness of earthly life. The mysteries of life are only imaginary.

    With the use of our intuition, just as unhappy home unhappiness affects a child’s behaviour, so do polluted beyond-the-earthly influences, that is, the ethereal influences, affect us all. We human beings unceasingly dump dirt into the ethereal. It is pure thoughts that soon put an end to evil, confusion and sorrow because it is these the ethereal world now harbours and it is sowing that leads to reaping. If the ethereal world is heavy with impurities, it should follow that influences that it mediate will make for sorrow for those who may have contributed to its poisoning and weight. Therewith the effects of gravitation make heavy objects sink and light ones float. It is helpful to cogitate about the power of volitions and thoughts because thoughts and speech are linked; they stick together in the long run in a group as a cohesive owing to their homogeneity, forming power centres from where earthly manifestations flow in the ripeness of seeds sown through thoughts and speech. We can observe the law that draws like with like in the common saying that birds of the same feather flock together. In the same way people of the same tendencies, who are similar in proclivity, in character, in world view and in sharing of same values without pre-thought or calculation draw together. It requires nothing of smokers to find themselves and draw close at gatherings.

    In the same way people of noble character, people who are high-minded can’t help finding themselves. It is so in the animal kingdom; it is so in the colony of fishes in the bed of the seas. Tilapias are found among tilapias and catfish are at home among their own kind. It is thus wrong to see ember months as wheels within wheels. Understanding happenings is simplicity itself if we keep the laws of nature in the forefront of our minds and before our gaze.

    We can live without accidents all year round if everyone does his bit, the driver obeying traffic regulations, the government providing good roads and the law enforcement agents with a conscientious attitude maintaining law and order through enforcement and prosecution. Many an engine is due for an overhaul. Failing to obey traffic rules is riding towards a fall. It is a tragedy that many of our roads have remained in callous state of disrepair, indeed death traps for motorists.

    However, not all road accidents are accidental. Some are preordained. For example, a Mrs. X voluntarily chooses to sell liqueur to drivers of commercial vehicles on duty be they buses, trailers, and even commercial motorcycle rides. Her friend, Miss P. encourages her, solely funds the business idea. Mr. D. makes a voluntary act to import substandard parts. The decision of Mrs. X and Mr. D’s act evolved. There are points of similarity between them. The actions of both affected others disastrously as many not in a mentally fit state to drive did so, pedestrians who did not look both ways before crossing the road and vehicles were serviced with fake spare parts, have put themselves in a bind, drawn together by the law to take responsibility for their actions. Mr. X and Miss P are complete strangers to Mr. D. The two friends were unaware of his existence until they met at an opportune moment. The result of his harmful act coincided with the outcome of the friend’s wrong thinking. The trio was bound by collective guilt to a fatal accident on an ill-fated car ride because every formation is timed to connect with the consequences by the forces of Nature.

    Observers at the accident scene erroneously see the misfortune as a coincidence. If it happened between September and December, they will attribute it to the deadly power of ember months. Others who have very set ideas about religion see the Creator as the cause, because of His omniscience. “He giveth and taketh at will,” they would readily say. The question may be asked: Why do we have more accidents during the ember months? It is simply because of the intensification of activities during the period. There is also the fixation that there are more accidents during the ember months. Such thoughts take on form and press for materialization during the time to meet the ‘expectation.’

    We are in the age of beneficial higher knowledge. It is, therefore, time to rid our world of fables and falsity In the Light of Truth—such as all sorts of tales spread about ember months and blasphemy against the Creator Who is goodness personified. Only happiness, joy, and peace issue from Him and His Works. In the workings of Nature that makes provision for our physical welfare, the laws that govern cosmos are noticeable to all who want to see. To be safe, happy, fulfilled and sustained, we must conform to these laws in which are enshrined the Will of the Creator. We are to strive to obey the high guidance which we receive through our intuition which indeed receives through the cerebellum. All reactions are preceded by actions and no matter how long it takes every cycle must close, the end going back to the beginning. Ember months are as much a blessing as are the rest of the year. To make most of the time on earth we must strive and ensure that we produce pure thoughts; speeches laced with love and do what is of benefit to our fellow men. Above all, the golden rule is to do all things to the honour of the Highest. The approach of Yuletide and New Year always work the people, worldwide, into frenzy.

  • Nigeria records another drop in inflation

    Nigeria records another drop in inflation

    The Consumer Price Index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 16.63 per cent (year-on-year) in September 2021.

    This is 0.38 per cent points lower than the rate recorded in August 2021 (17.01) per cent, according to a report released by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics on Friday.

    Increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption According to Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yielded the Headline Index.

    On a month-on-month basis, the Headline Index increased by 1.15 per cent in September 2021, this is 0.13 per cent rate higher than the rate recorded in August 2021 (1.02) per cent.

    The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12-month period ending September 2021 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 16.83 per cent, showing 0.23 per cent points from 16.60 per cent recorded in July 2021.

    The urban Inflation rate increased by 17.19 per cent (year-on-year) in September 2021 from 17.59 per cent recorded in August 2021, while the rural inflation rate increased by 16.08 per cent in September 2021 from 16.45 per cent in August 2021.

    On a month-on-month basis, the Urban Index rose by 1.21 per cent in September 2021, up by 0.15 the rate recorded in August 2021 (1.06), while the Rural Index also rose by 1.10 per cent in September 2021, up by 0.11 the rate that was recorded in August 2021 (0.99) per cent.

  • COVID-19: Why we won’t release players to go to red-list countries in September – EPL clubs

    COVID-19: Why we won’t release players to go to red-list countries in September – EPL clubs

    The 20 clubs from the top-flight of English football will not allow their players to feature in international matches in red-list countries next month, the Premier League said on Tuesday.

    Nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in September for international matches.

    But all the clubs have unanimously decided not to release those players and the clubs’ decision “is strongly supported by the Premier League.”

    “Extensive discussions have taken place with both The (English) FA and the Government to find a solution.

    ”But due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no exemption has been granted,” read the statement released by the Premier League.

    Under the current rules in the UK, all travellers from red-list countries such as Brazil and Argentina are required 10 days of hotel quarantine.

    This means that the players would have missed a few matches if they returned from international duties.

    The decision means that Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus and goalkeeper Ederson will not be able to represent Brazil to play a home match against Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers next month.

    The same applies to their compatriots Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino from Liverpool and Leeds United’s Raphinha.

    “Premier League clubs have always supported their players’ desires to represent their countries —- this is a matter of pride for all concerned.

    “However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances,” said Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters.

    “Quarantine requirements mean that players’ welfare and fitness will be significantly impacted. We understand the challenges that exist in the international match calendar and remain open to workable solutions.”

  • Expect massive floods between September and October, NHSA warns Lagos, Delta, others

    Expect massive floods between September and October, NHSA warns Lagos, Delta, others

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NHSA) has raised the alarm that massive floods will sweep through many parts of the country between September and October, a Federal Government agency warned on Tuesday.

    , which gave the red alert, advised residents of flood-prone areas to begin relocation because heavy rains will precipitate the flooding leading to destruction of property and likely loss of lives.

    Director-General of the agency, Mr. Clement Nze, explained that 275 local government areas of the 774 will be moderately hit by the flood while 102 councils will be worse-hit.

    Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Edo and Kogi are on top of the list of states to witness major flooding.

    The others are Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara states.

    All the local government areas in Lagos, except Epe and many parts of Ogun State, will be badly affected, the agency added.

    NIHASA said governors of the states had been advised to begin immediate evacuation of residents in areas to be affected.

    The NIHSA DG blamed the construction of houses on flood plains for the heavy flooding experienced in some parts of Abuja five days ago.

    According to him, some lives and property were lost at ”the Sunday Adewusi Estate in the Dei Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because it was built on a flood plain.” The estate is owned by the police.

    Nze said what was required before now across the country was proper drainage and demolition of structures on flood plains.

    He said the flooding experienced so far in parts of the country was as a result of constant rainfall. He warned that the effect of any nation in the Niger Basin releasing water from its dam(s) might be too devastating for Nigeria, if nothing was done now.

    He said: “The month of June is usually the period of effective rainfalls and the beginning of a new hydrological year in the River Niger Basin which covers nine countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Chad, Cote D’ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.

    “Nigeria is downstream of all the countries in this basin. The months of July, August, September, and October are also known as JASO months signifying heavy rainfall, flooding, and flood disasters in most parts of the country. The floods are often aggravated by the trans-boundary inflow of rivers Niger and Benue from outside the country before they empty into the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria.

    “As early as June, severe flooding incidents with attendant destructions and loss of lives were recorded in certain parts of the country. This has continued unabated even when the country is still more than two months away from the peak of rains with the attendant flooding incidents associated with those months.

    “NIHSA wishes to use this medium to advise state and local governments, stakeholders, multinational companies and public-spirited individuals and philanthropists that all hands should be on the deck to save the country from the consequences of flood pandemic in the year 2020.

    “The country still has many days of rainfall in the course of the year. More floods are still expected in the months of August, September, and October. In the event there is a release of excess water from the dams in other countries upstream rivers Niger and Benue, this will have more negative impact on Nigeria which is located downstream other countries in the Niger Basin.

    “Therefore, blocked drainages and gutters should be cleared, river channels dredged and structures within the waterways and flood plains and flood paths pulled down.

    “According to the 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP) released earlier in the year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the earliest cessation date for rainfall in the southern part of the country is December 28th, while September 26th is the earliest cessation date for rainfall in the northern part of the country.”

    Speaking on flooding in Lagos and Ogun states, Nze said: “On the average, Lagos and Ogun states are expected to have 255 days and 232 days of rainfall respectively in 2020. While Lagos state suffers from a combination of coastal, urban and river flooding, Ogun state suffers from urban and river flooding.

    “The picture presented above means that relevant agencies of the Lagos and Ogun states should brace for possible flooding incidents in the coming months. The country cannot afford to suffer another pandemic within a pandemic.”

    Lagos State, early in the month, warned residents of four local government areas, especially those living on flood plains, to vacate their homes immediately. Those in 15 other councils also got the warning.

    Environment and Water Resources Commissioner Tunji Bello listed the councils to be worst-hit as Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ibeju-Lekki and Ikorodu.

    Bello explained that the local governments were identified as “highly probable flood risk in 2020”.

    In a statement, Mr. Bello said the four listed councils will witness high intensity rainfall between now and September.

    He urged residents with structures in low land areas to relocate without delay to avoid any untoward incident that may come with flooding and loss of lives and properties.

    Quoting from the Annual Flood Outlook released by the Hydrological Services Agency on May 28, Bello identified 15 other local government areas as those at flood risk this year.

    The local government areas put on the red alert are: Lagos Island, Alimosho, Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Kosofe, Eti-Osa, Apapa, Ojo, Oshodi/Isolo, Agege, Ifako Ijaiye, Badagry, Surulere and Ajeromi-Ifelodun.

    Bello assured that the ministry would intensify ongoing efforts at clearing silted drains as exemplified by the efforts of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) all over the black spots in the state.

    He advised residents to refrain from indiscriminate discharge of waste and to stop patronising itinerant cart pushers.