News
Northern Nigeria faces rising flood risks amid ongoing heatwave
As Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged heatwave with soaring temperatures, fresh alerts from federal authorities have identified the region among the areas most at risk of severe flooding in the coming months.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) recently issued a heat stress warning for 18 northern states, including Kano, Borno, Sokoto, and the FCT, noting that temperatures could reach up to 40°C.
The agency attributed the weather condition to high humidity and clear skies following a few days of rainfall, urging residents to take preventive health measures.
In the midst of this heat, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has also projected that 30 states and the FCT are at risk of flooding this year.
The 2025 Annual Flood Outlook, presented by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, identified hundreds of communities across the country—especially in states like Borno, Jigawa, Adamawa, and Zamfara—as highly vulnerable between April and November.
Many of these states experienced severe devastation during the 2024 floods. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in Borno State with the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulting in the reported deaths of over 150 persons and extensive damage in Maiduguri and Jere LGAs.
Across other states like Benue, Kebbi, and Kogi, flood swept away homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.
Despite these experiences, many affected communities remain without adequate support or resettlement, raising fresh concerns about preparedness.
Environmental expert, Professor Aliyu Nabegu, emphasized the importance of heeding flood warnings.
He said, “Flood alerts are meant to call the attention of the public to do the needful, but many don’t listen.“
Most environmental devastations are caused by human activity. Some people refuse to provide proper drainage for their properties or even unclog the existing ones, and water will find a way for itself if you block its path, leading to flooding.”
He called on individuals and communities to start making necessary preparations in light of the current predictions, stressing that early action could prevent a repeat of last year’s devastation.
Commenting on the extreme heatwave, Professor Nabegu also called for a more introspective approach to climate change, pointing to deforestation as a major contributor.
“Every day more trees are being felled for wood or other activities. Sadly, this is contributing to the excessive heat,” he said.
He urged the public to adopt environmentally conscious habits while calling on the government to provide affordable and sustainable alternatives to wood fuel.
Nabegu encouraged all stakeholders to remain committed to the fight against climate change, stressing that long-term solutions must take priority over short-term fixes.
Meanwhile, federal authorities have announced several initiatives, including a National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP) and an Integrated Climate Resilience Innovation Project (I-CRIP), to mitigate climate impacts and improve emergency response.
The Niger Flood Project, another major effort, is expected to enhance flood control and river management across several states.
While these interventions are underway, local governments and communities are being urged to invest in improved drainage systems, enforce environmental regulations, and engage in early warning communication.
For many northern communities, the months ahead will test not only the accuracy of forecasts, but the readiness of institutions and the public to act on them.
News
JUST IN: FG Vows Swift Rescue of Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls, Reaffirms Duty to Protect Citizens
The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the abduction of female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, assuring families of its unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the victims.
In a statement on Monday, the government conveyed solidarity with the affected families, noting that it “shares in their pain” and is working urgently to bring the girls home.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirmed that the protection of every Nigerian—especially schoolchildren—remains a paramount responsibility of the State. He condemned the attack, describing it as a “reprehensible assault on innocent students,” and mourned the school officials who were killed while performing their duties.
According to the statement, security and intelligence agencies have been issued strict directives to locate and rescue the abducted students and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The government pledged that it will not relent until the mission is accomplished.
The Federal Government also assured citizens that strengthening internal security remains a top priority, noting that efforts are underway to recalibrate the country’s military, policing, and intelligence architecture to better prevent and respond to threats.
Additionally, Nigeria is intensifying regional cooperation with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks.
The government urged the public to remain calm and confident as efforts to rescue the abducted students continue.
News
Obasanjo, Fayose Trade Bitter Insults as Birthday Message Sparks Public Feud
A heated exchange has erupted between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose after an explosive “thank you” message sent by Fayose triggered a public confrontation between the two political figures.
The rift stemmed from Obasanjo’s appearance at Fayose’s recent birthday celebration, during which the former governor claims the ex-president made “irresponsible comments.” In a sharply worded SMS released to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday by Obasanjo’s Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Fayose lashed out at the elder statesman, describing him in scathing terms.
In the message, Fayose wrote:
“Dear Baba Obasanjo, I trust this meets you well. Your coming to my birthday party, I appreciate, except for your very irresponsible comments at your age. You went so low but I am not surprised… someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely, that’s where you belong.”
Fayose added that he refrained from responding at the event “so that the world will know the difference between a sane and a mad man,” alleging that Obasanjo’s remarks reflected “heightened dementia.” He also demanded a refund of money he claimed to have given the former president, referencing Obasanjo’s public admission during the event.
Obasanjo responded curtly, saying Fayose’s message merely revealed “who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.” He confirmed he had returned the money through the individual who delivered it.
“Ayo, thanks for your ‘Thank You’ message… Your money has been sent back through Foluso Adeagbo who brought it and in the same bag as he brought it, unopened by me,” Obasanjo said.
The public spat has stirred widespread commentary, highlighting lingering tensions between the two outspoken political figures.
News
BREAKING: Media Icon, Dan Agbese, passes on at 81
A highly reverred media personality Dan Agbese is dead.According to a statement issued by the Agbese family of Ikpilogwu clan of Agila district, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, he died on Monday.
“We hereby announce the passing away of our husband , father, grandfather, brother, uncle and mentor: Chief Dan Agbese, the Awan’Otun of Agila.
”“Chief Agbese transited to eternal glory this morning, Monday November 17, 2025. He was aged 81.“Burial arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
“Born May 12, 1944 in Agila, Chief Agbese was a renowned journalist and author, famous for his seminal contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria and renowned for his satirical columns.
He was editor of The Nigeria Standard and New Nigerian newspapers, and General Manager of Radio Benue, Makurdi.“Chief Agbese was one of the founders of the trail-blazing Newswatch magazine and was until April 2010 its Editor-in-Chief.
“Before his passing, he wrote several books and maintained weekly columns in notable newspapers including the Daily Trust and The Guardian, while running a media consultancy with his friends and colleagues, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Muhammed and Soji Akinrinade.
“He is survived by his wife , Chief Rose Agbese six children, and seven grandchildren.”
-
Crime3 days agoBREAKING: DSS Recaptures Ansaru Terrorist Commander Linked to Church Massacre
-
Crime2 days agoArmy confirms death of two soldiers in Borno ambush
-
News2 days agoFG vows to end frequent power grid collapses
-
News2 days agoMarwa Vows Tougher Crackdown on Drug Traffickers in Second NDLEA Tenure
-
Business1 day agoJustrite Supermarket Sets For IFC’s $15m Loan For Expansion
-
International9 hours agoBREAKING: US House of Representatives Begins Investigation Into Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria
-
News2 days agoBREAKING: PDP Expels Wike, Anyanwu, Fayose, Ajibade, others over alleged Anti-party activities
-
Sports8 hours agoTinubu commends Super Eagles despite World Cup miss
