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Northern Nigeria faces rising flood risks amid ongoing heatwave

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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.

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NGE Condemns Arbitrary Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Gov Bago for allegedly promoting violence

Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

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• Eze Anaba, NGE President

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State.

In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, NGE President, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, they said that the closure of the radio station was a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.

Ohibaba.com garhered that Governor Bago accused the owner of the Station for incitement of the people against government and directed that the license of the Radio station be revoked.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Police to seal the radio station, and emphasised the need for the security operatives to profile the owner of the radio station as his station promotes violence”, Ibrahim Said

According to the Guild, this act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.

The association referred to section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom.

The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression.

Said the statement : ” The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy.

Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station.

The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly.

The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.

Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken.

We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.

Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.

The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.”

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NLC rejects FG’s new policy stopping frequent industrial strikes

” We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache.

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• Joe Ajaero, NLC President

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy by the Federal Government.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.

NLC considers the statement by the Federal Government that the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy is aimed at stopping frequent industrial actions, particularly strikes by trade unions, as very reprehensible.

“The statement was part of the press release by the Federal Government at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which took place on 31st July 2025.

“We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache,” he said.

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Olumuyiwa Adejobi Becomes Deputy Commissioner of Police

The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.

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The Nigeria Police Force has announced the elevation of its Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

The promotion, approved by the Police Service Commission, underscores DCP Adejobi’s exceptional service, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of policing in Nigeria.

Adejobi was first appointed in acting capacity on 16th February 2022 as a CSP and took over from then CP Frank Mba. He was later confirmed by then IGP Usman Alkali (Rtd).

DCP Adejobi has served as the image maker of the Nigeria Police Force with distinction.

Since his appointment as FPRO, he has led several strategic initiatives to rebuild public trust, improve accountability, and modernize the force’s communication channels.

DCP Adejobi studied Archaeology and Geography (Combined Honours) from the University of Ibadan.

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