Analysis
LET OUR DISASTER MANAGEMENT NOT BE LOST IN POLITICS AND ELECTIONS.
We can address climate change crisis and disaster management system by ruthlessly enforcing the rules, investment in infrastructure and government entities responsible for restoring order during emergencies, engage citizens and then monitor and measure progress.
Citizens must face each day understanding that catastrophic flooding disaster is the culmination of our choices and for there to be order we must be people of order. If there are no order, citizens must meet the source of disorder with urgency and immediacy.
From my research, I have came to understand that humans when push comes to shoves will never not be humans. I also realise that It takes a lot of time to build a society that works and way less to see it destroyed by extreme weather conditions.
It often starts with that neglected step of preparation for environmental protection, restoration and management. That is why I consider this illusion that there is something fundamentally different in the DNA of people in developed countries far from the truth. They just set their own priorities right and deployed resources where it affected them.
For instance, flooding disaster happened in South Africa almost the same time Mokwa catastrophic disaster happened. While Nigeria was said to officially lost about 200 people, SA lost 49. The difference in both events was that in hours, the SA President was at the scene. That is a time tested social contract that is almost invisible between government and the people. It is not magic, it is consistency and that is where many leadership in developing countries fail.
For disaster prevention and mitigation, developed countries deployed advocacy, rule of law, community sensitisation and outreaches and other such efforts to make the people understand the dire consequences of flooding disaster and tragedies of climate change. Amidst all these efforts, it remains a herculean challenge for our response agencies to do the simple things. They need to be aware that order during disaster and tragedies is more fragile and we must realise that, It depends on small and big choices made by the leadership in tough situations. It involves the choice to wait until disaster happens rather than adequately prepared for it.
All these little acts are the scaffolding holding up what we call a functional disaster management system. Here is the reality, most people wont chose to remain in their ancestral homes if the government have lived true to citizens at the IDP camps nationwide. If people believe no one will remove them from IDP camps, they will prefer to remain in their localities and become victims of climate change crisis and flooding disasters.
I have discovered that If there are no consequences for building on drainage channels, the entire cities become vulnerable when flooding happens. These is what the nation has in play and people should not be allowed to suffer from this disorder of others as humans always default to convenience when there is a thin line between order and chaos. There is common belief that government alone is responsible for making things work during disaster situations.
This belief is incomplete if not erroneous as no government can sustain environmental protection and restoration without the cooperation of the citizens. The citizens are the ones who will inspire best behaviours in their localities because the best policies are only as effective as the willingness of the people to embrace and respect them.
Without a doubt, government must lead, they must continue to invest in infrastructure, enforce regulations, create urban development that accommodates growing population especially in vulnerable communities.
It is obvious from experience that disaster management system thrive when citizens take ownership of the public space; when government rules are regulations are respected and not negotiated, when disaster management system are routine approaches and not ceremonial.
A working disaster management system is not just a bureaucracy but a cultural practice that reflects what the people value from their government during emergency situations. When we glorify short cuts, ignore corrupt practices and excuse incompetence, our disaster management system show it. It becomes a mirror during disaster events. Culture of preparation and response doesn’t change overnight but can change through education, policy and media because you cannot fix bureaucracies without fixing it’s culture.
The planet is fragile and citizens must uphold it with strength.
AIR VICE MARSHAL (RTD) AKUGBE IYAMU
CONSULTANT, ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE ANALYST
PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS
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Countries hosting United States military bases in the Gulf region are increasingly facing the consequences of the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, as missile and drone attacks spill into their territories.
Recent retaliatory strikes by Iran have targeted U.S. installations across the Middle East, including locations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. These nations, though not direct participants in the conflict, have found themselves absorbing its impact due to their strategic hosting of American bases.
The crisis intensified following a February 28 offensive reportedly carried out by the United States in partnership with Israel against Iran, amid tensions over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. In response, Iran launched widespread attacks on U.S. military assets and allied locations across the region.
In the UAE, air defence systems have intercepted hundreds of ballistic and cruise missiles, along with over a thousand drones since the conflict began. However, some strikes penetrated defences, hitting key locations in Dubai and causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and flight disruptions.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia has reported repeated drone and missile attacks targeting regions including Riyadh and the Eastern Province, with most threats intercepted.
Qatar also recorded multiple attacks, including a major strike on the Ras Laffan gas facility operated by QatarEnergy, which caused significant damage and triggered emergency response efforts.
Other Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, have also intercepted numerous projectiles aimed at critical infrastructure such as airbases and airports.
Security experts say the attacks highlight the strategic risks associated with hosting foreign military bases. While such bases offer defence cooperation, training, and deterrence, they also make host nations potential targets during conflicts.
Professor Joshua Bolarinwa of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs noted that powerful nations like the United States maintain overseas bases to project influence and strengthen alliances, with dozens located across the Middle East.
However, analysts warn that the presence of these installations creates a trade-off between enhanced security cooperation and increased exposure to geopolitical conflicts.
As tensions persist, Gulf states continue to maintain a delicate balance benefiting from military partnerships while managing the growing risks of being drawn deeper into a widening regional conflict.
Analysis
Ozoro Festival Scandal Sparks National Debate on ‘Weaponised Traditions’ and Cultural Reform
The controversy surrounding the Ozoro Festival in Delta State has ignited a nationwide debate over harmful cultural practices, following viral videos showing acts of sexual violence and widespread outrage across Nigeria.
The scandal has led to the arrest of six suspects by the police, including a community leader, but many Nigerians argue that the response falls short of justice and fails to address deeper cultural issues.
Critics have described the Ozoro Alue-Do Festival as a “weaponised tradition,” accusing it of reinforcing misogyny and enabling abuse under the guise of cultural celebration. Some members of the Isoko community, however, insist the issue is being misrepresented.
A female indigene, who spoke anonymously, condemned what she described as systemic discrimination against women within the culture, alleging that harmful practices are often excused and victims silenced.
“Women are blamed even in cases of abuse, while perpetrators are shielded,” she said, pointing to long-standing traditions that, in her view, enable injustice.
But cultural analyst Anote Ajelouruo cautioned against sweeping generalisations, arguing that the festival’s origins must be understood within historical context.
He noted that fertility rites were common in many ancient societies and said isolated incidents of misconduct should not define an entire cultural heritage.
“Every society had practices shaped by limited knowledge at the time. What matters is ensuring such traditions are not hijacked or abused,” he said.
Lessons from Ibadan
Observers say reform is possible, pointing to the transformation of the Oke’Badan Festival in Ibadan, which has evolved from a chaotic and unsafe event into a structured cultural celebration.
Journalist and historian Temilade Adeyemi recalled that the festival was once notorious for harassment of women, with vulgar displays and public misconduct.
Today, however, it is widely regarded as a symbol of cultural pride, featuring organised performances and safer participation for women.
Path to Reform
Experts say any attempt to reform the Ozoro Festival must be driven by the community, with traditional leaders playing a central role in redefining its purpose.
They also stress the importance of accountability, urging authorities to ensure that those arrested are prosecuted to rebuild public trust.
Increased participation of women in planning and decision-making is seen as critical to reshaping the festival into a safer and more inclusive event.
Analysts further recommend sustained public education and media engagement to highlight positive cultural values while discouraging harmful practices.
Uncertain Future
Despite the outrage, questions remain over whether meaningful reform will take place or if the festival will continue to attract criticism.
For now, attention remains on both community leaders and law enforcement authorities, as Nigerians watch closely to see whether the incident will mark a turning point or another missed opportunity for change.
By AVM Rtd Akugbe Iyamu MNSA fsi
Extreme weather conditions are unexpected, unusual or severe weather events that fall outside normal patterns, often causing significant disruption, damage to infrastructure, and environmental destruction.
Examples include heatwaves, intense hurricanes, flooding, severe droughts, and tornadoes. These events are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Nigeria is a country perpetually under elections frenzy: campaigning, off cycle and other electoral activities. These political manifestations always offered little attention to key areas of the environment that threatens economic growth and development, security and poverty, inequality and hunger. As of early 2026, Nigeria hosts over 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) driven from their homes by conflict, insecurity, and climate disasters. The vast majority of this displacement is concentrated in the North-East and North-West regions, with around 3,900 camps and host communities providing temporary shelter. Currently, Africa is experiencing intensified extreme weather events driven by climate change, primarily manifested as severe droughts, devastating floods, and extreme heatwaves. These events, such as the 2020-2023 Horn of Africa drought and 2024 regional flooding, are becoming more frequent, severely impacting food security, agriculture, and infrastructure.
For instance the death situation in Kenya has risen to 66 and Ethiopia 125 deaths with 11,000 displaced. This is a clear and present danger to Africa and is likely to stretch the existing response measures. At this point NIHSA, NiMet and other agencies need to be called out to show visible signs to the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction. At this point, the country need more emphasis in advising all stakeholders to shift from reactive to proactive climate-informed planning to ensure food security and protect infrastructure. Nigeria need to step up preparation against what we see coming as extreme weather in 2026. From the situations in Ethiopia and Kenya, it is obvious that 2026 will be characterized by variable rainfall and cyclone bomb. We have seen prolonged dry spells, and higher-than-average temperatures early in the year that have threatened the health and security of Nigerians. Based on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) unveiled by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on February 10, 2026, the country need to do more. Judging from the heavy snow in the northern hemisphere, nigeria need key preparations that include using AI for better forecasting, tailored agricultural advice, and flood warning systems.
2026 should not be treated like other years. With insecurity, poverty, inequality, high taxation, higher borrowings and higher energy costs, negligence will unravel the economy and underbelly of Nigeria energy security system. Time to act is now because there are too many negatives conflating the country and we have to solve the issues of environmental challenges because when you lack the structure, you attract rupture.
The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be promoting the dissemination of the SCP to local farmers to ensure it directly informs field decisions.
AVM RTD AKUGBE IYAMU MNSA fsi
CONSULTANT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANALYST ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES
PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS