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A COUNTRY IN SLUMBER AND THE IMPERATIVE OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND POPE LEO XIV CALL FOR ACTION

The Pontiff and the United Nations in their statements were not a timid revision but were both seismic, audacious brave and revolutionaryin the call for the world to pay attention to the catastrophic flooding disaster in Mokwa and the carnage going on in Makurdi. The question is what are you normalizing by your silence, ignorance may be convenient now but will cost you and your community in the long run because silence is not neutrality but surrender. Insecurity and climate change are no longer abstract threats in Nigeria but forces that are already reshaping the country’s landscape. That is why the country need to institutionalise what Mokwa flooding disaster and Makurdi killings have exposed. Therefore, every citizen must know that makurdi killings and Mokwa catastrophic flooding cannot be allowed to fade away from our memories, they should hunt us, more importantly, they should teach us. I am convinced that impact like that of the United Nations and the pontiff call to action dont need to be huge to be real. This is because, management in extreme conditions must not start with a microphone but a why since it run on awareness and trust. They are not about making moves but moving people.The UN and pontiff intervention were rare moments of emphatic courage as the pontiff is a true man of wisdom; he never yelled but planted the right seed and watch it grow that culminated in the visit to makurdi where 200 citizens mauled down in one by the ravaging marauders was a frame of new normal in the country. This is at the heels of the Mokwa flooding catastrophic disaster in that vain, the statements of the UN and the pontiff were not mere statements, they were mirrors in which lethargic leadership were to measure themselves during national tragedies. In the 2 existential events in Mokwa and makurdi, Nigerians saw themselves in full nakedness without any make believe political propaganda. In the security breach in makurdi and the natural devastation in Mokwa, the country was sold a narrow idea of rescue management, one that give annual flood Outlook, give security assurances to victims in philosophy and theories that are never understood by the victims. The truth is that security protections and disaster management are daily activities that happens beyond predictions, philosophies and theories; they both begin with every day conversation. A narrative that explains why so many people see their communities hurting and believe that someone else must fix. These quiet resignation make both dangerous since citizens need proper orientation from the government followed by complementary measures and actions not some day but now. The pontiff call to action and the United Nations alarm clearly shows that security and disaster management are not theories but practice particularly in this time of extreme weather conditions and frequent attacks. The country certainly need more of that wake up calls. It is hope that the call for action of the pontiff and the United Nations will unlock huge benefits for the victims because we need more and we need it faster. Both disaster reflects what happens when data and early warnings are ignored; illegal becomes normal and warnings are lost in the noise of politics. Public lamentation is certainly not what the challenges at hand requires. AIR VICE MARSHAL( RTD) AKUGBE IYAMU MNSA fsiCONSULTANT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ANALYST ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. PRESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE PRACTITIONERS You can follow me on Twitter X @iyamuclimatech1, Instagram iyamuclimatechange. You can send your views to iyamukenneth65@gmail.com and 07057447442

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF KANO ACCIDENT, NIGER FLOODING TRAGEDY

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident involving members of the Kano State contingent who were returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State. In a statement, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said the President extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, as well as to the families and loved ones of those who died in the accident. Bayo Onanuga said, “This is a devastating blow to the nation. It casts a shadow over the National Sports Festival, a celebration of unity, talent, and excellence. It has long served as a platform for discovering and nurturing athletes who bring pride to Nigeria on both national and international stages,” as quoted from President Tinubu. Onanuga further stated that the President affirmed that the greatest honour the country can accord the victims is to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future and improve safety standards across the nation’s transportation systems. The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and asked God Almighty to grant strength and comfort to the bereaved families. “We will continue to coordinate with the Niger State Government to ensure a swift, coordinated, and compassionate response—one that prioritises lives, restores dignity and accelerates recovery,” the President said in a separate statement regarding the Niger State flooding tragedy. Onanuga said President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the severe flooding in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, which has led to the loss of lives and the displacement of numerous families. The President directed the immediate activation of the National Emergency Response Centre and has since been fully briefed by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the scale of the disaster and the urgent humanitarian needs. Search-and-rescue operations are underway, and all relevant federal agencies have been mobilised to support the Niger State Government’s response. Relief materials and temporary shelters are being deployed without delay. “I assure all those impacted that our government stands with you,” the President said. Bayo Onanuga added that the President directed security agencies to assist in emergency operations and mandated that NEMA and the National Emergency Response Centre provide continuous coordination and updates.

FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF NIGER STATE FLOODING

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, and the people of the state following the devastating flooding that occurred in Mokwa, Tiffin Maza, and Anguwan Hausawa communities. The flooding, caused by torrential rainfall and the geographical terrain of the state, resulted in loss of lives and properties. In a statement, Senator Tinubu prayed for the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. “I express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Niger State Governor… and the good people of Niger State on the flooding incidence,” she said. “This devastating flooding, which led to loss of lives and properties… is very saddening.” The First Lady also prayed for the departed souls, asking God to grant them eternal peace and rest. “I pray that God gives the families, friends and loved ones of those affected the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. I pray that God grant the departed souls eternal peace and rest,” she added.

FLOOD TRAGEDY IN MOKWA: FG EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS’ FAMILIES

The Federal Government has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating flood disaster that occurred in Mokwa, Niger State, which has claimed the lives of several persons and displaced hundreds of families. In a statement, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers who are risking their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts. According to the Minister, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Niger State Government, is working tirelessly to bring help to those in need. The Minister urged residents in the affected areas to cooperate fully with emergency officials and adhere to all evacuation directives that are issued. The Federal Government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and stands united with them in solidarity during this moment of grief. The Minister’s statement reads in part, “The Federal Government commends the courage and dedication of first responders and volunteers who are risking their lives in the ongoing rescue efforts.” The government has pledged to spare no effort in bringing help to those affected by the flood disaster. The rescue efforts are ongoing, with emergency officials working around the clock to provide assistance to those in need.