News
Flooding: NiMet puts some states on high alert
Joel Oladele, Abuja
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a high risk flood alert in some parts of Nigeria in the next couple of weeks and urged residents in such areas to put precautionary measures in place ahead of time.
NiMet which is the Federal Government agency responsible for continuous observation and monitoring of rainfall events, forecasting and provision of early warnings made this known on Tuesday in Abuja through the Director General/CEO of the agency, Prof. Mansur Matazu, while issuing its forecast for August-September-October, ASO Season 2022 to newsmen.
The areas warned of possible high risk flooding are Central Borno, Northern parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Bayelsa and Delta states. Central Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Western Kaduna, Yobe and parts of Plateau state were listed for medium risk flood area while the rest of the country may face less risk flooding.
For rainfall prediction, northern states such as Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi, Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna and Adamawa, are expected to experience “Above Normal” rainfall, while “Near to Above Normal” rainfall conditions are expected over parts of Southwestern states like Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, and Edo states.
The DG added that “Near Normal” rainfall conditions are expected across parts of Kaduna, Adamawa, Edo, Ekiti, Oyo, Bauchi, Gombe and Ondo states, while “Normal to Below Normal” conditions are expected over the South-south and inland states including Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states.
He therefore urged “States and National Emergency Agencies” to “intensify adaptation, mitigation and response mechanisms”.
“States that are expected to experience varying degrees of flood episodes are advised to begin their awareness campaigns through field extension workers for possible response activities especially at the high risk areas.
“Measures to prevent mud slide disasters by relevant authorities especially in the South East are advised to be put in place,” he added.
Addressing the question on the synergy between traditional and scientific methods of weather forecast, the NiMET boss said the two work together and efforts are ongoing to document how traditional method can be used to complement the scientific method.
“We run an analysis across the world. There is what we call traditional weather forecasting, where people use natural phenomena like the position of the stars, behaviour of the animals and also plants to be able to predict weather. And since it’s just part of ingenuity of human beings, it has been on record that in Egypt for the last 5000 years, they were using the position of stars to determine the flood prospect of river Nile which also is the live fire for their survival and this has high absolute precision.
“Largely in Nigeria, we have evidence of this local interpretation and modification of weather but it has not been documented, so we are working with the department in Nasarawa State University of History and Theology to document this.
“However, even the traditional method when you digest it, because they don’t reveal the secret to their children, the nitty gritty of what they do but it has scientific elements in it because it involves burning cigarette smoke and this smoke will inject certain particles into the atmosphere and this is the same thing we do in science for weather modification that we call cloud shielding. It has been tested in Russia and the Southern part of Europe since 1960.
“So, this has been recorded over the years but because of the uncertainties and generally as human beings we should know there is power behind the climate and as such, what we can do is to study the factors responsible and be able to predict it. So, this exist and we are documenting it but we don’t have evidence of witchcraft in science.”
Professor Matazu also said; “The details of rainmaking have some scientific elements. An average farmer in Africa can predict weather. When a farmer goes to the farm in the morning and looks at the direction of the wind and the intensity of the sun, he will tell you any time between 2 and 3pm, there will be shower and it will happen.
“In the south we have seen when there is approaching thunderstorm, you will see goats, they become restless because they have magnetic feet and these magnetic feet feel the discharge of high voltage electrical discharge of the thunderstorm in the atmosphere and when you see the goats becoming restless, it shows the thunderstorm is approaching.
“For us in the North, we have some shrubs that fold during the transition period of dry season to raining season, we have some ants and animals that flourish and multiply during a certain weather, so all these is just to get it documented and we are very happy to combine the traditional method with the scientific method.
“Even with high advancement of technology, we use satellites, we use radar but we still use the conventional traditional method to be able to sustain the manual operation and also provide the backup for the automated. it’s something that exists and if properly documented we can align it with science.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has challenged the participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 32, to reaffirm commitment to upholding the principles of cooperation, tolerance and respect for diversity.
Tuggar, who was represented by Amb. Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, made the call at the NDC International Day organised for allied participants of Course 32, on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the event was organised by the college to foster the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and the countries of all international participants on the course through showcasing of different cultural heritage
”I also understand that variety of foods from different countries will be served at this event,” he said.
The minister commended the college for the increase in the number of foreign participants
He said that NDC environment had become a diplomatic hub of a sort and not only an academic institution and I think this is highly commendable.
According to him, NDC has provided a platform for them to come together, share their heritage and strengthen the bonds as they appreciate the artifacts, cuisine, traditional dresses and music on display.
“Today, as we celebrate International Day for international participants, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of cooperation, tolerance and respect for diversity.
“Let us embrace the notion that our differences are a source of strength, not division, and that by working together, we can overcome even the most formidable of challenges.
“Let us recognise that cultural diversity is a strength, not a weakness.
“For us in Nigeria, we have success stories of how our different cultures have brought us together and make us very strong in a world where division and conflicts often dominate the headlines,” he said.
According to him, this event reminds us that our shared humanity is greater than our differences.
“Let us continue to build bridges of understanding, foster dialogue and promote peace.
”We should strive to create a world where diversity is cherished and inclusivity is the norm,” he said.
Tuggar challenged participants from the 19 countries to continue to be ambassadors and representatives of their nations
He added that their stories, traditions and customs were the bridges that connect them with each other.
In his address of welcome, the Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the International Cultural Fiesta was a routine part of the NDC’s academic programme.
Olotu said said the event culminated the Country Briefs by the international participants where the history and culture of their peoples were highlighted, showing similarities with Nigeria.
He said the briefs by the international participants also highlighted government policies on the economy, security and development in heir respective countries.
According to him, the participants display the culture, artefacts, maps and culinary specialities of their countries during this event.
“This tradition is to foster and deepen the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and all the countries here represented by our dear international participants.
“This is in addition to the need to strengthen the bond, friendship and comradeship amongst participants.
“In a nutshell, it is a pleasant event that brings joy to the entire college community and today we have participants of NDC Course 32 to do us the honours.
“It is also a family gathering and an avenue for us to take a break from academic work and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere,” he said.
The Commandant said the 2024 edition had participants from 19 countries and Nigeria which include; the Republic of Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Chad, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire the Gambia, Germany and Ghana.
Others according to him, are; India Liberia, Mali, Nepal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia as well as Zimbabwe.
The Representative of the Diplomatic Corps, Mr Tunde Spencer, from Liberia, said the college had contributed immensely to various aspects of Liberia’s national development.
He commended NDC for the initiative to promote cultural diversity, foster understanding and cultural exchange among the participants.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, (APC Ekiti South), said that the recently passed National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund Bill would provide jobs for graduates.
Adaramodu disclosed this when he led a delegation of the committee on official visit to Oyo State NYSC Orientation Camp at Iseyin on Saturday.
He said that the bill would soon be sent to the President for assent and had scaled through both first, second reading and other crucibles of legislation.
The lawmaker said that the provision of the Bill was basically to ensure that corps members get established through the training they had acquired through NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
He added that the provision of the Bill also cater for corps members who might wish to go into business after their service year.
“The issue of unemployment and what next for corps members after the service year will be a thing of the past soon.
“The bill will ensure that the dreams of every Nigeria graduate become a reality, “he said.
Adaramodu disclosed that the Senate, in collaboration with relevant government departments, agencies and other stakeholders, would soon work on the upward review of corps members’ allowances across the country.
He said that the Senate, in its legislative agenda, would also consider other youth development programmes aside from those embedded in the NYSC trust fund Bill.
Also speaking, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abel Odoba, said that NYSC SAED training aimed to empower corps members to consider the possibilities of self-employment or initiating their own businesses.
Odoba noted that the NYSC trust fund Bill would practically eradicate unemployment among graduate youths in Nigeria.
He said that statistics have shown that many corps members who actively engaged in SAED programmes have become employers of labour after their service year.
“The Bill will provide soft landing for corps members who have undergone SAED in securing startup funds.
“Through the trust fund, skilled corps members will be given startup grants so that they will become employers of labour and contribute to development of the nation.
“Country like China and other fast developing nations are exploring skills development to address unemployment.
“A time is coming that certificate will no longer be useful but skills acquired will always make way at all times, “he said.
The News Agency Nigeria(NAN) reports that members of the Senate delegation include Sen. Salisu Afolabi (APC Ogun Central), Sen. Aminu Abbas(PDP Adamawa Central), the clerk – Mrs Ijeoma Chikwem and other principal officers of senate youth development committee.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on Saturday in Benin said that there would be power outage in its Amukpe substation for two weeks.
This is according to a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs TCN Ndidi Mbah.
Mbah said the disruption would begin on May 4 and last till May 17.
The outage according to TCN, is to enable contractors have safe environment to erect two 132KV transmission towers at the substation.
The company also said d that as a result of the intending power outage, there would be no bulk power supply to Benin DisCo through the Adeje industrial, woodland, Mosogar, Sapele and Abraka feeders for the period.
“The transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that it will commence the erection of two (2) number 132kV transmission towers at its Amukpe Transmission Substation.
” And will equally restring a portion of the Benin-Delta and Delta-Oghara 132kV double circuit transmission lines from Saturday, May 4 to May 17, 2024.
“Consequently, Amukpe Substation will be out of power for the duration of the work.
“Also, there will be no bulk power supply to Benin DisCo through the following feeders: the Adeje, industrial Woodland, Mosogar, Sapele and Abraka feeders.
“The outage is necessary to create a safe working environment for the contractor. Completion of the projects will put in place N-1 redundancy that would enable TCN supply bulk electricity to the substation from either the Benin or Ughelli transmission line.
“This means that when one transmission line is faulty, bulk electricity can still be received in the substation from the second line., ” Mbah said.
According to her, TCN apologises for the inconvenience electricity consumers in the substation will experience within the period.
She said that the projects would help ensure a more flexible and consistent bulk power supply through the Amukpe transmission substation when completed
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