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Anxiety In Flood-prone States As Cameroon Opens Lagdo Dam

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Some states have said they had started taking steps to stem the tide of severe flooding that may result from release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon.

The Cameroonian government had in a letter addressed to the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, weekend, warned of its intention to release water from the Lagdo dam and asked the agency to take precautionary measures.

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However, states, some of which are on the frontline of flooding caused by release of water from the dam, said they had already started taking steps to prevent loss of lives and destruction of properties. Such states, including Lagos, Benue and Delta, have also asked people living in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher grounds.

We‘re well prepared — LASEMA

Reacting to the alert from Cameroon government yesterday, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, assured of the state government’s preparedness to promptly tackle any possible emergency that could arise from the impending flood in the state.

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According to him, the state government has provided LASEMA with 144 units of facilities that could accommodate 5,000 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the event of any emergency.

He said: “Lagos is well prepared. As you can see, LASEMA has changed from management to holistic emergency management.”

READ ALSO: Crude Oil Theft: FG Discovers Illegal Pipeline Connections In Abia

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What we mean here is that we have moved into the improved strategy of clearing canals and ensuring local governments have their local response, called Environmental Guard.

“The purpose is to ensure effective clearing of tertiary drainages and environmental gang clearing the secondary drainage, thereby complementing each other simultaneously.

“We have met with the 57 local government chairmen on the need to put all primary emergency responders on alert. We are fine-tuning and strengthening our local response mechanism.

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‘’We have carried out risk analyses, resource mappings, opened directories in each council to know the vulnerable people in terms of emergency situation. All these measures are geared towards ensuring swift, prompt, and effective response.

“We are carrying out enlightenment and sensitization programmes to get residents prepared across the councils.

“The type of flood we have in Lagos called flash floods disappears within 30 minutes and one hour due to improved infrastructure and machinery in place. We are prepared.”

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READ ALSO: Property Worth Millions Destroyed As Flood Ravages Houses, Farmhands In Ibadan

Benue govt directs residents to vacate floodplains, and evacuate blocked drainages.

Also reacting, Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, directed all those living on flood plains across the state to vacate such places to safer areas. Executive Secretary of the agency, Sir James Iorpuu, issued the warning yesterday while reacting to the alert from the Federal Government to states on the impending flood, following notification from Cameroonian authorities of the release of water from the Lagdo dam on Benue River due to heavy downpour in Northern Cameroon.

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Speaking through the Head of Administration of the agency, Mr. Donald Komgbebda, the executive secretary said the agency is intensifying its awareness campaign to have the people prepared for the impending flood.

He said: “What we are doing now is to intensify the awareness campaign across the state to ensure that all those on flood plains vacate such areas.

“We also have plans to take steps to mitigate the affect of the flood on the people but for now the priority is to get the people to safer places.

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“Though we also have contingency plans and we will not allow our people be subjected to untold hardship following the flood.

‘’All stakeholders in the matter will be mobilised to ensure that all hands are on deck to take actions to mitigate the impact of the impending flood.”

Governor Hyacinth Alia recently also appealed to all those on the banks of River Benue and flood plains to vacate those areas.

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READ ALSO: Panic As Flood Sacks Osun Community

The governor, who spoke while flagging off the distribution of food and nonfood items donated by the National Emergency Management Agency,2022 flood disaster in the state, also appealed to residents to immediately commence clean-up of gutters and waterways in order to help mitigate effect of the flood in the state.

We won’t hesitate to set up IDP camps – Delta govt

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Similarly, Delta State government said it is taking proactive steps to mitigate the effect of flooding in the state, saying it will not hesitate to set up internally displaced persons, IDP, camps in the event of any severe flooding.

Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon said: “We are already opening drainages and demolishing illegal structures blocking the waterways.

“We believe and hope that if we open up the drainages, it will help to reduce the effects of the flood. However, we advise those living in coastal communities to start moving to higher grounds.

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‘’As it stands now, if need be, the state government will not hesitate to set up IDP camps for flood victims.’’ Bayelsa govt asks FG to come to states’ rescue.

Similarly, Mr Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa State governor said: “As a government we have opened up major canals and water channels.

‘’The governor has also set up flood and erosion control directorate which has since commenced operations because of our experience last year.”

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READ ALSO: Flood Sacks Ondo Communities, Renders Residents Homeless

He, however, urged the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to support states in tackling the menace of flooding instead of just issuing alerts.

His words: “We cannot dredge the rivers because of the NIWA Act which vests such power on the Federal Government. If the federal government does it part by dredging the River Benue and River Niger, the impact on states will be minimal.

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‘’We need the Federal Government to play key roles. The Federal Government issuing warning or alerts to states is not enough.

‘’You know we do not have the resources to tackle this issue but the state government is currently handling shoreline protection work in some communities.”

Meanwhile, the Cameroonian government had in a letter signed by the Director of African Affairs, Umar Salisu, said the decision to open the Lagdo Dam is to reduce the level of water caused by the persistent rain in Cameroon.

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It urged NEMA to immediately take precautionary measures and sensitise people of the affected areas to reduce whatever damage the resultant flooding might cause.

 

The letter read: “I have the honour to inform that the ministry is in receipt of a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River in days ahead, due to heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in Northern Cameroon.Groom Drowns As Flood Wreak Havoc In Ondo

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“According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amounts of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and Nigeria.

“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitize the populace living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions.”

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The Cameroonian government also urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and follow instructions of the authorities.

We’ve since alerted govs, it’s left for them to take action — NEMA

Reacting to the letter yesterday, NEMA said the notice is not new, noting that it had since informed state governors of impeding floods, including that from the Lagdo Dam.

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NEMA’s spokesperson, Manzo Ezekiel, said it is time for the affected state governors to take action and secure lives and properties, in collaboration with NEMA. He said: “There was a particular letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed to the DG NEMA and NEMA is the recipient of that publication. The communication is not coming to us by surprise and has not taken us by surprise.

“In our preparation for flood mitigation and response this year, we envisaged that a situation like this will arise.

In all our programs and activities for flood management this year, we had in mind that there could be a release of water and.

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‘’Therefore, in line with this, NEMA has written to all the state governments, including the governors of the frontline states that are likely to be impacted by the release of this water from Lagdo Dam.

“So what has happened now is just a way of confirming our program and the time has come for us to tell the government of the states that are likely to be impacted to match all the awareness information we have given them with actions, so that people that are living along the river areas would begin to have a plan to move away.

‘’Ths is because the release of the water has a consequence of overflowing the river bank.

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Therefore, NEMA is prepared and we have begun preparations long before now.”
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Online Reports On Protest False, Intent To Tarnish Our Image – AAU Ekpoma

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The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has debunked recent online reports alleging a protest by students of the institution over exam delays, unpaid lecturers, and inaction by the university administration.

The institution described the claims as a “false narrative” allegedlybbeing peddled by “mischief makers” intent on undermining the university’s reputation for personal gains.

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Speaking at a press briefing in Benin on Monday, Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Principal Assistant Registrar/Head of Information & Public Relations, AAU, Ekpoma, said what occurred at the main gate was not a protest, but rather a gathering of part-time students from the Directorate of Sciences and Humanities (DSH), who sought clarification on their academic programs.

What happened that day was not a protest, but a gathering of part-time students who wanted to know their academic positions, but the management promptly responded to their concerns, providing further information and assurances that satisfied the students.

READ ALSO: AAU Ekpoma Students Flee Campus, Classes Over Fear Of EFCC’s Arrest

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“There was no protest that warranted tension in the university, contrary to the erroneous report,” he added.

Aladenika further noted that those behind the online publication were previously instrumental in bringing about the now-defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) regime, stressing that they may be attempting to reignite tensions to destabilize the current administration.

Clearly, the intention is to tarnish our institution’s reputation,” he said.

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The current administration, led by Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Olowo Samuel, inherited a deeply troubled part-time programme beset with challenges, including un-cleared staff claims and delayed examinations.

“These issues were largely as a result of poor funding over the past eight years and restrictive policies imposed by the SIT.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo Reinstates AAU Staff Sacked By Ex-Governor Obaseki’s Govt

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“Despite these obstacles, the administration has recorded substantial achievements in revitalizing the Directorate of Sciences and Humanities,” he added.

He disclosed that the 2022/2023 first semester lectures, delayed by 11 months, commenced in March 2024 and were concluded with examinations in January 2025, adding that the second semester followed from February 26 to May 2, 2025, paving the way for the commencement of a new academic session.

Aladenika maintained that the institution has implemented a new result release policy, highlighting interventions by the Edo State Government.

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By implementing these changes, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma demonstrates its commitment to improving academic processes and student experience.

“Beyond the faculties and departments sourcing alternative power supplies, the state government has announced plans to provide a 1.5-megawatt alternative power supply to support all sectors of our main campus.

READ ALSO: Alleged Financial Impropriety: Prof. Iyalomhe Exonerated, Reinstated As Provost College Of Medicine, AAU

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“Additionally, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will be installing a solar plant, a testament to our university’s prominence in the South-South region.

“Notably, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma is the sole beneficiary of this initiative in the region,” he said.

The Computer-Based Examinations (CBEs) for 100 Level students of the Directorate of Science and Humanities were processed and released within one week. All results for the 2023/2024 academic session are now available online,”

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Aladenika, also said AAU, Ekpoma has entered into Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with a Chinese University for knowledge transfer and partnership.

Furthermore, we’ve signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Chinese university, paving the way for technology transfer and exchange programs.

“This partnership will undoubtedly enhance our academic and research capabilities,” He concluded.

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Obi In Benin, Donates N15m To St Philomena School of Nursing Sciences

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says life without help to humanity, is not worth living

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Monday, July 7, 2025, donated a sum of N15 million to St. Philomena School of Nursing Sciences, Benin, as support to the school’s ongoing project, saying “life without support or help to humanity, is not worth living.”

The former governor of Anambra State said For the future of the country, “we need to invest in you (students of nursing),” predicting that “by year 2030, the world will be short of nurses to work in the hospital,” due to the high demand.

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Obi, who described health, education, and pulling people out of poverty as the most important investment in any nation, disclosed that due to the premium he placed on health particularly nursing, out of the 52 weeks in a year, he visits at least one health facility every week, stressing that this act of visit and donation is not politically motivated but what he had been doing even before he came into politics.

READ ALSO: 2027: Peter Obi Speaks On Running For President, Deal With Atiku

Obi said: “I’m here to support what you are doing. I’m here because, for the future of this country, we need to invest in you. Across Nigeria, I support over 50 school of nursing sciences. 52 two weeks of the year, every week I must visit a school of nursing sciences.

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“My weekly visit to the schools is not because of politics, because people think it’s because of politics that I’m doing this, but no. I was doing this even before I came into politics.

“Life without support or help to humanity, is not worth living.

“Father didn’t ask me to come back; none of you called me to come back. I was the one who called Father last night that.

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READ ALSO: Only A Formidable Coalition Can Salvage Nigeria, Says Peter Obi

“You might not know what you’re studying now. By the year 2030, the world will be short of nurses to work in the hospital. Because healthcare is the most important thing today.”

He continued: “Like I always say, school is the most important investment you can give to humanity: number one, education; number two, health. It is said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. So, we must invest in health.

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“The most important measurable developments are health, education, and pulling people out of poverty — and I am focused on all the three.

“You can’t talk about health without talking about the human capital infrastructure within it. The most important infrastructure in health are the nurses because they are the closest to the patients,” Obi added.

READ ALSO: Coalition: Abure-led LP Gives Obi 48 Hours To Leave Party

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When asked his presidential ambition and his alleged alignment with the newly formed coalition, Obi declined comment while he noted: “When I arrived the airport this morning, the journalist asked me why I’m Benin, and I said to them please I’m not in Benin for politics. I’m in Benin to talk about the future of Nigeria.

“We the politicians spend too much time talking about politics while leaving the Nigerian children and people to suffer. This is not what I’m here for.”

On his part, Rev. Fr. Jerome Idebe, while appreciating Obi for the kind gesture, noted that the donation will go a “long way in completing the project we started years ago.”

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He assured the former Anambra State governor that the funds will be rightly channelled towards the betterment of the school and the students.

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What To Know About Rashidi Ladoja, The Next In To Become Olubadan

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday joined his ancestors, paving the way for the emergence of former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the next in line to the throne.

Contents
Background and Education
Early Political Involvement
Banking Career
Governorship of Oyo State
Political Crisis and Impeachment
Court Victory and Return to Office
EFCC Arrest
Subsequent Governorship Contests
Retreat from Politics
Acceptance of Ceremonial Beaded Crown

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Tribune Online reports that the monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending only a year as Olubadan. His death came just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

To become Olubadan, a candidate must belong to one of the two high-ranking traditional chieftaincy lines — the Balogun (military) and Otun (civil) lines.

The late Oba Olakulehin belonged to the Balogun line and had waited 38 years after becoming Jagun Balogun before ascending the throne.

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With his passing, the line of succession now shifts to the Otun line, where High Chief Rashidi Ladoja currently holds the highest position as Otun Olubadan. However, Ladoja’s ascension to the throne of Olubadan is subject to the approval of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Is Dead

In this article, Nigerian Tribune compiled important things to know about the man expected to become the next Olubadan.

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Background and Education

Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on September 24, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan. He attended Ibadan Boys High School from 1958 to 1963 and Olivet Baptist High School between 1964 and 1965. He later studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium, between 1966 and 1972.

Early Political Involvement

Ladoja was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, representing the United Nigeria Congress Party under the Abacha political transition.

Banking Career

In 2000, he rose to the position of director at Standard Trust Bank Limited before fully returning to politics.

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Governorship of Oyo State

He was elected governor of Oyo State in April 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and assumed office on May 29, 2003. His emergence was backed by the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, a major PDP power broker in the state.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Ladoja Withdraws Suit Against Olubadan-in-Council

Political Crisis and Impeachment

By August 2004, a power struggle between Ladoja and Adedibu over government appointments plunged the administration into crisis. This eventually led to Ladoja’s impeachment by Oyo State legislators on January 12, 2006. His deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, was sworn in as governor.

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Court Victory and Return to Office

On November 1, 2006, the Court of Appeal declared the impeachment null and void, pending Supreme Court confirmation. The apex court upheld the verdict on November 11, 2006, and Ladoja officially resumed office on December 12, 2006.

EFCC Arrest

On August 28, 2008, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Ladoja over allegations of non-remittance of N1.9 billion from the sale of government shares during his administration. He was briefly remanded in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos on August 30, 2008, and granted bail of N100 million on September 5.

Subsequent Governorship Contests

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He ran as the Accord Party candidate in the 2011 and 2015 Oyo State governorship elections but lost both times to Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Retreat from Politics

Ladoja later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and then the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in 2018 before stepping away from partisan politics to focus on traditional duties.

Acceptance of Ceremonial Beaded Crown

On August 12, 2024, the late Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, presented the ceremonial beaded crown to High Chief Ladoja — a crown he had previously rejected during the administration of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

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(TRIBUNE)

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