News

Flood: NEMA Sensitises Stakeholders On Disaster Prevention

Published

2 years ago

July 30, 2024

Editor

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has organized a one-day sensitisation programme for environmental stakeholders on flood prevention and waste management in Bauchi state.

Speaking during the programme on Tuesday, Mrs Ummunah Ahmed, Head of Operations, NEMA, Gombe Office, said that the sensitisation became necessary after the Nigerian Meteorology Agency’s prediction of possible flooding in some states and Local Government Areas across the country.

According to her, two LGAs in Bauchi states, Itas Gadau and Toro were listed among high-risk areas, while Seven others like Bauchi, Jama’are, Ganjuwa, Shira, Zaki, Warji and Katagum were listed in moderate-risk areas.

She affirmed that the objectives of the programme was to raise awareness about the importance of proper waste management practices in the communities and educate the public on the adverse effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and public health.

Ahmed added that the programme was to also promote proactive measures for flood preparedness and resilience in communities and to encourage behavioural change toward sustainable waste management practices and flood mitigation strategies.

“Improper waste disposal has severe and far-reaching consequences on our environment, health and climate, hence the reason why experts on environmental issues have been invited to do justice to the given topic.

“As you are aware that flood is always associated with improper waste management, so we are enlightening you, creating awareness among you, so as to avoid flooding.

“If you look at our drainages and waterways, you will find out that they are all filled up with waste, so if we can clean and clear up our drainages, dispose our wastes properly, this is a good measure in avoiding flooding.

“I therefore urge you all to listen to expert presentations, advice and extend the same message to the grassroots,” she said.

She also urged the people living in flood prone areas to move to safer grounds, adding that when there is flooding, people living in sloppy areas would be affected first.

Also, Mr Haruna Suleiman, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Bauchi state Ministry of Health, lauded NEMA for organising the programme, adding that the danger associated with improper waste disposal could not be overemphasised.

“We in the Ministry of Health and Primary Healthcare already have a structure which is the risk communication and community engagement where communities are engaged and sensitised on the importance of proper waste management and the effect of improper waste management to our health.

“We have so many structures in the communities that will help us in communicating this message in order to consider proper waste management as a vital tool in prevention and control of diseases and flooding.

“I would like to advise other stakeholders to have structures at the community levels because community engagement is very critical in whatever you want people to do.

“Without a structure in the community where the community members are part of the implementing body, then there will be problems but you can easily achieve whatever you want to achieve if the community members are participating in your activities,” he said.

Some of the stakeholders in the programme included members from the Bauchi state Environmental Protection Agency, Bauchi state Environmental Management Agency, Ministry of Health and Environment.

Others included members from both the state and Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Army, the Police, traditional and religious leaders, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Orientation Agency, among others.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.