News

Floods: Ondo, Osun, Ekiti Map Risk Zones, Clear Waterways

Published

3 months ago

August 4, 2025

The governments of Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states have embarked on flood mapping as a proactive measure against flooding in their respective states.

This involves identifying flood-prone areas and investigating the factors contributing to vulnerability.

The initiative is a response to the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the country predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Akure, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tob Loko, said a comprehensive flood mapping exercise would safeguard vulnerable communities from recurring flood disasters.

Loko said the initiative reflected the state government’s commitment to adopting a preventive and data-driven approach to flood management.

“We are not just identifying flood-prone zones, we are also investigating the underlying environmental and structural factors contributing to their vulnerability.

“While we are working to stay ahead of potential disasters, provisions are also being made to support residents who may be affected by unexpected flooding.

“Perfection isn’t humanly possible. If any area is inadvertently missed during the mapping and later experiences flooding, we are considering emergency measures such as temporary relocation and distribution of relief materials,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents of the state, especially those in high-risk areas, to cooperate fully with the state government officials as assessments and interventions commenced.

Also, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr Olumide Kinga, said that since the beginning of the year, the ministry had sustained aggressive mechanical channelisation across the state.

“We have three amphibious excavators that are placed in the three senatorial districts, working round the clock to make sure that we give our people a befitting environment, particularly during this rainy season.

“Actions are at top gear to make sure that we dissuade people blocking drainages and we have written to all the 18 local government chairmen to come up with length and dimension of drainages to be taken care of in the next one week,” he said.

The administrative secretary stated that residents of the state must embrace proper disposal of their waste, saying the government was trying to provide an effective system of collection and disposal of waste across the state.

The Senior Special Assistant on Volunteer Service, Mr Adeolu Iwakun, said the state government had launched sensitisation programmes across multiple platforms to educate the public and guide them on response measures.

According to him, all local governments are also addressing flooding in their various council areas within their capacity through a good drainage system.

Iwakun, also the state Coordinator of the Nigerian National Volunteer Service, said several relevant organisations were collaborating with the state government to provide technical advice and support that would avert flooding.

Also speaking with NAN in Osogbo, the General Manager, Osun Emergency Management Agency, Mr Deola Oni, said the state government had deployed three swamp buggies across the state to dredge and clear waterways for flood prevention.

Oni said the three swamp buggies, operating permanently in Osun waterways, had helped in averting flood disasters in the state by clearing the way for the passage of water.

“The swamp buggies keep dredging most of the waterways to make them wider for the passage of water.

“It is a positive move on the part of the state government to prevent flood disasters, and we are always on the ground to give relief materials to any victim of such a disaster,” he said.

According to him, the agency has been sensitising the public on the need to avoid throwing refuse in the drainage systems to prevent flooding.

“We are not relenting on our campaign to Osun residents on the need to embrace flood preventive measures.

“Also, we are ready to respond to any emergency and to give relief materials to any victims of flood disaster in the state,” he said.

The OSEMA GM further explained that a lot had been done to educate and inform residents in the state on the consequences of not abiding by flood preventive measures.

NAN Correspondent also visited some locations in the state, including the Osun River, where the swamp buggies had already cleared for free flow of water.

Similarly, the State Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mayowa Adejoorin, said the state embarked on continuous clearing of waterways and channels every year to prevent flood disasters.

According to him, Gov. Ademola Adeleke graciously approved the clearing of waterways and channels across the state at the beginning of every year as a proactive measure.

“Due to the proactiveness of the state, Osun has not experienced any flood cases, either minor or major, in recent years.

“We started clearing our waterways and water channels in November 2024, based on the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s prediction that some riverine states will experience flooding, and Osun is one of them.

“We also put mechanisms in place to ensure that our people do not block the waterways with refuse. We continue to enlighten and sensitise them through media coverage on the dangers of blocking water channels.

“We also removed some structures that were erected on the waterways. To the glory of God, we have not experienced any flooding this year, even as we are experiencing heavy rainfall,” he said.

NAN reports that a swamp buggy excavator was seen at the Gbonmi area in Osogbo and Ita-Olookan end of the Osun River, clearing the waterways, just as concrete barriers were being constructed along the waterways.

In Ekiti, the State Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, while speaking with NAN, said the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning had started marking illegal structures obstructing waterways for possible demolition across the state to further prevent flooding, and safeguard lives and property.

Afuye expressed regret that Ekiti witnessed repeated and devastating cases of flooding, fire and thunder disasters that wreaked havoc in some towns in 2024 and 2025.

She said NiMet had predicted Ekiti as one of the possible flashpoints for flooding in 2025, which also made it expedient for all local government chairmen in the state to begin taking decisive actions.

According to her, the actions will prevent desertification, ensure regular desilting of waterways, encourage tree planting, avoid building on flood-prone axes, and encourage community-based disaster strategies.

She also asked the local government chairmen to continue to spread the anti-flooding campaign across the state in view of NiMet’s prediction and to further avert occurrences that could throw the state into an avoidable crisis.

Also, the National Emergency Management Agency, Head of Operations in Ekiti, Dr Kofoworola Soleye, said the agency has constantly issued warning notices on how to avert flood disasters.

“We have identified flood-prone areas in Ekiti, and we are collaborating with the state government in ensuring that Ekiti don’t experience flooding.

“We also had a flag-off of stakeholders engagement on flood by the National Disasters and Response Campaign (NPRC) recently in Ekiti to prepare against flooding,” he said.

The NEMA boss also said the agency was collaborating with other relevant stakeholders in ensuring that Ekiti is safe from flooding.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, said the drains and gutters in the state were now cleaned and constantly monitored to ensure free flow of water.

“The state government has provided bins at strategic areas of the state to trash waste, and we do sensitise the general public on waste disposal and management,” she said.

Mr Adesina Abogunrin, Head, Search and Rescue Unit, Ado-Ekiti Operations Office, advised people in flood-prone areas to relocate to higher grounds as part of preventive measures.

NAN

News

Why Sowore Was Taken To Prison After Bail – Police

Published

13 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

The court granted bail to Sowore with N500,000 and two sureties, which his legal team was working to perfect at the time of the police action.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja shortly after the incident, human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, accused the police of violently attacking and removing Sowore moments after his bail was granted.

Adeyanju alleged that more than 50 armed officers stormed the court premises, descended on Sowore, and took him away by force while refusing to present a valid remand order.

“Sowore had just been granted bail, and while we were conferring with him here, the police suddenly launched an attack. More than 50 officers violently descended on him and took him away by force. We don’t even know where they have taken him,” he said.

He said the officer who led the operation briefly displayed what he claimed was a remand order but refused to allow Sowore’s lawyers to inspect it.

Adeyanju said, “The officer flashed the document, and when we insisted on reviewing it, he pocketed it and ordered that they must go.

“When we asked where they were taking him, he said Kuje Prison. We demanded to see the remand order as endorsed by the court, but he refused.”

He further alleged that during the scuffle, the police accused Sowore of insulting the Inspector General of Police, saying, “Because Sowore called the IG useless, they must deal with him.”

News

FIFA’s Use Of Kebbi Stadium In Banner Sparks Outrage, Funding Row

Published

13 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Global football body FIFA has stirred a storm of reactions across Nigeria after showcasing the Birnin Kebbi Stadium project in Kebbi State — a facility co-funded with the Nigeria Football Federation — on its official social media pages.

FIFA on Saturday used an image of the project, dating back to 2023, as the new profile banner on its official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts.

The image, showing a half-furnished stadium in Birnin Kebbi, quickly went viral.

Built under the FIFA Forward Programme, the stadium was meant to symbolise progress in grassroots football. But as the photo circulated online, fans flooded social media with outrage and speculation.

Some netizens interpreted FIFA’s post as a subtle jab at the NFF, following recent allegations of fund mismanagement.

The uproar comes just days after football critic Chinedu Mobike, via his official Instagram handle #c_mobike, on October 23, 2025, accused the NFF of squandering millions of dollars meant for infrastructure projects, including its twin project in Delta State.

Mobike, in his viral video, claimed that FIFA gave the NFF “1.2 million dollars for two stadiums” — one in Kebbi and another in Ugborodo, Delta State — which, he alleged, “till today did not see daylight.”

Comparing Nigeria’s FIFA-funded projects with those of other nations, Mobike alleged that while “other countries used the funds to truly develop football, Nigeria produced nothing to show.

“The NFF should sit up…There are no active projects promoting football or sports in Nigeria,” Mobike said.

According to The PUNCH, the next day, Friday, October 24, 2025, the NFF issued an official statement, which it described as a “fresh clarification to misinformation” by some social media users (names not mentioned) who claimed the NFF “collects millions of dollars from FIFA annually to misappropriate.”

The statement, retrieved from the NFF website, was titled: “NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle.”

While Mobike’s video reignited calls for reform, the hashtag #SaveNigerianFootball has been trending on X, as users express frustration and hope that collective pressure might finally bring transparency to Nigerian football governance.

In its October 24 statement, the NFF firmly denied any wrongdoing, explaining that every dollar received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose and audited annually.

“The monies meant for development purposes are tied to specific projects.

“FIFA Forward funds are properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring, and auditing at every stage,” the NFF said.

The Federation cited ongoing FIFA Forward projects such as the NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, stressing that every phase is verified before funds are released directly to FIFA-approved consultants.

Dismissing the viral reports as “fictitious figures,” the NFF added that those spreading misinformation “would find no reason to seek clout if they had any idea how much it costs to organise a single match of any of the national teams.”

But the clarification failed to calm the storm.

Instead, FIFA’s quiet profile update on Saturday reignited debate, with many Nigerians reading it as a silent but deliberate signal.

Many questioned how long it would take to fully complete a mini-stadium project that came to light in May 2023, after the groundbreaking event in September 2020 by the former Kebbi governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

In December 2023, it was reported that Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris unveiled the FIFA/NFF-backed stadium project, saying it was designed to “boost the morale of youths in the state.”

He noted that the project cost $1,183,000, with the state government donating four hectares of land and paying ₦19 million in compensation to landowners.

Earlier, in May 2023, FIFA described the Kebbi project as part of its commitment to grassroots football, writing on its website InsideFIFA: “It is no surprise, then, that Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi, was chosen back in 2020 as the site for the construction of an artificial football pitch now available for young boys and girls to use.

“Meanwhile, a second pitch is under construction in Ugborodo… these two ambitious projects have received around USD 2 million in funding from FIFA through its Forward Programme.”

Online Reactions
Social media erupted with interpretations and comparisons.

Some users viewed FIFA’s action as subtle recognition rather than mockery. One X user, @Poka741997, wrote: “FIFA updating their header is symbolic. It’s recognition for Nigeria, even if the stadium’s budget is modest by international standards.”

Others saw it as a global embarrassment.

User #_AsiwajuLerry commented: “FIFA changed their Twitter header to the $1.2m stadium built by the NFF. Global shame.”

Echoing that sentiment, #OyokunyiOkon added: “This is embarrassing. The NFF should be ashamed that FIFA is showcasing a $1.2 million ‘stadium’ in Kebbi that clearly reflects misplaced priorities and poor accountability.”

Comparing Nigeria’s project to Senegal’s 50,000-seat Stade Abdoulaye Wade, user #FemiOguntayo2 remarked: “Nigerians want to build a world-class stadium with $1.2m… Haba! We know NFF is corrupt but haba na…

“This is Stade Blaise Sené (also known as Stade du Sénégal or Abdoulaye Wade National Stadium) in Diamniadio, Senegal. Its total construction cost was $270 million, funded largely by the Senegalese government and built by Turkey’s Summa Construction Company. FIFA’s way of mocking the NFF. How did they spend $1.2m on that stadium? Exposing the kwaruption in the NFF?”

Another user, #mario99amr29, suggested FIFA’s post was deliberate: “We know what’s at play.

“If FIFA can display this at the expense of other successful projects, maybe it’s a subtle callout. Nigeria vs Kenya: A case study.”

As of press time, FIFA had yet to issue any official comment explaining the use of the Kebbi stadium image on its banner. PUNCH

News

Police Arrests Principal Supplier Of Weapons To Bandits In Delta

Published

15 hours ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

The Special Assignment Team of the Delta state Police Command has arrested a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in the northern part of Nigeria

The suspect, one Ahmed Ibrahim (31) male, resident of Ekpan in Uvwie local government area, has long been on the command’s watch list for his alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

The Commands Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Bright Edafe, in a statement disclosed that acting on credible intelligence from the Force Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), Abuja, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested a female suspects, one Jamila Abubakar, at Conoil Filling Station, Warri–Patani Road, Effurun.

The statement revealed that upon her arrest, officers discovered the cash sum of ₦550,000 neatly concealed beneath her bag and suspected to be proceeds from illicit transactions.

According to DAILY POST her apprehension provided a crucial lead that set off a well-coordinated follow-up operation.

“Buildin on that intelligence, the operatives stormed Niger-Cat area of Warri, where they successfully arrested a notorious arms peddler, one Ahmed Ibrahim (31) male, resident of Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area, at about 0725 hrs on 22nd October 2025.

“A search led to the recovery of a bag containing one hundred and fifteen rounds 115 rounds of 7.63mm AK-47 live ammunition, 220 rounds of SMG rifle ammunition, and 32 live cartridges”.

Edafe further noted, that preliminary investigations revealed that, the suspect is a key supplier of weapons to bandit groups in the north and has long been on the Command’s watch list for his alleged role in several high-profile kidnapping and armed-robbery operations.

According to the statement, Ahmed Ibrahim, is also linked to the kidnap and murder of one Ogheneovo Onemu (female), who was abducted on May 27, 2024 at Edjekota community in Ughelli North LGA, and later murdered after a ransom payment of ₦4,000,000.

Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, described the breakthrough as another testament to the Command’s unwavering commitment to stemming the flow of illegal arms, dismantling criminal syndicates, and bringing offenders to justice.

The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime, assuring the public that the Command will sustain its momentum against criminal elements and remain resolute in protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens.