News

Lagos Warns Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Others Over Oyan Dam Water Release

Published

11 months ago

October 18, 2024

Amid prediction of heavy rainfall, the Lagos State Government has alerted residents, particularly those in flood plains, over the systemic release of water from Oyan Dam by the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, OORBDA.

The state called on them to relocate to higher and safer grounds to prevent possible loss of lives and properties.

State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated this on Thursday, at a media briefing in Alausa, Ikeja.

According to Wahab, the OORBDA, acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the ongoing water release from the Oyan Dam and its impact on surrounding communities, particularly those along the Ogun River water channels extending into Lagos State.

He explained that OORBDA operates the Oyan Dam in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent structural damage to the dam and mitigate flood risks.

Wahab noted that it was crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations are informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA.

“These sources guide the water release decisions, ensuring both flood control and the integrity of the dam,” he said.

As detailed in the latest operational report by OORBDA, the total water released from the dam this year, as of October 12, 2024, stands at 1,484.2 million cubic meters (mcm). This remains below the average synthesized annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm.

“Although rainfall across the Oyan River catchment area has been significant, with a cumulative 984.1 mm recorded this year, it remains lower than last year’s 1,540.8 mm and is within safe operational levels.

“The dam is equipped with four radial gates capable of releasing up to 2,271 cubic meters per second (m³/s) during peak periods.

“However, current releases are measured at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12 per cent capacity each, ensuring controlled and steady discharge.

“Notably, 62.1 per cent of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact, meaning the Oyan Dam is not under any imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits. This has been the collaboration of the State with OORBDA.

“Nevertheless, as a responsible State Government, we fully recognize the challenges faced by residents in affected communities, including: Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun as reported,” he stated.

Wahab, however, stressed that while the flooding experienced in the areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, “this is not entirely the case.

“In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas.

“These tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoff, significantly exacerbate the flood situation. This is a critical point to consider when addressing flood management strategies for this region.

“In an effort to reduce the flood risks and ensure the free flow of water, OORBDA flagged off the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis on Friday, September 13, 2024.

“This dredging project is a proactive measure to deepen the river channel and increase its capacity to convey water, thereby reducing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.”

Meanwhile, Wahab, disclosed that the State had earlier carried out dredging maintenance in the following locations, namely: Ajelogo, Owode-Elede, Ajegunle, and under deck-on-pile of Itowolo Bridge in anticipation of water release by OORBDA.

In addition, some right-of-ways along the catchment areas were protected and restored.

To effectively contain flooding in the state, he stated, “We are determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with OORBDA, which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities. This is a mutual relationship which we cherish, and we shall continue to sustain.

“Lagos State Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with relevant Agencies and affected communities, to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.”

Wahab continued: “We urge Lagosians who reside along flood plains of major rivers and drainage channels to always be on the alert and be ready to relocate to higher grounds when the need arises.

“Meanwhile, the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang under Drainage Maintenance Department of the Ministry have been consistently de-silting and working on secondary collectors and conduits, to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.

“To our people, we sincerely appeal that they should desist from acts that can lead to flooding. They should stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places, throwing pet bottles on the roads, clogging of drains with silt or construction materials, erecting building structures within and around drainage Right of Ways/setbacks, stop discharging human waste into drains/canals which encourages high siltation and vegetal growth that easily clogs our canals as these acts impede the free flow of water.”

The commissioner, therefore, urged residents to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to state Resident Engineers offices statewide in all 20 Local Government Areas and 37Local Council Development Areas to attend to all needs.

Wahab, also appealed to people to support efforts by complementing the State Government through regular clearing of drains in their frontages to ensure free-flow of storm water as well as to desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels and roads.

News

DANGER: Six Incurable Diseases You Should Know — And Their Causes

Published

4 hours ago

August 30, 2025

Editor

Diseases are medical conditions that affect the body and disrupt its normal functions. Although healthcare professionals and researchers have made significant progress in finding cures for many diseases, there are still several illnesses without a permanent cure.

While treatment may help manage symptoms or prolong life, the diseases themselves remain incurable.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at six incurable diseases you should know.

HIV/AIDS

Probably the most well-known disease on the list, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system, which can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). At this stage, the immune system becomes too weak to fight infections. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps patients live long and healthy lives, there is still no permanent cure for HIV.

Causes

HIV is primarily contracted through specific bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal mucus, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is spread are through unprotected vaginal or anal sex and sharing needles or syringes. Mother-to-child transmission can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, affecting organs such as the lungs, breasts, and prostate. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can manage or remove some cancers, but there is no universal cure.

According to Healthline, there is a difference between cure and remission when it comes to cancer. A cure means all traces of cancer are eliminated and will not return, while remission refers to a state where few to no cancer cells remain. Remission may be complete, with no detectable signs of cancer, often within the first five years after treatment, or partial, where the cancer has shrunk but is still present. Even in complete remission, hidden cancer cells can remain and cause the disease to return.

Causes

Cancer, unlike HIV, is not a contagious disease. Instead, it arises from genetic mutations within cells, which can be inherited, develop over time, or be caused by environmental factors like radiation and chemicals. These mutations cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably.

Diabetes

Another incurable disease is diabetes. It is a chronic condition where the body cannot properly control blood sugar levels.

While there are many types of diabetes, the major ones are Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin, while in Type 2 diabetes, the body cannot use insulin effectively. Although medications, insulin injections, and lifestyle changes help manage the disease, there is no cure. Over time, diabetes can lead to complications such as kidney failure and heart disease.

Causes

Diabetes is also not contagious. Type 1 diabetes is mainly due to genetics and environmental factors that trigger the immune system to attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas while Type 2 diabetes on the other hand is caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and insulin resistance

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking abilities. It is the leading cause of dementia among older adults. The disease worsens over time and makes it difficult for patients to perform daily activities. Current treatments can only slow down symptoms or improve quality of life, but they cannot stop the disease or reverse the damage.

Causes

Alzheimer’s develops in the brain when abnormal protein deposits build up, damaging nerve cells and affecting memory. Age, genetics, and family history are the strongest risk factors, while lifestyle factors such as poor cardiovascular health can also contribute to the development of this incurable disease.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Not only is this disease incurable, but it also does not have a known cause, according to Professor of Neurology Mayowa Owolabi. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. Over time, the nerves that send signals from the brain to the muscles weaken and die, causing patients to lose the ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe.

Causes

ALS is not a disease that spreads from person to person. The exact cause is unknown, but research suggests it results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. In some cases, it runs in families, while in others, it occurs randomly.

Parkinson’s Disease

This is another disease scientists have yet to find a cure for. It is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that mainly affects movement. Parkinson’s disease develops gradually and is marked by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

The condition occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine become damaged or die. While medications and therapies can help control the symptoms, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, and symptoms worsen over time.

Causes

Like some other incurable diseases, Parkinson’s does not spread like an infection. It develops when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine become damaged or die. While the exact cause is not fully understood, Mayo Clinic notes that factors such as genes and environmental toxins may play a role in the development of the disease.
(TRIBUNE ONLINE)

News

Police Urge Bauchi Residents To Remain Calm Amidst Soldier’s Death In Bauchi

Published

17 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

The Police in Bauchi state has called on all the residents of the state to remain calm after a soldier was shot dead by a police officer in the state.

CSP Ahmed Wakil, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) made the call on behalf of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani Omolori-Aliyu.

According to him, Inter-agency security forces have initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident which led to the death of the soldier.

The PPRO recalled how a blogger narrated the incident that a member of the Nigerian Army attached to 33 Artillery Brigade was fatally shot while attempting to intercept a truck suspected of transporting solid minerals from an illegal mining site in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state by a mobile police Inspector on illegal duty.

News

How Becoming Bank Manager At 27 Changed My Life, Tony Elumelu Urges Trust In Africa’s Youths

Published

18 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

Prominent African businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has reflected on the defining moment of his early career when he was appointed a bank branch manager at just 27 years old.

In a post shared on his LinkedIn page on Tuesday, Elumelu recounted how his appointment at AllStates Trust Bank changed the trajectory of his life and shaped his passion for empowering young people.

“When I was 27, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime: I became a branch manager at AllStates Trust Bank, a young bank in Nigeria.

“Banking was beginning to change the country, it was the sector to be in, ripe for transformation, ready for disruption, for democratisation.

“At that time, few believed a 27-year-old could successfully lead a bank branch. But that opportunity changed the entire course of my life.

“It gave me confidence. It gave me a platform. Most importantly, it gave me perspective,” he wrote.

Elumelu, who is the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and chairs Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa, noted that his journey began not with financial capital but with trust.

His post continued, “That’s why today, I am passionate about giving young people the same chance I was given. Because I know what’s possible when someone believes in you early.

“This belief is at the heart of everything we do at The Tony Elumelu Foundation. It’s why we invest in young African entrepreneurs – because someone once invested in me.

“My journey didn’t begin with capital. It began with trust. Let’s keep believing in Africa’s youth. They are ready to lead, grow and transform our continent.”

In a follow-up post on X on Friday, the business leader further highlighted three lessons from his experience as a young bank manager.

“Shared recently on my LinkedIn page how I became a bank manager at just 27. I got a lot of questions. One stood out: How could someone so young handle such responsibility?

“Many doubted a young man could lead a bank branch. That chance changed the entire course of my life,” he wrote.

Outlining the lessons from his journey, Elumelu wrote, “Lesson 1: Age is not a barrier. If you can execute, are hungry to learn, and committed to results — you can lead at any age. Leadership is about clarity of vision and that discipline to execute.

“Lesson 2: The most powerful capital is trust. My journey didn’t start with money — it started with trust. Trust was the seed that propelled everything else. Give young people trust, and they will surprise you. I was trusted, I repaid that trust.”

In the third lesson, Elumelu explained why perspective matters in leadership.

He wrote, “Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about empowering, setting direction, and providing clarity. The sooner you learn this, the faster you grow.

“That’s why today, I am passionate about giving young people the same chance I was given. Cascading luck. Catalysing opportunity.”

Elumelu said these principles continue to drive his commitment to youth empowerment through his foundation.

“It is the reason we invest in Africa’s youths at the #TonyElumeluFDN, because someone once invested in me,” he wrote.

“My story is proof that when we trust in our youths, they are ready to lead, grow, and transform our continent. Let’s keep believing in Africa’s youths,” he concluded.