From Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki

The Nigeria Security and civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi state on Tuesday warned citizens of the state living in flood zones to vacate immediately.The Commandant of NSCDC, Francis Nnadi made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki by the command’s spokesperson, Emmanuella Ibeneme.

The Nnadi noted that the order to vacate the flood prone zones by citizens of the state followed the severe flood warnings by the Nigeria hydrological services agency (NIHSA). DAILY ASSET reported that the Nigeria hydrological services agency (NIHSA) had issued a critical warning to residents of flood-prone communities in Ebonyi state, urging immediate relocation in anticipation of severe flooding expected to hit the region in the coming days.”This alert was made public today in Abakaliki by the commandant, who emphasized the need for proactive evacuation from high-risk zones to avoid potential loss of lives and properties.”The warning follows recent hydrological assessment indicating rising water levels across river basins in the state, particularly around the Ebonyi and Cross River systems,” the statement partly read.According to NIHSA, communities in Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ishielu, Ivo and Afikpo South are among those most at risk.The agency has noted that the ongoing heavy rainfall and over saturation of waterways could lead to dangerous overflow, flash floods, and widespread destruction if precautionary measures are not taken.It was gathered that the state commandant has mandated the head of the disaster response unit to do the needful without delay including mobilization of emergency teams to high risk areas, public awareness and sensitization campaigns.Also to ensure immediate coordination with local authorities and traditional leaders to ensure compliance with relocation advisories.”The safety of our citizens is paramount, we cannot afford to be reactive, we must act now. We are calling all residents in low- lying or flood prone zones to relocate to designated safe areas until the danger subsidies.He, however, advised residents to stay tuned to verified news sources and official bulletins. Avoid crossing swollen rivers/ flooded areas and follow instructions from emergency personnel and community leaders.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The newly redeployed Commissioner for Information, Enugu State, Dr. Malachy Agbo, has charged the staff of the ministry to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the public is informed professionally, promptly, and effectively about the numerous programmes and activities of the state government aimed at delivering good governance to the people.

In his maiden meeting with the management and staff of the ministry, Agbo emphasized that his posting was to enhance public awareness, enlightenment, and understanding of the numerous interventions of the state government across various sectors; programmes intentionally designed to improve the living standards of Ndi Enugu under the leadership of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.“The Enugu State Government, led by Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is doing a lot to improve the lot of Ndi Enugu. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that the people of the state are inundated with good governance news. We must disseminate information across all channels, engage the public, and ensure that facts are not distorted by mischief makers.”Everyone in this team has experience and strengths that will enable us to deliver on our mandate. We should strive to leverage our collective strengths to inform the public and set the records straight at all times,” he stated.Agbo also pledged to address areas hindering the Ministry’s optimum performance through careful scrutiny and reassignment of duties where necessary, to harness the full capacity of staff towards achieving greater goals.He thanked the Governor for finding him worthy to serve in this capacity and reiterated his commitment to working with everyone in the ministry as a team to ensure the timely delivery of accurate information to the people of the state.The meeting was interactive, and the Commissioner urged the staff to remain resilient, dedicated, and united in the discharge of their responsibilities.Responding on behalf of the management and staff of the ministry, the Head of Department (HOD), Administration and Supplies, Ugochukwu Adimora, pledged their support to the Commissioner in achieving the administration’s goals of keeping the public informed about the state government’s policies and programmes in a timely and accurate manner.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.

It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.