From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Niger State Government has cautioned against activities of fraudsters who are already posting fraudulent accounts soliciting for support for the Mokwa flash flood disaster that claimed 151 lives even as FG paid sympathy visit to State.Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba who represented Governor Mohammed Umar Bago when a high powered Federal Government delegation led by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Malagi paid a sympathy visit to the State at the weekend.

The Deputy Governor warned that, while the State Government is appealing for corporate, individual and non-governmental organization support, on no condition should such assistance be Channel through a privately own accountsHe disclosed that, while the immediate need of the State government is the establishment of temporary camps of the over 3018 displaced persons, those willing to contribute towards bringing succour to the flood disaster victims can contact the relevant State agencies for proper guidance.”As a State we have opened a dedicated account for this disaster, every support should be channeled to it”He however commended the Federal Emergency Management Agency, NEMA for its outstanding performance by assisting the State NSEMA in the search and rescue operation that is still ongoing days after the disaster.He lamented that about 503 households were affected by the devastating effects of the flood while 265 structures were destroyed or washed away , and three major bridges.Speaking earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Idris Malagi conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathy to the State government assuring that his administration will stand by the state at such a trying time.The Minister who was accompanied by his Humanitarian and poverty reduction counterpart, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatdo assured the state government and victims of the Federal Government determination at finding a permanent solution to the perennial issue of flooding in the country.He explained that, as the rains intensify, the Ministry of information has mandated the national Orientation Agency to carry out public enlightenment and sensitization campaigns to educate Nigerians on the danger of dwelling along flood plains.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

In what has been described as a transformative intervention for grassroots development, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has scored a major governance milestone through the successful implementation of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Programme.

Spearheaded by the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency (KGCSDA), the programme has delivered a wide array of basic service infrastructure to some of the most underserved rural and remote communities across the state. Although the NG-CARES Programme is nearing its official closure, its impact on the lives of citizens is already indelible.With unwavering support from Governor Ododo, the state has emerged as one of the frontline achievers in the delivery of community-driven development projects across Nigeria.Under the visionary leadership of Chief Momoh Dauda, the indefatigable General Manager of the KGCSDA, the agency recorded interventions in 97 rural communities and supported 8 vulnerable groups across Kogi State. These interventions culminated in a total of 233 micro-projects that cut across critical sectors that directly affect the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people.Breakdown of the projects include: Water and Sanitation – 98 projects, Health Infrastructure – 68 projects, Educational Support – 64 projects, Nutritional Services – 2 projects, Flood and Erosion Control – 1 project.Altogether, these projects have directly benefited an estimated 557,063 individuals, marking a substantial outreach that demonstrates the effectiveness of the community-based development approach adopted under the NG-CARES framework.Ododo’s leadership has been a cornerstone for the successful rollout and implementation of NG-CARES in Kogi State. His commitment to inclusive governance and people-centered policies ensured that the agency received the institutional support and enabling environment needed to function effectively. The success of the KGCSDA under his administration exemplifies what can be achieved when political will meets technical expertise and community participation.In his remarks, Chief Momoh Dauda expressed gratitude to the state government for its unflinching support and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to sustain development gains beyond the NG-CARES programme. “This has been a journey of impact and transformation. We have witnessed first-hand how strategic investments in basic infrastructure can uplift entire communities. With the backing of His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, we were empowered to act where the need was greatest,” he stated.As the first phase of the NG-CARES initiative winds down, its legacy in Kogi State will continue to speak volumes. From clean water facilities and revitalized schools to rehabilitated health centers and improved sanitation, the lives of hundreds of thousands have been touched. The programme’s emphasis on participatory planning and community ownership has not only enhanced sustainability but has also fostered a stronger sense of agency among rural dwellers.This remarkable achievement underscores Governor Ododo’s development philosophy that no community, no matter how remote, should be left behind. Through the Kogi State Community and Social Development Agency and the NG-CARES Programme, his administration has delivered hope, dignity, and opportunity to the doorsteps of the underserved — a legacy that will undoubtedly outlive the programme itself.

The Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Jude Arogundade, on Sunday, said dialogue remains the only solution to the frequent clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria.The Bishop who stated this during his homily to mark the 2025 edition of the World Communication Day (WCD) held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Akure, called on the government and stakeholders to take decisive action to end the escalation of Fulani herdsmen’s menace across the country.

According to him, Nigeria needs dialogue to resolve the farmers/herders’ clashes. There is nothing more than dialogue. They have made the country ungovernable, and all we need to ask them now is what is their purpose and their goal, what do they hope to accomplish or achieve?“Our people can no longer go to the farm, our people can no longer fend for themselves, we travel on the roads with our hearts almost in our mouths, everybody is tensed up.“This is not the country we want to build together and if anybody thinks one day they can decide to take over the country and the country will belong to them or their tribe, such a person is just fooling himself.“It is better we come together and build a befitting country that we can all enjoy together, that is the purpose of why I said dialogue because I am not going to sit down for somebody to come and drag me away from my home, that would be an insult. “I cannot drive anybody out of his own home, so everybody should just get some sense and just try to behave and let us work together instead of trying to sabotage the whole system.“This country is so beautiful and we have the obligation to make it more beautiful and that is our commitment. I want to charge all journalists to work on this dialogue because you’re the one to initiate and sustain the dialogue.“Media practitioners have a lot to do. What you have to do is to write about the truth, not minding who is out there, not comfortable with the truth. We need a country first, we need a nation first.“I beg you to let us sustain a meaningful dialogue in this country. People will continue to appreciate you better when you call people to themselves.“Let’s ask the herdsmen questions. What do they hope to achieve? They want to have a better life at my own expense, by killing me and destroying my home, what kind of better life is that?“What I advocate for, is civilisation of love, civilisation of dialogue, of integrity but unfortunately, many people are not civilised in this country but we have to make this country beautiful, we don’t have to frustrate everybody and make the country ungovernable”The Bishop also identified corruption as another major problem that has retarded the nation’s progress over the years, saying “corruption is the oxygen Nigeria breathes, without it, some Nigerians would suffer asphyxiation”.He noted that corruption has become a serious problem in Nigeria, saying it is very endemic with disturbing situations everywhere, and described the situation as a shame to the Nigerian government and its people.