NEWS
Ministry Donates 5,952 Mattresses, 2,976 Bags of Rice, Others to Jigawa
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has donated relief materials and food items to victims of extreme flooding in Jigawa State which killed over one hundred and forty persons and left many others homeless.
The minister who sympathized with the government and people of Jigawa state during a visit on Friday October 9, 2020 expressed sadness over the flood which affected several Local Government Areas including Hadejia, Malam-Madori, Auyo, Miga, Kirikasamma, Kafin-Hausa, Guri, Birniwa, Ringim, Taura, Jahun, Kaugama and Maigatari.
Umar Farouq said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the Ministry to activate the National Emergency Management Agency to immediately respond to displaced and other victims of the flood.
“The President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is concerned about the flood and had directed the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to deploy some relief items, mainly essential non-food items that were distributed as pre-assessment support to the affected persons. We are here also with more relief items approved for distribution to complement the support of the State Government to the affected persons”.
Earlier during a courtesy visit, the deputy governor of the state Alhaji Umar Namad who stood in for Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (MON) described the flood as a disaster. He said the state had never experienced such flood even in the last 100 years.
“We lost over one hundred and forty four persons to the flood. One hundred thousand acres of farmlands were also washed away while hundreds of persons have been driven away from their communities by the flood. We desilted several water channels and prepared for the rainy season but still we were overrun by the floods. We appeal to the federal government to assist us in desilting the remaining waterways”.
The Deputy Governor also narrated the ordeal of farmers in the state and urged the minister to quickly come to their aid.
“The most pathetic thing is that these farmers borrowed money to buy fertilizers to farm and now everything has been destroyed. We urge you to use your kind office to get fertilizers for the farmers so that they can farm and harvest crops before the dry season”.
The Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq promised that three hundred trucks were already being loaded with fertilizers for onward distribution to the state.
Items donated include 5,952 mattresses, 5,952 nylon mats, 5,952 blankets, 5,952 mosquito nets, 200 cartons of detergent, and 200 cartons of toilet soap.
Food items donated are 2,976 bags (12.5kg) of Rice, 2,976 bags (12.5kg) of Beans, 2,976 bags (12.5kg) of Maize, 149 bags (20kg) of Salt, 298 kegs (20Ltrs) of vegetable oil, 496 cartons of seasoning and 248 cartons of tomato paste.
4,500 bags of Cement, 4,500 bundles of Roofing sheets, 4,500 pieces of Ceiling boards, 1,000 bags of 3 inches Nails and 3,000 packets of Zinc Nails were also donated to the state to help put up makeshift shelters for the affected persons.
NEWS
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.NEWS
Benue killings: Gov Alia Condemns Attack on Communities, Charge Security Agents to Rescue Those in Captive
From Attah Ede Makurdi
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Wednesday, condemned in strong terms, the recent horrific attacks on different communities in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders which resulted to the killing of several persons and scores kidnapped.
He wondered why such grossly offensive attacks continue on Benue communities despite the relentless efforts of government to arrest the ugly situation.
The governor in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant(PSA) on media and content creation, Isaac Uzaan, called on Benue people, particularly those at the frontline of the attacks to cooperate with the government and security agencies to bring perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.
The Governor however extend his deep condolences to those whose relatives were killed in the attacks and called on security agencies to expedite their search and ensure safe release of those kidnapped.
Uzaan quoted the governor as assuring Benue people that his government, in union with security chiefs and traditional rulers is committed to concerted action to ending insecurity in Benue State.
NEWS
May Day: NLC Seeks Partnership with Anambra Sports Commission
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), says it is planning to hold some sporting events as part of activities marking this year’s May Day celebration.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the NLC in Anambra, said this when he led members of the State May Day Planning Committee on a courtesy visit to Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, on Wednesday.
Nwafor, represented by Dr Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists in Anambra, expressed satisfaction with the developmental programmes of the Sports Commission.
Odogwu, who is also the Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the Labour movement in Anambra was willing to partner the Commission to make its May Day sporting activities successful.
He said the games, planned for the day, were athletics, Football, Badminton, Nchoo and Volleyball.
“We are satisfied with what you are doing in the sports as Chairman of Sports Development Commission and we want to appreciate your doggedness and effective drive in the sector,” he said.
In his response, Onyedum commended the NLC for the innovation, saying that sports should be a habit for all to ensure healthier life.
He promised that the Sports Development Commission would take care of their technical needs to make the sporting event worthwhile.
“What you are doing is in line with the agenda of Gov. Soludo who has always been supportive of human capital development of the youth through sports.
“I encourage you not to relent in your efforts and support to the state government,” he said. (NAN)