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Borno flood: One million persons affected, 414,000 displaced

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Borno flood: One million persons affected, 414,000 displaced

Death toll hits 30, victims sleep on streets, NEMA opens nine IDP camps, Bayelsa flooded after downpour

 

 

BORNO- At least 414,000 people have been displaced and another 30 killed by the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday.

 

National Emergency Management Agency said the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed following heavy rains leading to the town’s worst flooding in 30 years, according to the United Nations Human Rights Refugee Council and Maiduguri Metropolitan Council residents.

NEMA spokesman Manzo Ezekiel told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the death toll had hit 30 and displaced persons close to half a million.

 

 

“It’s 30 people that have been recorded dead so far, around 414,000 people were displaced and are in nine IDP camps across the state,” Manzo said.

According to NEMA, more than 23,000 households have been hit by the rapid rise of waters following the weekend rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, 20km south of Maiduguri.

Reports indicate the water had receded as of Wednesday after 70 per cent of Maiduguri was submerged by the fast-moving waters, according to NEMA, which ravaged major city locations, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi; the state secretariat, post office, cemetery, and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.

 

The flood also washed away 80 per cent of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo, and damaged houses, schools, as well as commercial and worship centres.

FG intervenes

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep concerns over the flooding and tasked relevant government agencies to expedite rescue efforts while Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in the Borno capital Tuesday to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the devastating floods.

Tinubu also called for the immediate evacuation of residents in communities overtaken by floods.

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, told journalists that a preliminary assessment conducted by the government showed that more than a third of Maiduguri was flooded, which affected an estimated one million people following the heavy flooding.

“The floods covered one-third of the city, affecting over one million people. It is very devastating,” Zulum said while distributing cash and food to thousands of displaced persons at a camp.

Zulu added that the Federal Government allocated N3bn for rehabilitation of the victims, adding that the funds would be used to provide food and other essential supplies, as well as support long-term strategies, including health monitoring to prevent disease outbreaks.

 

 

The governor also announced that cash distributions of N10,000 per household have been made to flood victims.

In addition, the state government organised search and rescue operations to assess casualties and gather data on those affected.

“We are distributing money and food to head of each of the families as a temporary measure to cushion the impact,” he said.

Luckily for us, we just received N3bn flood intervention fund from the Federal Government. So, we are using part of this fund to provide immediate support to the communities affected by the flood.

“We have separated them into different camps and already providing support. We will come up with long-term and short-term measures as soon as we take the data of the people affected.”

 

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Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s Earlier Warning Against Bobrisky Has Been Vindicated

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Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s Earlier Warning Against Bobrisky Has Been Vindicated

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe’s Earlier Warning Against Bobrisky Has Been Vindicated

 

“If my child ever turned out like Bobrisky, I would feel I failed.” This is the kind of mean remark that some individuals have made upon encountering Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.

The young man’s controversial lifestyle has sparked debates nationwide, with many worrying about the influence he might have on impressionable youths.

Given his current case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his fame is at an all-time high—so is the worry of the older generation.

In April 2024, Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira, and given a six-month jail sentence. There were claims, however, that Bobrisky lived comfortably in a private apartment during this time, which he denied. Officials later confirmed that while he was held in the facility, his special treatment was for security reasons, due to his appearance and identity.

Bobrisky’s life has indeed been a series of scandals, from the recent legal troubles to social media drama. But these have only helped to him at the centre of public scrutiny. Moreover, his bold defiance of norms has made him a focal point for criticism, especially from parents and community leaders who worry about his influence on young Nigerians.

Public figures including former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe have urged parents to teach their children strong values. They argue that Bobrisky’s lifestyle directly opposes traditional African norms of decency and respect. As Bobrisky pushes boundaries, reputable individuals like Otunba Runsewe have spoken out about how they feel these values are being tested.

Indeed, with a large social media following, Bobrisky’s influence is undeniable. Yet, his flamboyant persona and controversial behaviour leave many uneasy. In a society where cultural values run deep, it is only right for rational individuals to be vigilant against things that run against these values. Bobrisky tops this list.

“A man who tries to walk two roads will split his legs,” warns an old proverb. Bobrisky’s life, full of contradictions, reflects this truth. Especially now that he is playing Russian Roulette with bodies like the EFCC, who knows what a person like him could drag parents into in the name of defending their children.

It is important to recall that Otunba Segun Runsewe warned Nigerians about the character called BOBRISKY. Today the cultural icon, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has been vindicated.

 

culled from Lagostimes

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Police arraign woman over N2.8m failed marriage promise

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Police arraign woman over N2.8m failed marriage promise

Police arraign woman over N2.8m failed marriage promise

 

A 25-year-old tailor, Victoria Effiong, was arraigned on Friday before a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Iba for allegedly refusing to marry a suitor after collecting N2.8m from him.

Effiong is facing three counts bordering on breach of peace, cheating and obtaining by false pretence.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Chinedu Njoku, told the court that

the incident occurred on September 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Ajanaku Street, Isashi.

 

 

Njoku said, “Effiong unlawfully cheated the complainant, Dominic Asuquo, by obtaining the sum of N2,866,000 under the pretext of agreeing to marry him, but she failed to follow through.”

The prosecutor further told the court that while the defendant was dating Asuquo, she obtained an iPhone worth N240,000, different clothes, a wristwatch, shoes and bags valued at N350,000.

He also said that the complainant gave the defendant a cash sum of N810,000, N4000, daily feeding money for seven months worth N868,000.

 

“Effiong also withdrew N300,000 from Asuquo’s ATM account for shopping,” Njoku added.

 

Our correspondent learnt that the situation escalated when Asuquo discovered that Effiong was planning to marry another man, despite having introduced him earlier to her parents, who were aware of their relationship.

Effiong, however, denied the relationship, claiming Asuquo knew she was dating someone else.

She admitted to receiving the iPhone, a smaller phone worth N20,000, money, and other items but insisted that she had told Asuquo to stop sending her money because she was uncomfortable with it.

According to the prosecutor, the offences committed are punishable under Sections 168, (1d), 322, and 314 (2) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

However, the defendant who was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs O. M. Ogun, pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.

Magistrate Ogun granted her a bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

 

“One of the sureties must be a blood relative, show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and have their address verified,” the magistrate ruled.

The case was adjourned until November 28, 2024, for mention.

 

 

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There is a need to understand other cultures, and various heritage, Korean director

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There is a need to understand other cultures, and various heritage, Korean director

 

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria, Kim Chang-ki, says there is a need to understand other cultures and various heritages.

 

There is a need to understand other cultures, and various heritage, Korean director

 

 

Chang-Ki said this at the 2024 Korean Cultural Festival in Lagos with the theme ‘Tour the World.

 

 

The festival is a yearly event and this year’s event was organized by the Banana Island Property Owner&Residents Association Lagos(BIPORAL)

 

 

He said the multicultural festival is indeed a great event to promote their food and culture and network with other countries.

 

 

He pointed out that the annual event helps people to learn and promote each other’s countries’ cultures.

 

 

‘As individuals tour around countries, there is the need to understand other people’s cultures and various heritages.

 

 

“Korea, the “Land of the Morning Calm, “is a dynamic East Asian nation with nearly 52 million people, famous for its scenic beauty.

 

 

“It is also an avenue to integrate and promote cultural immersion amongst residents and guests”.

 

 

He said that there were lots of memorable activities ranging from different countries’ cultural musical performances, food, games, and other side attractions.

 

 

“The multicultural festival is a very fun experience watching attendees going round the participating countries’ booths for food tasting”.

 

 

 

The excess of Banana Island Property Owner&Residents Association Lagos(BIPORAL) appreciated everyone who took part in the event.

 

 

They added that the event was also to uphold the spirit of community fellowship, cultural integration, and patriotism.

 

 

“We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has been part of this year’s festival.

 

 

Some of the countries that participated in the event include the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana, South Korea, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, and Jamaica.

 

 

“Other performances from Nigeria were Igbo dance, Art Afrik dance, Calabar and Yoruba dance, raffle draws, etc.

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