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FG: Mokwa Flood Not From Dam Release

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has dismissed claims that the devastating flood in Mokwa, Niger State, on May 29, 2025, was triggered by the release of water from the Kainji or Jebba dams.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Utsev assured the public that both dams remain intact and safe, debunking widespread speculation linking them to the disaster, which claimed lives and displaced many residents.
“The flood was primarily due to heavy rainfall driven by extreme weather conditions associated with climate change, which overwhelmed Mokwa’s drainage capacity,” the Minister explained.
He further noted that unregulated construction had obstructed a seasonal tributary of River Dingi—an offshoot of the River Niger—intensifying the flood’s impact.
Prof. Utsev praised the rapid intervention by the Niger State Government, local authorities, and emergency responders, and extended the federal government’s condolences and support to the affected communities.
He also revealed that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), under his ministry, had previously issued warnings about potential flooding in Mokwa and 18 other local government areas in Niger State in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook released on April 10.
According to the forecast, 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas across 33 states and the FCT fall within high flood risk zones, while 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs face moderate flood risk. High-risk states include Niger, Lagos, Kogi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Benue, Kebbi, and Rivers, among others.
Reiterating the ministry’s earlier warnings, Utsev urged states and local governments to urgently strengthen their drainage infrastructure, relocate communities from flood-prone areas, increase public awareness campaigns, and enforce land-use regulations to stop encroachments.
“The AFO not only predicts flood risks at LGA and community levels but also provides recommendations for adaptation and mitigation. We urge stakeholders to use the NIHSA flood forecast dashboard to guide proactive measures,” he said.
He described the Mokwa flood as a “stark reminder” of the growing impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s water systems and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to managing water resources sustainably and building climate-resilient communities.
Utsev disclosed that technical teams from NIHSA, the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, and the National Water Resources Institute are already in Mokwa assessing the disaster and will provide a detailed report soon.
Meanwhile, a top official in the ministry who spoke off the record told The Nation that the Federal Government had already disbursed funds to states for the maintenance, upgrade, and expansion of drainage systems in flood-prone areas.
She claimed many state governors failed to utilize the funds, which she blamed for the scale of the devastation in Mokwa.
“The truth is that these deaths are not because of dam releases or federal inaction. It is the negligence of some governors who did not deploy the funds released to them for flood control,” she said.
The ministry restated its condolence to the people and Government of Niger State, calling for nationwide collaboration across all levels of government, civil society, and the private sector to address what it described not just as a natural disaster, but a developmental challenge.
Thenationonlineng.ng
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Atiba Varsity Tasks New Staff, Places Premium On Academic Excellence

The Vice Chancellor of Atiba University, Oyo, Professor Sunday Okeniyi, has enjoined the newly employed staff of the institution to develop the spirit of teamwork, respect, and discipline, which are the hallmarks of every successful institution.
Okeniyi disclosed this during the orientation programme for the newly employed staff of the institution.
While welcoming the newly employed staff, he also congratulated them on their successful appointment into the fast-rising institution. “Your joining us today is not by chance, but by merit, commitment, and the will of God. Atiba University is a citadel of learning and character formation, envisioned to nurture and produce men and women of excellence, integrity, and service. By becoming part of this family, you are now co-builders of this noble vision.”
The V-C said the orientation programme was a deliberate initiative of the management to formally integrate the new staff into the University system. “It is designed to give you a clear understanding of our mission, vision, core values, rules, and operational culture. Our goal is not just for you to work here, but for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and leave an indelible mark on the growth and transformation of this University.”
He explained that the university places a premium on academic excellence, innovative research, moral uprightness, and community development. These values define the identity and are the standards the staff must all uphold in their respective assignments—whether as academic staff shaping young minds or as non-teaching staff providing essential support services that make our work possible.
While admitting much needed to be done, Okeniyi said the institution has recorded remarkable progress within a short time. “The future we envision—a future of global competitiveness, leadership in innovation and knowledge, and impact within and beyond Nigeria—requires the collective commitment of every member of staff. That includes you. Your dedication, creativity, and professionalism are needed to propel us forward,” he said.
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This Is War, Kill Every Single One Of Them – Fani-Kayode Blows Hot Over Zamfara Mosque Massacre

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has condemned the gruesome murder of five worshippers during an early morning prayer in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
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Speaking via his 𝕏 account, he insisted that the killers should be wiped out, adding that there should be no room for discussions or negotiations.
Fani-Kayode asserted that the killers are terrorists not bandits and described their actions as an act of war.
He wrote: “These are not bandits. Pls stop calling them bandits. They are bloodthirsty killers and terrorists and every single one of them should be wiped off the face of the earth.
“If our people cannot worship God in peace then we have nothing. No negotiation, no discussion, no ransom payments, no rehabilitation.
“This is WAR. Kill every single one of them, wipe out their blood line and decimate their communities and abodes. There is no place on earth for those that slaughter innocent civilians.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to address the escalating banditry crisis in the state.
Naija News reports that a deadly attack occurred on Sunday in Oke-Ode, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which left several residents and vigilante members dead.
Speaking via a statement on Monday, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, described the massacre as “a despicable and senseless act.”
He blamed the governor for the insecurity situation in the state, noting that it is a monumental leadership failure.
Adewara said, “The gruesome videos of the casualties circulating online make it look like Kwara is now at war. Under AbdulRahman’s watch, terror is reigning, kidnappers are taking over rural villages, and nowhere is safe again.”
The opposition party faulted AbdulRazaq’s alleged silence and absence from the affected community, insisting that a responsible leader should have personally visited Oke-Ode to commiserate with victims’ families and give assurances of decisive action.
It further accused the governor of neglecting local vigilantes and security personnel “battling criminals in the bush,” while diverting funds to “footballers and entertainers outside the state.”
The PDP’s criticism comes amid rising concern in Kwara North, where repeated bandit attacks have forced residents to abandon farms, schools, and businesses.
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Nigeria @65: Atiku Knocks Tinubu’s Government In Strongly-Worded Independence Day Message; Details Emerge

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has praised Nigerians for what he described as “uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience despite living under suffocating socio-economic and security conditions”
In his Independence Day message to Nigerians, the opposition leader alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had abandoned Nigerians to their fate
Atiku lamented that Nigerians were enduring pains from “raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness all “compounded by the insensitivity of the APC-led administration
In an Independence Day message released by his media office, obtained by Legit.ng, Atiku lamented that Nigerians are enduring excruciating pains from raging insecurity, rising food scarcity, mass unemployment, and a dangerous climate of hopelessness.
The presidential hopeful accused the Tinubu administration of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.
Atiku declared: “It is tragic that in a country blessed with immense human and material resources, millions of our people have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland. Every responsible government holds the welfare and security of its citizens as supreme. But what we have today is an administration that has abandoned its people. Hunger is killing Nigerians, bandits are massacring communities, yet President Tinubu and his cabinet stand by, unmoved and uncaring.”
Furthermore, Atiku called on citizens not to lose faith, reminding Nigerians that the 2027 election provides a clear opportunity to reject bad leadership and reclaim the promise of a better tomorrow.
He said: “The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the ballot. Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people.”
At 65, Atiku noted, Nigeria remains “a giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay”.
The 78-year-old blamed Nigeria’s condition on “a direct result of decades of poor leadership and wasteful governance.”
He bemoaned: “Yet, he urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, insisting that with the right leadership, the country can still rise from the ashes of failed governance to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations.”
PRESS RELEASE
Nigeria @65: @atiku Hails Nigerians’ Courage, Blasts APC Over Economic Strangulation
Former Vice President of Nigeria and Waziri Adamawa, Atiku Abubakar, has paid tribute to the uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience of Nigerians who, despite living under… pic.twitter.com/cPnI9KzxrJ
— Paul Ibe (@omonlakiki) September 30, 2025