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Help Mokwa: How To Support Flood Victims

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Help Mokwa: How To Support Flood Victims

Mokwa is hurting. Over 150 lives lost, thousands displaced. BNers, here’s how you can support those affected and make a real difference today.

Flash floods triggered by torrential rainfall have wreaked havoc in the central Nigerian town of Mokwa, in Niger State, claiming more than 150 lives and displacing over 3,000 people, according to reports. The flooding, which began on Tuesday, 28 May 2025, has been described as the worst in the area in six decades.

The deluge submerged entire neighbourhoods, swept away homes with residents inside, and destroyed roads, vehicles and vital infrastructure. Among the most severely affected areas are the Tiffin Maza and Anguwan Hausawa districts. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, search and rescue operations are ongoing, but with over 500 people still missing, the chances of finding survivors are increasingly slim. Local officials confirmed that bodies have likely been swept downstream into the Niger River.

Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of destruction. They told the BBC that they saw their homes and family members get washed away. The Nigerian Red Cross described the situation as one of “significant loss of life and widespread distress.”

The disaster also caused the collapse of the Mokwa Bridge on 28 May, cutting off a crucial link on the A1 highway and disrupting economic activities across the region. Two other roads and a secondary bridge were also washed away. Excavator teams have been deployed to retrieve bodies trapped under debris, with local authorities warning that disease outbreaks may soon follow if immediate sanitation measures are not taken.

Mokwa, a market town with an estimated population of over 416,000, sits along the southern banks of the Niger River. It is a key trade point connecting northern farmers and southern buyers. The town’s vulnerability to flooding has long been known, especially during Nigeria’s rainy season, which lasts from April to October.

Government Response

In response to the tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the release of ₦2 billion for the immediate reconstruction of Mokwa and the resettlement of displaced residents. Additionally, 20 trucks of food supplies have been dispatched for distribution to those affected.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led a Federal Government delegation to the area, conveyed the President’s condolences. “President Tinubu has directed me to come and represent him and asked me to tell you that his heart is with you,” he said, assuring residents that the government will do everything possible to ease their suffering.

The Vice President also announced that electricity transformers would be delivered to replace those destroyed by the floods. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Sabi, an indigene of Niger State, has been directed to temporarily relocate to Mokwa to oversee the rebuilding of collapsed bridges and coordinate recovery efforts.

Furthermore, the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture have been tasked with beginning the immediate reconstruction of the town’s drainage systems to prevent future disasters.

Urgent Needs of Displaced Residents

Survivors in Mokwa are in dire need of essential items such as food, clean drinking water, shelter, and medical care. Overcrowded shelters pose a high risk for disease outbreaks, particularly cholera, with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities facing heightened vulnerability.

Intermediate needs include blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and cooking utensils. Mental health support and protection services are also critical in this emergency.

How You Can Help

Donate: Contribute funds, food, and medical supplies to trusted local and international organisations working on the ground.

Raise Awareness: Use your social media platforms, blogs, and community networks to highlight the crisis and galvanise support.

Volunteer: If you are in the region or can travel safely, consider offering your time and skills to relief agencies.

Advocate for Long-term Solutions: Encourage governments and civil society organisations to invest in resilient infrastructure, improve drainage systems, and adopt comprehensive flood control measures.

Partner with NGOs: Work with humanitarian groups to coordinate the delivery of aid and services to those most in need.

Bellanaija.com

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FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.

The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.

He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

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Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years

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Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.

According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.

The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch

He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.

The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.

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Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason

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Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.

Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.

The ministry said in its official statement:

“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.” 

What is Umuganura Day?

Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.

The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.

Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.

History of Umuganura festival

Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.

Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.

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