News
IUFMP blames Ibadan flooding on indiscriminate refuse disposal
The Ibadan Urban Flood Project Management (IUFMP), has blamed the recent flooding in the capital city of Oyo state on indiscriminate refuse disposal which blocked the drainage system.
IUFMP, emphasized that the dumping of refuses in rivers and streams is the major cause of flood, urging the residents to desist from such act.
The project Coordinator, Engr. Olasunkanmi Sokeye made this observation after supervising rivers and streams dredged by the agency through the world bank intervention projects on flood disaster on Wednesday in Ibadan.
Sokeye said if residents of Ibadan stop dumping solid wastes and creating obstruction on flood planes, eighty or ninety percent of the flood crisis will stop.
He maintained that through IUFMP, no fewer than 45 rivers and streams with minimum length of 3kilometers and maximum of about 1,500 kilometers have been dredged to pave way for free flow of water and prevent flood disaster in the state.
He further noted that since the fund available was not enough for the execution of all their plans, the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde intervened by releasing more funds for dredging and channelization of water planes.
Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Rufus Iyiola, the Hydraulic Consultant for IUFMP, said dredging of rivers and streams in Ibadan has been an annual projects of the agency to avoid flood in Ibadan. He noted that the IUFMP also needed to be proactive against the forecast of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, NIMET which said about 26 states including Oyo will experience flash flood in 2021.
Some of the dredged sites visited included Lasokun stream, Alafara stream at Ologuneru, Ikolaba stream at Ikolaba, Omolayo stream at Akobo, Bolajoko stream at Akobo, Odeku stream at New Garage, Aba Alamu/ Aladie stream at Sharp corner, Gbekuba stream at Nihort area among others.
The development generated reactions from residents of Ibadan, among them is the renowned publisher, Agbo Areo, who commended Governor Makinde and the IUFMP for their intervention. He urged them not to relent in their efforts to prevent flood disaster in the state.
Paul Ajayi, a motorcyclist who was plying on the road in the course of the supervision around Kuola Apata road told journalists that prior to government’s intervention, they used to have issues whenever there is heavy down pour, adding that since the commencement of the dredging, everything has stopped and they’ve been moving freely.
Also commenting, Mrs. Aderinto Olanike, a resident in one of the areas said anytime it rains they do leave their homes as water would submerge the bridge and they wouldn’t be able to cross to the other side of the road.
“We do record casualties in the past whenever it rains, but now we are happy that the unpleasant experience has become a history because of this development and we thank the government for this intervention”, she said.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
-
Politics1 week agoOyo Rep, Oseni Pays APC Secretariat Staff Salaries, Donates N10m to Boost Party Operations
-
Health4 days ago
Oyo: Oseni to Launch Mobile Clinic Initiative to Revitalize Rural Healthcare
-
Crime & Court1 day ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
News2 days ago
Half of Shortlisted Directors Fail Federal Permanent Secretary Exam
