News
Flood Alert: Oyo To Begin Channelization of Major Rivers
Oyo State government on Monday disclosed that it would soon begin channelization of major rivers in the State to increase flood water runoff capacity and further reduce possibility of flooding in the State.
The State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kehinde Ayoola disclosed this while addressing a Press Conference organized by the Ministry to sensitize the general public on the hazard of poor sanitation on the environment and warning alert on flood in the State.
The event which was held at the Film Theater of the State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in Ibadan, the state capital, was also attended by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Adisa Taiwo.
The former Speaker hinted that Governor Makinde has approved the establishment of four environmental tribunals that would work across the State to enforce the State environmental laws and thereby reduce the rate at which people violated the laws.
“The vulnerability of Ibadan to river and urban flooding is induced by the city’s topography terrain, the problem of indiscriminate waste disposal, building of houses on flood plains, with the tendency of all the foregoing even being aggravated by the universal menace of global warming and climate change.
“It is in the light of this that the government of the day in Oyo State has expressed its unreserved commitment to the full implementation of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, the State-owned flood risk mitigation project with funding and technical assistance from the World Bank.
“The proposed channelization of major rivers and water channels in Ibadan under the IUFMP scheme is being processed and would soon commence. These include River Ona, Agodi Channel, River Ogbere, Kudeti Channel among others. When completed, these massive channels, which are in the mould of the popular Ogunpa Channel, would boost the flood-water runoff draining capacity of the city.
“However, all the above-listed efforts would amount to nothing without the people of the State fulfilling their own part of the bargain. Our people are required now, more than before, to clear their surrounding and street drain channels, avoid dumping waste improperly, ensure that each household keeps a dustbin and patronize government-approved waste disposal contractors, avoid floodplains, obtain building approvals from relevant statutory bodies before commencing building, among others.
“The governor has approved the establishment of four Environmental Tribunals across the State that will see to immediate dispensation of justice to environmental law offenders. The Tribunals will soon be inaugurated by the governor. This, we believe, will strengthen the enforcement of the laws and change people’s attitude towards sanitation for the better,” Ayoola submitted.
The Commissioner further called on the people to take necessary precautions during heavy rainfall, especially when the rain persisted for over twenty minutes, while those living in the houses along floodplains were advised to relocate.
He added that low bridges should be avoided during heavy rain and enjoined the generality to keep away from staying under high tension electricity installations.
The management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that corps members across the country will soon begin receiving ₦77,000 as their monthly allowance.
The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the NYSC spokesperson, Caroline Embu.
General Ahmed emphasized that the welfare of corps members remains a top priority for his administration, noting that arrangements for the payment of the new allowance have been finalized.
The increase in corps members’ allowances is in line with the recent review of Nigeria’s minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July 2024.
This development marks the second major adjustment in corps members’ stipends in recent years. In 2020, the NYSC increased the allowance from ₦19,800 to ₦33,000 following the implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage.
The latest increment reflects the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of Nigerian youths serving their country under the NYSC scheme.
President Tinubu’s signing of the new minimum wage bill in July 2024 came after months of negotiations between government authorities, labor unions, and private sector stakeholders. The adjustment aims to address inflationary pressures and improve the economic well-being of workers across the country.
The NYSC has assured corps members of its continued commitment to their welfare and development as they contribute to national unity and service.
The Abia State Police Command has demoted a police corporal, Okonkwo Ebuka, to the rank of constable following his involvement in unprofessional conduct and incivility towards members of the public.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the disciplinary action in a statement released on Tuesday.
According to her, the demotion was the outcome of an administrative proceeding where the officer was tried in an orderly room and found guilty of discreditable and unprofessional behaviour.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to establish a professionally competent, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force, has disbanded the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit for unprofessional conduct and incivility towards members of the public,” the statement read.
It further stated that Corporal Okonkwo Ebuka, formerly attached to the Area Command in Aba but deployed on special duty at Isuochi, was demoted as part of efforts to enforce discipline within the Force.
“The Commissioner of Police emphasized the Command’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of unprofessional conduct among officers that could tarnish the good image of the Force,” the statement added.
The Abia State Police Command reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism and fostering positive engagement with the public in line with the principles of ethical policing.
Queen Waliyat Olabisi, the second wife of the Okere of Sakiland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, has passed away.
She died on Tuesday morning, leaving the people of the ancient town in mourning.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of her death remains unknown. However, her sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the community.
Many indigenes of Saki have taken to social media to express their grief, sharing heartfelt tributes and condolences for the royal family.
The late Queen Waliyat was celebrated for her elegance and impactful contributions to both the palace and the community.
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