More flooding coming, FG warns states, residents, assesses Borno situation

The Federal Government has clarified that the recent flooding near the Alau Dam in Borno State was not due to a collapse but rather excessive rainfall and climate change impacts. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, offered condolences to the people of Borno State and warned that the worst of the flooding is not yet over, with more water expected.

The minister reminded the public that flood risk assessments identified 31 states, including Borno, as high-risk areas. He emphasized that technical teams from various government agencies, including the Chad Basin Development Authority, are currently assessing the damage and devising solutions.

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Prof. Utsev cautioned residents about the potential risks of contaminated water and the spread of waterborne diseases. He also expressed concerns about potential river flooding along the Niger and Benue rivers, urging states to remain alert and take preventive measures.

The Federal Government, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval, has allocated N108 billion for flood prevention efforts across the 36 states. The minister called on state governments to follow early warning systems and implement preventive actions to minimize the impact of future floods.

In addition, the minister explained that many dams across the country are struggling to manage the excess water caused by increased rainfall. As part of the government’s long-term response, plans are underway for dam rehabilitation, with budget allocations set for 2024 and 2025. He assured affected communities that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting and preventing further disasters.

More flooding coming, FG warns states, residents, assesses Borno situation

Eguavoen denies resigning as Super Eagles coach

Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has confirmed that he remains in charge of the three-time African champions. Eguavoen, speaking to OwnGoalNigeria, clarified that his current assignment was limited to overseeing two matches in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

He stated, “I have been given a mandate to handle two games. I am very pleased with the boys, and again, thanks to the NFF leadership and all the boys who supported me in terms of discipline and working hard.” Eguavoen explained that his mandate ended after the two games, adding, “I can’t talk about Libya because I haven’t been told, but I can discuss it a little in case another coach takes over.”

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Upon his arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday, Eguavoen, known as “Cerezo,” denied reports that he had resigned from his position. He clarified that he only intended to discuss with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about how to proceed with the remaining qualifiers.

“It’s quite unfortunate that people spread incorrect information. The situation we are in now does not need negative stories. I only mentioned that I would meet with the Federation’s hierarchy after these two games to plan for the next ones. When I saw the reports, I was worried. What people are reading is not correct. I am still very much in charge as the technical director of the federation and responsible for the Super Eagles at this moment,” Eguavoen explained.

Eguavoen was named interim coach after German coach Bruno Labbadia declined the role due to disagreements over tax payment terms. Under Eguavoen’s leadership, the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 win over the Cheetahs of Benin and a 0-0 draw against the Wasps of Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Eguavoen denies resigning as Super Eagles coach

Tinubu’s aide Ajuri Ngelale quits proceeds on indefinite leave over family health 

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has announced his resignation, saying he is stepping down to focus on medical matters affecting his nuclear family.

Ngelale said he had submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of his decision to step down as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

He said in the statement that he was stepping down from the two roles to enable him to proceed on indefinite leave.

President Bola Tinubu had on 31 July, 2023 named Ajuri as his official spokesperson and special adviser on media and publicity.

On May 19 this year, the president gave him an additional responsibility in the administration by appointing him Nigeria’s special presidential envoy on climate action. He served in that role as part of a larger presidential committee chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Ngelale, 38, was at different times a broadcast journalist with African Independent Television and Channels Television.

He also worked as public affairs consultant at the Federal Ministry of Power and later as senior special assistant on public affairs in the office of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

His Resignation Letter 

On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate nuclear family.

While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson for the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.

I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale