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Oyan Dam: Prepare to relocate, Lagos govt tells residents

Published

2 months ago

October 18, 2024

Oyan Dam: Prepare to relocate, Lagos govt tells residents

The Lagos State Government has asked residents and property owners along the Ogun River banks to prepare for possible relocation to higher grounds.

This comes as the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) begins a staggered release of water from the Oyan Dam.

The Oyan Dam, located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, spans 4,000 hectares and has a catchment area of 9,000 square kilometers.

Speaking to journalists in Ikeja, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the water release is crucial for maintaining the dam’s integrity and mitigating its socio-economic impact on Lagos State.

Wahab explained that the dam’s operations are guided by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). These sources inform water release decisions, balancing flood control with dam integrity.

The commissioner acknowledged concerns about the potential impact of the water release on surrounding communities, especially those along the Ogun River channels that extend into Lagos.

Wahab added that a detailed report from OORBDA shows that, as of October 12, 2024, the total water released this year stands at 1,484.2 million cubic meters (mcm), below the annual average flow volume of 1,770 mcm.

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While rainfall across the Oyan River catchment has been significant, totaling 984.1 mm this year, Wahab noted that this figure remains lower than last year’s 1,540.8 mm and is within safe operational levels.

He also outlined the dam’s capacity to manage water release. Equipped with four radial gates, the dam can discharge up to 2,271 cubic meters per second (m³/s) during peak periods. Currently, only two gates are open at 12 percent capacity each, with a controlled release rate of 208 m³/s.

According to Wahab, 62.1 percent of the dam’s flood control capacity remains intact, ensuring that no excess water is released beyond safe limits. This outcome is the result of close collaboration between the State and OORBDA.

The commissioner also recognized the challenges faced by residents in affected communities, such as Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun.

He further explained that these tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoff, play a significant role in the region’s flood dynamics.

“While the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, this is not entirely the case; In reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas,” Wahab stated, according to a statement by Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Kunle Adeshina.

To address flooding effectively, Wahab underscored the state’s commitment to maintaining a longstanding partnership with OORBDA. This collaboration facilitates the systematic and controlled release of water from the Oyan Dam, thereby helping to protect downstream communities from severe flooding.

Oyan Dam: Prepare to relocate, Lagos govt tells residents

metro

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.

The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.

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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.

“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.

The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.

“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

metro

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian military troops

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.

The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.

It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.

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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.

“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.

“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

(NAN)

metro

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

Published

2 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.

In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.

“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.

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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.

Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.

This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.