IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has identified 1,249 communities across 176 LGAs in 33 states and the FCT, including Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja, as high flood-risk zones in its 2025 Annual Flood Outlook.

The report, presented in Abuja by Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev, also flagged 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs for moderate flood risk. Flood-prone cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Ibadan are expected to experience urban and flash floods due to poor drainage systems.

Flood threats in coastal states, including Bayelsa, Cross River, and Delta, are expected to worsen due to rising sea levels. The Federal Government plans to roll out a National Flood Insurance Programme and Integrated Climate Resilience Project, with pilots in Kogi and Jigawa states.

NIHSA Director-General Umar Mohammed emphasized the need for proactive measures, saying the 2025 forecast targets specific communities to help protect lives and infrastructure. 

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has urged nursing students to remain in the state after graduation, citing the government’s heavy investment in healthcare and education.

Speaking at the maiden matriculation of the upgraded College of Nursing, where 240 students were admitted, Mbah—represented by SSG Prof. Chidiebere Onyia—warned against the “japa syndrome,” stressing the need to retain talent.

The college, now a Higher National Diploma-awarding institution, offers students multiple certifications including RN, RM, OND, and HND. Officials praised the state’s healthcare reforms, including infrastructure upgrades, increased admissions, and 260 new primary health centres. 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has closed its national secretariat in Abuja, known as “Buhari House,” following the death of its Director of Administration, Hon. AbdulRauf Adekunle Adeniji.

Adeniji, who was abducted weeks ago, was reportedly killed last month, though the kidnappers continued ransom negotiations while concealing his death.

In an internal memo titled “Secretariat Closure for the Mourning of the Director of Administration”, the party directed staff to observe the period for reflection and prayers for the late official and his family.

The secretariat will remain closed to all activities until Monday, April 14, 2025. 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N50 billion rights violation suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.

Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the case on Thursday for lack of diligent prosecution after neither Kanu nor the government was represented in court. The judge noted repeated adjournments due to absence of Kanu’s legal team.

Kanu had sought compensation over his alleged abduction from Kenya and forced return to Nigeria, arguing it violated international and local extradition laws. He also asked for his release from DSS custody and a halt to further prosecution.

The Federal Government opposed the suit, citing a similar case already filed in Umuahia, calling it an abuse of court process. 

In a decisive step toward restoring internal cohesion and reinforcing institutional transparency, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation of the Labour Party (LP) to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The visit, described as both symbolic and strategic, centered on the formal submission of a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the recognized leadership of the party. The court ruling is expected to end prolonged internal disputes that have plagued the LP in recent months. Addressing reporters after a closed-door session with INEC officials, Governor Otti emphasized the party’s commitment to due process and democratic norms.

“We came here to present the Supreme Court judgment to INEC and to strengthen collaboration,” he stated. “This move reaffirms our belief in the rule of law, institutional cooperation, and transparent democratic engagement.” INEC’s Acting Chairman, Mr. Sam Olumekun, who received the delegation alongside National Commissioners, welcomed the gesture and reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to legal compliance and neutrality.

“INEC remains neutral and committed to transparency and the rule of law,” Olumekun said. “We have received the court’s judgment and will act accordingly in line with our mandate.” The Labour Party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that prompted a series of legal battles, ultimately culminating in the Supreme Court’s decisive intervention. Political analysts view Wednesday’s engagement as a significant step toward party stability and a sign of maturity in political leadership.

The development is also seen as part of the LP’s broader strategy to consolidate its post-2023 general election gains and reposition itself as a strong and organized opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape. 

The Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a combined financing package of €230 million and $10 million to boost socio-economic growth and regional development across West Africa. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the bank on Tuesday following the conclusion of its 91st Ordinary Board Meeting, held under the chairmanship of Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID.

EBID is the financial arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The bank provides long-term financing for both public and private sector projects across the 15 ECOWAS member states.These latest disbursements are part of EBID’s ongoing efforts to mobilise capital for transformative projects, especially in underfunded sectors across West Africa.

A breakdown of the approved funding showed that a $50 million line of credit was approved to Sterling Bank Limited, Nigeria, aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The funds will be deployed across critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transport, in line with Nigeria’s development objectives and the bank’s pro-SME strategy.

In the Republic of Benin, Bénin Cashew SA received a €10 million facility to co-finance the construction of five cashew nut processing plants and a cashew balsam production unit located in the Glo-Djigbe industrial zone. The project is expected to handle 50% of Benin’s national cashew production, while creating 1,666 permanent and daily jobs under the government’s Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector (PSDSA).

EBID also approved a $180 million credit line to Mota-Engil Nigeria to support the Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway project. This strategic infrastructure will link Northern Nigeria to the Republic of Niger, enhancing cross-border trade, economic integration, and mobility. The rail project is projected to create over 100,000 jobs during the construction phase and 20,000 permanent jobs once operations commence.