LBy: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Niger State Council, has joined many Nigerians to sympathized with Nda-lile of Mokwa and entire people of Mokwa local government area of Niger State over the recent flood disaster that claimed lives and property valued at billions of naira.
In a Statement issued on behalf of the Union, the State Secretary of NUJ Comrade Usman Chiji, described the incident not only as devastating but a catastrophy of high magnitude to humanity.
He said the floods were beyond human imagination and urged the affected victims to see it as an act of God.
Comrade Usman Chiji explained that, the Mokwa flood has brought to fore, the urgent need for a well planned proactive measures and effective legislations to mitigate annual occurrences which often resulted in bitter experiences by the victims.
The State Secretary of NUJ emphasized that, relevant authorities should not stop at issuing early warning signs, but rather efforts must be intensified to ensure strict adherence to the signs.
He suggested aggressive enlightenment campaigns through media and traditional forms of communication to create awareness on the dangers of floods and other disasters associated with the climate change.
Comrade Usman Chiji noted that, while properties lost can be replaced, human life has no duplicate hence the need for collaborative effort by both government and the people to always ensure compliance with building codes and constant environmental sanitation.
He revealed that, NUJ shares the pain of the moment with the people of Mokwa and most importantly those affected by the disaster.
According to him, Mokwa floods should serve as a great reminder that, natural disasters is untimely, and therefore people must avoid activities that will result into wanton destruction of lives and property.
The State Secretary of NUJ commended governments, Non-governmental organizations, individuals and corporate bodies that have been donating cash and materials to the victims hoping that, necessary machinery will be put in place to ensure transparency in the distribution of the items.
He advised that, rescue efforts should go beyond mokwa town as some bodies may be swept far away considering the intensity and the speed of the flood.
He then prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and speedy recovery of the injured.
