By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
North South Power Company Limited, operators of the Shiroro Hydro Electric Power Station has held its annual stakeholders flood sensitization and awareness forum aimed to inform local communities about the dangers of flooding and the necessary mitigation strategies.
The one-day event was held at the Princess Azzaharah Hotel, Minna, the Niger State capital.
The Company has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the challenges of flooding in the State by enlightening the citizens living along the riverine or dams’ area.
In his opening remark at the occasion, Engineer Olubunmi Peters, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of North South Power Company Limited, represented by consultant Hassan Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of raising awareness among residents about flood risks and their impacts.
He highlighted the necessity of educating those living in the Shiroro Dam area on proper practices and activities associated with the dam’s operation.
Professor Danladi Hakimi, Chairman of the Dam Host Committee, represented by Doctor Garba Abdullahi, also delivered a goodwill message stressing the need for host communities to heed to warnings from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
He urged residents to refrain from farming and construction on waterways to prevent significant loss of lives and property.
In his goodwill message delivered at the occasion, Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Agency, Minna office, Mister Husseini Isah, urged traditional leaders to convey the Forum’s findings to their communities.
He underscored the importance of community engagement in disaster preparedness.
In a closing remark, Mister Jimoh Baba Tunde Lasisi, Assistant General Manager of Human Resources at North South Power Company, expressed gratitude to all participating agencies and stakeholders for their contributions to making the workshop a success.
He expressed hope that the knowledge gained would be applied within the participants’ communities.
Highlights of the event include presentations, such as a detailed paper by Professor Mairo Mohammed, Head of the Geography Department at FUT Minna, which discusses the impacts of flooding.
The event also featured a question-and-answer session, fostering an engaging dialogue among stakeholders.
This proactive approach by North South Power Company aims to equip the community with the knowledge and tools necessary to mitigate the impacts of flooding, ensuring a safer environment for all residents.
