News
Tinubu mulls Disaster Relief Fund to combat flooding, others

Less than 24 hours after returning from his foreign trip, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu moved into action over the disastrous flooding in the Northeast, proposing a special fund among other solutions.
He visited Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, which was massively flooded, with over two million people affected and a section of the city underwater.
The President hinted at a plan to create a disaster relief fund to take care of natural disasters, such as the one that wreaked havoc in Maiduguri.
A small percentage of cash from the Federation Account and private sector contributions can make up the relief fund, he suggested.
President Tinubu spoke after inspecting some of the flooded areas and visiting one of the 36 camps (Government Secondary School, Maiduguri), where the displaced persons are quartered.
He made the fund proposal at the Borno Government House in Maiduguri after visiting the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi.
“After my visit to the Shehu of Borno and the IDP camp, I have been reflecting on how to tackle this kind of disaster and the effects of climate change.
“There must be a disaster relief fund. I will invite the private sector to team up with us and help rebuild the affected areas.
“If we take a small percentage from FAAC (Federation Account Allocation Committee) and put it as a disaster relief fund, which will include all of you, we will be activating and strengthening our sense of belonging,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said last week that the President released fund totalling N108 billion to the 36 states at N3 billion each to battle flooding.
President Tinubu commended Governor Zulum for his prompt intervention and the Theatre Command of the military for the evacuations that saved many lives.
He said: “I am glad that Prof. Zulum has been a very active governor. Let me assure you that we will be with you, Borno State, and share the burden.
“This disaster was a natural one. It was not the making of anybody. We cannot pass the blame.
“We pray that the Almighty Allah will receive the souls of the departed and grant them eternal rest.
“May God also overlook their shortcomings and misdeeds on earth.”
Tinubu also thanked governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ahmad Aliyu (Sokoto) and Ahmed Ododo(Kogi) as well as other governors who looked beyond party lines to bear the burdens of others.
He said Nigeria’s diversity should spur prosperity.
The President extended his sympathy to the governments of other states, particularly Yobe, “For all the people of Yobe State, I sympathise with you. We will create an outstanding programme for Nigeria to recover from this calamity. We will build our nation together,” President Tinubu assured.
He gave kudos to all the ministries, agencies, and security outfits involved in the evacuation of victims of the disaster.
President Tinubu also recognised the international organisations working in the states.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accompanied the President, said the National Assembly would collaborate with the Executive to establish the fund.
Zulum thanked the President for the visit and commended the prompt intervention of Federal Government agencies, particularly the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the military.
Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garba El-Kanemi, thanked the President for visiting the state after Shettima had earlier represented him.
The Shehu of Borno urged the President to investigate the Alua Dam collapse, which caused the Borno flooding.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and other dignitaries were also in Maiduguri yesterday to sympathise with the Borno people and the government.
Zulum seeks NEMA’s support
Zulum told visiting NEMA Director-General Zubaida Umar that the 36 camps created for the displaced victims would be gradually shut as the floods receded.
He called for NEMA management’s support in resetting the flood victims.
The governor said: “The camps will be closed down gradually as the Alau Dam flood water continues to recede.
“Our state suffered a lot from the experience of sustaining camps for more than a decade during the insurgency and will not want to repeat the mistake.
“As the water recedes, we have resolved to provide a two-week food ration for those in the camps because we believe after two weeks things would be okay for many of them to return to their homes.”
Zulum urged NEMA to work with SEMA (Borno State Emergency Management Agency) and the state’s flood committee for proper coordination of the responses to the emergency.
“There’s a need for coordination to get it right since we are all working towards the same objective of bringing succour to the people.
“The State Government and NEMA will take the lead while donors and development partners are to complement them,” Zulum said.
Umar was in the state to identify gaps to be filled.
She said: “We have been able to provide interventions in terms of food and non-food items, water, ambulances, tents, and other things within our capabilities.
“We are still part of the search and rescue team.’’
JNI calls for urgent actions against flooding
The Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar-led Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) called for urgent humanitarian assistance and proactive measures to prevent future flood disasters.
It lamented that before the recent Borno tragedy, states like Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, and Kano were affected by ravaging floods.
“The floods have claimed thousands of lives and left many more injured and displaced, while also causing widespread destruction in states such as Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kano, and several others,” JNI said in a statement by its Secretary-General Khalid Aliyu.
The group extended its sympathies to the Shehu of Borno and all affected Emirates.
It prayed for the victims and their families and called on well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, and humanitarian organisations to support those affected through the Borno State Flood Disaster Relief Account with Zenith Bank, Account Number 1313556361.
The apex Islamic body in Northern Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to reinforce its dams nationwide and implement flood control systems to prevent such large-scale destruction in the future.
“The government must prioritise the construction and reinforcement of life-threatening dams, establish early warning systems, and publicise flood-prone zones for the safety of citizens,” it advised.
Ndume donates N50m to victims
Senate’s former Chief Whip Mohammed Ali Ndume donated N50 million to the Borno flood victims.
Ndume lamented the plight of the victims and appealed to the Federal Government to create emergency feeding centres for the victims.
He said to avert the humanitarian crisis resulting from a high number of residents in the IDP camps, the Federal Government should collaborate with the state government by opening up a bigger feeding centre.
Ndume commended Zulum for creating some camps for displaced victims.
The lawmaker said: “The Alau Dam collapse is not just a Borno issue, but a national disaster. I have never seen this kind of overwhelming disaster.
“I think it will be a herculean task in a couple of days and even weeks for this situation to return to normal.
“Most houses would not survive because they have been submerged, and the foundations have weakened.
“I am calling on all corporate Nigeria to rise and support because the government cannot do it alone.’’
IGP orders reconstruction of damaged police facilities
Inspector-General of Police(IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered the repair of police facilities damaged by the floods.
Egbetokun, who was also in Maiduguri, charged policemen in Borno to remain professional and dedicated to their duties.
News
‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
Health
NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Nigerian Markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.

Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028

Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
Africa
‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has slammed the Federal Government’s approval of ₦142 billion for the construction of bus terminals across Nigeria, describing it as a reckless misplacement of priorities.
Obi issued a statement on Friday, August 22, via his Official X formerly Twitter platform, warning that the project reflects poor leadership and lack of focus in managing Nigeria’s limited resources. He titled his statement, “₦142 Billion for Bus Terminals.”
According to him, the true test of leadership is how scarce resources are prioritized.
He stressed that investing such a huge amount in bus terminals while critical sectors like healthcare suffer shows a government that is out of touch with citizens’ realities.
Obi said: “The difference between success and failure in any nation is how leaders prioritise resources.
The decision to spend ₦142 billion on six bus terminals exposes a lack of competence and vision. It is a clear sign of poor leadership.”
The Federal Executive Council had recently approved the funds for the construction of one modern bus terminal in each of the six geopolitical zones.
The government described it as part of efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve mobility nationwide.
But Obi strongly disagreed. He compared the allocation to healthcare funding, pointing out that the combined budget for all teaching hospitals and federal psychiatric centres in Nigeria is less than ₦100 billion in the 2024 budget.
“This is disturbing,” Obi continued, “because health remains one of the most critical sectors of development. Yet it is underfunded and deteriorating rapidly.
The World Health Organization has reported that over 20 million Nigerians live with mental health conditions.
This is a tragic irony. How can the government ignore this crisis and focus on bus terminals?”
He argued that the health sector, alongside education and poverty reduction programs, deserves priority attention.
Obi insisted that until government spending reflects the real needs of Nigerians, the country will remain trapped in poor governance.
Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express anger, echoing Obi’s concerns. Critics argue that the decision proves the Federal Government is disconnected from the economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
For Obi, the ₦142 billion project is not just a case of wrong timing.
He sees it as a clear example of governance failure and misplaced priorities.
News
Why I’ll never encourage my son to visit Nigeria — Taribo West

Former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, has strongly criticized the treatment of Nigerian football legends, vowing never to encourage his son to set foot in Nigeria due to the neglect shown to the country’s sports heroes after their deaths.
Speaking passionately during the burial ceremony of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, in a video shared by News Central on Friday, the former Inter Milan star expressed his deep disappointment with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning Rufai’s family during their time of need.
“It’s disheartening that you have Lagos State, you have the Nigerian Football Association, and yet they drop the entire burden on the family,”West lamented.
He revealed how deeply Rufai’s passing affected him, saying: “My mother passed on, I never shed tears. My father passed on in my hands, I never shed tears. But when Rufai passed on, I had goose pimples all over my body. Tears were rolling down my cheeks. What kind of nation is this?”
West didn’t hold back in recalling similar neglect faced by other late football icons like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.
He condemned the consistent abandonment of ex-players who had sacrificed so much for the country, stating that such treatment discourages him from allowing his children to represent Nigeria in football.
“With this kind of example, I will never advise even my son to put his feet for this country. Send me out! Do we have a Football Federation or a Football Association in this Lagos State? That this hero, this soldier, this football evangelist, has to be treated this way in his family”, he said.
The former defender also highlighted the financial struggles faced by Rufai’s family, revealing that they had to solicit funds from friends and well-wishers just to cover burial costs.
“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness”, he exclaimed, visibly frustrated.
Peter Rufai, fondly known as “Dodo Mayana,”was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the nation’s victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and its debut at the FIFA World Cup the same year.
He passed away in July 2025, leaving behind a legacy that has reignited conversations about the lack of support and respect for retired athletes in Nigeria.
News
Hardship: Man commits suicide in Imo

A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Friday morning in Amakpu Okuku community, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, as residents discovered the lifeless body of a man in his 50s, identified simply as Odomma, who reportedly died by suicide.
The father of four, who earned a living selling water in jerry cans and buckets, had been battling severe financial hardship, leaving him unable to adequately provide for his family.
Odomma’s body was found hanging in an unfinished building near his home, a grim discovery that shook the community as locals went about their daily routines.
According to residents, Odomma had expressed frustration about his struggles months earlier, threatening to end his life due to the alleged neglect by his wife and children, who reportedly stopped providing him with food because he couldn’t support the household.
A community member, Ikenna, shared insights into Odomma’s despair, saying:
“He said if the situation continued, he would take his life to end the misery. We advised him to report the matter to the village head for settlement. Sadly, he chose this path. Just see how this man ended his life because of money. He could have sold his GP tank or generator to get food, but he decided to take his life. Now others will gather to eat, and he won’t be part of it.”
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as dozens of residents rushed to the unfinished building, some capturing videos of the lifeless body on their phones.
Known for his affordable water sales, with prices starting from ₦100, Odomma was regarded as a hardworking man, though visibly depressed in recent months.
Efforts to confirm the incident with the Imo State Police were inconclusive. Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye initially promised to verify the details with the Divisional Police Officer in Owerri West but could not be reached for further updates as of the time of this report.
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