Mokwa flooding, a national disaster, says former NAWOJ President

• Tasks FG, others on proactive measures to avert future occurrence

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajia Fatimah Ajibola Kareem-Adigun, has described the recent flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, which led to massive loss of lives and properties as a national tragedy that requires proactive efforts to prevent future occurrence.

The former NAWOJ President said this in her Sallah message to Nigerians and condolence message to the people of Mokwa over the unfortunate incident.

Hajia Fatimah Ajibola Kareem-Adigun, an erstwhile Vice President, Gender Council, International Federation of Journalists, pointed out that the disaster has, once again, exposed the growing threat posed by climate change.

She called on the three tiers of government and all relevant government authorities not to only provide immediate support, but to upgrade drainage systems, invest in sustainable urban planning, and implement long-term flood mitigation strategies, across the length and breath of the country.

The various tiers of government, she advised, must not shy away from the fragile state of the infrastructure in the nation’s rural, semi-urban and urban areas.

The statement by the former NAWOJ President reads, “With mixed feelings, I send Sallah greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCOR; Muslims and the generality of Nigerians on the occasion of Eid al-Kabir festival 2025, celebrated days after the devastating Mokwa floods.

“My heart is heavy as I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Mokwa home and abroad, who have suffered unimaginable loss due to the recent floods.

“I mourn with every family who has lost loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and a sense of safety. Nigerians stand in solidarity with you in this moment of sorrow, your pain is our pain, and your resilience inspires us.

“It is a national tragedy for the fact that Nigerians from all over the country, including travelers, merchants, students and even youth corp members; resident or just passing through would have been caught unawares with the incident.

“May comfort reach every grieving heart, and may healing find its way to every home and family affected.

This disaster has once again exposed the growing threat posed by climate change.

“Nevertheless, we must not shy away from the fragile state of the infrastructure in our rural, semi-urban and urban areas.

“To NEMA, emergency responders, volunteers, institutions, organisations and personalities offering help; thank you. Your service of love and selflessness give us hope.

“However, we must not let his tragedy repeat itself no matter what. Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, faith, gender, political or social status deserve safety, dignity, and proactive governance.

“We, people and authorities, must act with utmost urgency therefore to forestall future occurrence either in Mokwa or anywhere else.

“While we pray and work for relief and recovery, I call on the three tiers of the government, and all relevant government authorities to not only provide immediate support but to upgrade drainage systems, invest in sustainable urban planning, and implement long-term flood mitigation strategies, across the length and breadth the country.

“With sincerity of purpose and genuine sense of national unity, please accept my sympathy.

“Together, we will rebuild. And together, we must demand the change that protects our future collectively as a people”, the statement concluded.