Before 70 000 Nigerians Perish Overnight..!

Jul

2009

Over70 000 may die in Benue State of Nigeria if the Volcanic Lake Nyos in Cameroon erupt before you finish reading this article. According to reports over 30 000 livestock are also at risk in Benue State alone. This lake is adjacent to Nigeria and its eruption may affect Benue, Kogi, Enugu, Adamawa and Taraba States. By implication about 40m Nigerians may be at risk.

This problem has been brought to the fore probably before 2006. The Obasanjo administration raised a technical committee which submitted a report on the situation. In January 2009, it was disclosed that a sum of N26 billion has been committed to the construction of a buffer dam at the Nigerian side of the Lake. The buffer dam is supposed to reduce the impact of the eruption.

At least two agencies of the United Nations have voiced their fears about the latent dangers of the lake. According to the United Nations Environment Programme the world would witness the greatest humanitarian crisis on the African continent should the lake erupt.

When I saw the buffer dam that is reportedly being built by the Nigerian Government I was shocked. Three years after the threat was revealed the dam is probably the same size as the 6-yard penalty box area of a football field. The contractors complained of lack of funds! So what has happened to the N26 billion released in January? Has it been shared by the contractors and the different state governments that are at risk?

This is Nigeria…we are never prepared for any disaster. Though we have been faced by many reported and unreported disasters our approach remains the fire brigade approach or the post-disaster approach where we seek cosmetic remedies. Again, this is Nigeria.

In 1976 the Federal Government of Nigeria established the National Emergency Relief Agency (NERA) to coordinate its disaster response activities. The Agency was purely a relief organization focusing only on post disaster management. In 1999, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was established to replace NERA and to manage disasters in Nigeria in its entire ramification.

What has NEMA done about this current threat to 40m Nigerians? Has NEMA monitored the situation and the reports made by the technical committee set up by Obasanjo? Was NEMA part of the committee? How is NEMA monitoring the state of preparedness of all organizations and agencies which may contribute to this particular disaster management? If the disaster occurs now, what rescue operations are in place? Does NEMA have any comment on the state of the buffer dam that is nothing but a serious national embarrassment to Nigeria? Has any useful information been posted on NEMA’S website relating to this predicted disaster? How do the concerned people get access to such information? I did a quick browse of NEMA’s website and I’d probably missed the information.

I don’t know if we should send our sympathy in advance for the danger that is ahead of the people of Benue and probably the other states mentioned as possible risk areas. This is because if I know Nigeria very well, the bulk of the N26 billion is probably in a foreign bank by now. If this is Nigeria-where the most corrupt people that I know reside-the ugly buffer dam will mostly likely remain in comatose while the contractors and the officers of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and water Resources will disappear into thin air anytime soon. I sincerely hope that someone will prove me wrong.

This country needs serious help and deliverance!

REFERENCES:

AIT News

Disaster mgt and data needs in Nigeria

On Cameroon: Lake Nyos is a disaster foretold

May the Glory of Nigeria come, soon..!

Thy Glory O’ Nigeria…!

aderounmu@gmail.com

Your Comments

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Robot

# 1 | 16.07.2009 00:32

	Over 70000 people and 30000 livestock may die in Benue State of Nigeria if the Volcanic Lake Nyos in Cameroon erupt before you finish reading this article. Seriously, If the disaster occurs now, what rescue operations are in place? If this is the Nigeria that I know the bulk of the N26 billion earmarked for the construction of a buffer dam on the Nigeria side of the lake is probably in a foreign account by now....Read the full article.

akuluouno akuluouno is offline

# 2 | 16.07.2009 02:10

	My brother your article is frightening to say the least. Hope something is done to stem this looming Armageddon or else, Aku hereby offers his anticipatory condolences to the millions of good people awaiting death in a great country with bad leaders. :rose:

Olamide Olamide is offline

# 3 | 16.07.2009 02:39

	My friend, you are talking as if you are not a Nigerian again. Remember we are talking about Nigeria and Nigerians? Tackling the problem before it occured will not generate enough 'lootable' funds for the public officers and it will also not present excellent photo opportunities for the President, Governors,Senators, Members of House of Representatives, party leaders, hangers on and other scum to appear in national newspapers looking pensive and 'sad' in their christmas best if we avert this looming national disaster. Imagine the type of 'rousing speech' our President will be able to make if 70,000 Nigerians are swallowed up by that volcanoe or killed in their beds (or sleeping mats) by the toxic sulphuric fumes from Lake Nyos. Imagine the number of speechwriters who will earn their daily bread writing all those soppy speeches about our 'hearts and minds grieving and being with the people of ----- at this trying period and we shall ensure that this does not happen again and those who died did not die in vain. May Almighty God and Allah grant you all the fortitude to bear this gargantuan and irreparable loss. We wish to state our commitment to the rule of law and to assure you of our continued support to resettle the affected communities blah blah blah------' Imagine the number of advertisements that will be placed in newspapers and the revenue that will be generated from that. Imagine the outpouring of 'grief' (fake or genuine) from the international community commiserating with us on this 'disaster of catastrophic proportions' and the aid that it will generate for the private pockets of our politicians. Imagine the possibilities of a natural disaster like that creating the opportunity for Nigeria to be invited to the next G20 meeting:D:D Imagine the crocodile tears that will be shed by Senator David Mark (Telephones are not for the poor), his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and other public officials looking for relevance. Imagine the huge contracts that will be awarded to giant construction companies like Julius Berger, Dantata and Sawoe, Bi-Courtney, Borini Prono etc to dig up the corpses for 'state burial'. Imagine the number of coffins that will be purchased for a huge state burial and the number of coffin makers that will be engaged in the task. In fact, I foresee a shortage of coffins and a rise in prices of all types of coffins if it happens. We could revitalize the textile industry with the number of shrouds that will be required for the dead. A disaster like that will be a win-win situation for the treasury looters. Imagine, imagine and imagine:rant::rant::rant::twisted::twisted::evil::evil:

Farriel Farriel is offline

# 4 | 16.07.2009 05:39

	Oh, Olamide, you're so so so right.

Law Mefor Law Mefor is offline

# 5 | 16.07.2009 05:50

	I can bet my ass nothing will done before…boom!

Danmeka Danmeka is offline

# 6 | 16.07.2009 06:21

	Brother Adeola Aderounmu, thanks for your concern. But you know our cabal imposed leaders will burring their heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich pretending all is well.No matter the prayers from Adeboye, Ukpai, Okonkwo, Oritsejafor, Akinola, Abiara, Makinde, Oyedepo and others, innocent lives will be lost. As for the N26 billion, you know it earning interest in someone account while innocent people suffer because of greed, selfishness and wickedness. May the good Lord save those people but I am afraid the grace will soon be removed. Heavens help those who help themselves

Enyi

# 7 | 16.07.2009 08:25

	=Olamide;371994>My friend, you are talking as if you are not a Nigerian again. Remember we are talking about Nigeria and Nigerians? Tackling the problem before it occured will not generate enough 'lootable' funds for the public officers and it will also not present excellent photo opportunities for the President, Governors,Senators, Members of House of Representatives, party leaders, hangers on and other scum to appear in national newspapers looking pensive and 'sad' in their christmas best if we avert this looming national disaster. Imagine the type of 'rousing speech' our President will be able to make if 70,000 Nigerians are swallowed up by that volcanoe or killed in their beds (or sleeping mats) by the toxic sulphuric fumes from Lake Nyos. Imagine the number of speechwriters who will earn their daily bread writing all those soppy speeches about our 'hearts and minds grieving and being with the people of ----- at this trying period and we shall ensure that this does not happen again and those who died did not die in vain. May Almighty God and Allah grant you all the fortitude to bear this gargantuan and irreparable loss. We wish to state our commitment to the rule of law and to assure you of our continued support to resettle the affected communities blah blah blah------' Imagine the number of advertisements that will be placed in newspapers and the revenue that will be generated from that. Imagine the outpouring of 'grief' (fake or genuine) from the international community commiserating with us on this 'disaster of catastrophic proportions' and the aid that it will generate for the private pockets of our politicians. Imagine the possibilities of a natural disaster like that creating the opportunity for Nigeria to be invited to the next G20 meeting:D:D Imagine the crocodile tears that will be shed by Senator David Mark (Telephones are not for the poor), his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and other public officials looking for relevance. Imagine the huge contracts that will be awarded to giant construction companies like Julius Berger, Dantata and Sawoe, Bi-Courtney, Borini Prono etc to dig up the corpses for 'state burial'. Imagine the number of coffins that will be purchased for a huge state burial and the number of coffin makers that will be engaged in the task. In fact, I foresee a shortage of coffins and a rise in prices of all types of coffins if it happens. We could revitalize the textile industry with the number of shrouds that will be required for the dead. A disaster like that will be a win-win situation for the treasury looters. Imagine, imagine and imagine:rant::rant::rant::twisted::twisted::evil::evil: You forgot one point. If this actually happens Adeola Aderounmu may be blamed and even prosecuted. Remember the ordeal of Ray Ekpu in the 80's. Why should we bother ourselves with preventive measures when we can readily find scapegoats and at the same time smile to the bank?

Enyi

# 8 | 16.07.2009 08:28

	=Olamide;371994>My friend, you are talking as if you are not a Nigerian again. Remember we are talking about Nigeria and Nigerians? Tackling the problem before it occured will not generate enough 'lootable' funds for the public officers and it will also not present excellent photo opportunities for the President, Governors,Senators, Members of House of Representatives, party leaders, hangers on and other scum to appear in national newspapers looking pensive and 'sad' in their christmas best if we avert this looming national disaster. Imagine the type of 'rousing speech' our President will be able to make if 70,000 Nigerians are swallowed up by that volcanoe or killed in their beds (or sleeping mats) by the toxic sulphuric fumes from Lake Nyos. Imagine the number of speechwriters who will earn their daily bread writing all those soppy speeches about our 'hearts and minds grieving and being with the people of ----- at this trying period and we shall ensure that this does not happen again and those who died did not die in vain. May Almighty God and Allah grant you all the fortitude to bear this gargantuan and irreparable loss. We wish to state our commitment to the rule of law and to assure you of our continued support to resettle the affected communities blah blah blah------' Imagine the number of advertisements that will be placed in newspapers and the revenue that will be generated from that. Imagine the outpouring of 'grief' (fake or genuine) from the international community commiserating with us on this 'disaster of catastrophic proportions' and the aid that it will generate for the private pockets of our politicians. Imagine the possibilities of a natural disaster like that creating the opportunity for Nigeria to be invited to the next G20 meeting:D:D Imagine the crocodile tears that will be shed by Senator David Mark (Telephones are not for the poor), his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and other public officials looking for relevance. Imagine the huge contracts that will be awarded to giant construction companies like Julius Berger, Dantata and Sawoe, Bi-Courtney, Borini Prono etc to dig up the corpses for 'state burial'. Imagine the number of coffins that will be purchased for a huge state burial and the number of coffin makers that will be engaged in the task. In fact, I foresee a shortage of coffins and a rise in prices of all types of coffins if it happens. We could revitalize the textile industry with the number of shrouds that will be required for the dead. A disaster like that will be a win-win situation for the treasury looters. Imagine, imagine and imagine:rant::rant::rant::twisted::twisted::evil::evil: You forgot one point. If this actually happens Adeola Aderounmu may be blamed and even prosecuted. Remember the ordeal of Ray Ekpu in the 80's. Why should we bother ourselves with preventive measures when we can readily find scapegoats and at the same time smile to the bank?

Enyi

# 9 | 16.07.2009 08:30

	=Olamide;371994>My friend, you are talking as if you are not a Nigerian again. Remember we are talking about Nigeria and Nigerians? Tackling the problem before it occured will not generate enough 'lootable' funds for the public officers and it will also not present excellent photo opportunities for the President, Governors,Senators, Members of House of Representatives, party leaders, hangers on and other scum to appear in national newspapers looking pensive and 'sad' in their christmas best if we avert this looming national disaster. Imagine the type of 'rousing speech' our President will be able to make if 70,000 Nigerians are swallowed up by that volcanoe or killed in their beds (or sleeping mats) by the toxic sulphuric fumes from Lake Nyos. Imagine the number of speechwriters who will earn their daily bread writing all those soppy speeches about our 'hearts and minds grieving and being with the people of ----- at this trying period and we shall ensure that this does not happen again and those who died did not die in vain. May Almighty God and Allah grant you all the fortitude to bear this gargantuan and irreparable loss. We wish to state our commitment to the rule of law and to assure you of our continued support to resettle the affected communities blah blah blah------' Imagine the number of advertisements that will be placed in newspapers and the revenue that will be generated from that. Imagine the outpouring of 'grief' (fake or genuine) from the international community commiserating with us on this 'disaster of catastrophic proportions' and the aid that it will generate for the private pockets of our politicians. Imagine the possibilities of a natural disaster like that creating the opportunity for Nigeria to be invited to the next G20 meeting:D:D Imagine the crocodile tears that will be shed by Senator David Mark (Telephones are not for the poor), his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and other public officials looking for relevance. Imagine the huge contracts that will be awarded to giant construction companies like Julius Berger, Dantata and Sawoe, Bi-Courtney, Borini Prono etc to dig up the corpses for 'state burial'. Imagine the number of coffins that will be purchased for a huge state burial and the number of coffin makers that will be engaged in the task. In fact, I foresee a shortage of coffins and a rise in prices of all types of coffins if it happens. We could revitalize the textile industry with the number of shrouds that will be required for the dead. A disaster like that will be a win-win situation for the treasury looters. Imagine, imagine and imagine:rant::rant::rant::twisted::twisted::evil::evil: You forgot one point. If this actually happens Adeola Aderounmu may be blamed and even prosecuted. Remember the ordeal of Ray Ekpu in the 80's. Why should we bother ourselves with preventive measures when we can readily find scapegoats and at the same time smile to the bank?

Jucihart Jucihart is offline

# 10 | 16.07.2009 12:33

	Wow! This is a serious issue ooo. I can't believe that people have blown that whole 26 million at the expence of other people's lives! I guess its too late to expect something good coming from us. Later crocodile tears will begin to flow from right, left and centre. What a disaster and my sympathy to those that will be affected.

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