Tinubu orders ministry to assess flood impact on Borno livestock

• Benin monarch re-echoes climate change debate
Following reports that 80 per cent of livestock were affected in the Borno flooding, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Livestock Development to assess the impact of the disaster on the subsector in the state.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry Dr Chinyere Akujobi, during a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum, said the President was committed to ameliorating the consequences of the catastrophe on the livestock industry. She disclosed that the ministry had set up an Expert Working Group (EWG) to work out a viable and sustainable template of disaster response and management for the sub-sector.

Akujobi explained that the team was tasked with undertaking detailed, on-the-spot assessment of damage, while also proffering immediate, short, medium and long-term measures to support stakeholders.

Also, in sympathy with his colleague and Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi over the flooding in Maiduguiri, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku, Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has re-echoed the debate on climate change.

The commitment was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Iguobaro. According to the spokesman, Oba Ewuare made the remarks on Sunday at Shehu of Borno’s palace in Borno State, and prayed to God and his forebears to protect survivors of the disaster and comfort them.

The monarch, in a rare public intervention, tasked stakeholders, including government at all levels and traditional rulers, to walk the talk on climate change and focus their energies on results.

Expressing his sympathy to displaced persons, including those who lost their livelihoods, the Benin monarch pledged his support to the people and government of Borno State, and commended the Shehu for showing resilience. His words: “Edo people from the heart of Benin Kingdom send their thoughts and prayers to the people of Borno State. Our hearts are with the families, who lost their loved ones.

“We also empathise with those who lost their homes and livelihoods to the disaster. “Climate change and environmental degradation are realities that we can no longer afford to ignore.

“As traditional rulers, we must advocate for policies and practices that do not only promote our people but also safeguard their environments.” Responding, the Shehu thanked Oba Ewuare II for the solidarity visit and presented copies of his books to him. He commended the rescue efforts by stakeholders to address the situation.