The Yobe State House of Assembly has taken a proactive stance to address the recurring flood menace plaguing Yusufari town, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of its constituents. During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Chiroma Buba Mashio, Hassan Mohamed, the representative of Yusufari Constituency, brought the urgent matter to the forefront, appealing for immediate intervention to mitigate the devastating impact of floods on the community. He underscored the vulnerability of the town to annual flooding, which has become a recurring nightmare for residents, displacing families, destroying livelihoods, and disrupting the socio-economic fabric of the area.
In his impassioned plea, Hassan proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle the challenge. He urged the House to direct its Committees on Environment and Disaster Management to conduct a thorough on-the-spot assessment of the flood situation in Yusufari. This assessment, he argued, would provide critical insights into the extent of the damage, identify the underlying causes of the flooding, and inform the development of effective mitigation strategies. He stressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors contributing to the floods, such as inadequate drainage systems, deforestation, and improper land use practices.
Recognizing the critical role of expertise in tackling complex environmental challenges, Hassan also called on the state executive to deploy experts from the Yobe Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape project to Yusufari. These experts would provide technical guidance and implement flood mitigation measures ahead of the rainy season, aiming to preempt the devastating impact of floods. This proactive approach, he emphasized, would be crucial in minimizing the damage and protecting the vulnerable communities in Yusufari.
Furthermore, Hassan emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing the flood challenge. He appealed to international development partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specializing in disaster risk management to provide technical support, capacity building, and funding to enhance the town’s flood resilience. These partnerships, he believes, would leverage the expertise and resources of international organizations to support local efforts and build the capacity of the community to manage and mitigate flood risks effectively.
The motion presented by Hassan received overwhelming support from members of the House, who unanimously agreed on the urgent need for swift and decisive action to address the flooding crisis in Yusufari. They acknowledged the devastating impact of floods on the lives and livelihoods of residents, recognizing the disruption caused to agricultural activities, infrastructure damage, and the displacement of families. The members stressed the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive approach involving all relevant stakeholders to mitigate the impact of future floods and enhance the resilience of the community.
Speaker Mashio commended Hassan’s initiative and underscored the importance of forwarding the motion to the Presidential Committee on Environment. This step, he explained, would ensure that Yobe State receives its fair share of national environmental interventions and resources allocated to address flood-related challenges. He urged members of the House to actively follow up with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the motion translates into concrete action, not just in Yusufari but also in other flood-prone areas across the state. This proactive engagement, he emphasized, would demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and mitigating the recurring threat of floods in vulnerable communities across Yobe State. The commitment reflects a broader recognition of the importance of environmental protection and disaster risk reduction in promoting sustainable development and ensuring the well-being of the people.
