Bauchi Raises Alarm Over Harsh Dry Spell, Sudden Flood Risks in 12 LGAs

By  Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has issued an early warning to residents and authorities over an unusual weather pattern expected to hit parts of the state, combining a prolonged dry spell with the threat of flash floods during the 2026 rainy season.

The alert was delivered on Wednesday in Bauchi by the agency’s Director-General, Mas’ud Aliyu, during a stakeholders’ forum on seasonal climate outlook and disaster preparedness.

Aliyu explained that initial climate projections point to a severe dry spell lasting up to 21 days between June and August, a development that could disrupt farming activities across several local government areas. The councils likely to be affected include Itas-Gadau, Jama’are, Katagum, Misau, Giade, Shira, Dambam, Darazo, Ningi, Warji, Gamawa and Zaki.

He described the forecast as both unusual and concerning, noting that while the dry conditions could weaken agricultural productivity, sudden heavy rainfall within the same period may trigger flash floods in vulnerable communities.

According to him, the hardened soil caused by extended heat may struggle to absorb intense rainfall, increasing the chances of flooding even after a dry spell.

“This situation goes beyond routine weather information. It signals possible food shortages, water challenges and pressure on livestock if urgent steps are not taken,” he said.

Aliyu stressed the need for practical responses at both farm and community levels, urging experts in agriculture and environmental sciences to guide farmers on soil management, crop choices and planting timelines.

He also called for stronger coordination among local government authorities, traditional institutions and relevant agencies to ensure early warning messages reach rural communities promptly.

The SEMA boss urged the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme to support farmers with drought-tolerant seeds, while advising the Ministry of Water Resources to prepare contingency plans, including water supply interventions.

He further appealed to the media to intensify awareness campaigns to keep the public informed about evolving weather risks.

Aliyu emphasised that community cooperation would be critical, urging residents to take precautionary measures and respond quickly to advisories.

He expressed confidence that with joint efforts involving government agencies, traditional leaders and experts from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, the state can better withstand the looming environmental challenges.

Bauchi Sets Up SOLID Committee to Drive Lasting Support for Displaced Persons

By Bashir Hassan, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has taken a major step towards addressing displacement challenges with the inauguration of a steering committee for the Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) project.

Speaking at the ceremony in Bauchi on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau said the initiative was designed to tackle the growing humanitarian and development needs of internally displaced individuals (IDPs) and the communities hosting them.

He explained that the project goes beyond emergency relief, aiming instead to integrate affected populations into the broader development plans of the state. According to him, the program aims to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and create sustainable opportunities for people displaced by conflict and environmental factors.

Jatau noted that displacement has placed increasing strain on key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and water supply, while also stretching the resources of host communities. He described the SOLID project as a long-term intervention backed by the World Bank, focused on addressing the root causes of vulnerability and promoting inclusive growth.

“The steering committee will serve as the apex decision-making body for the project in the state, ensuring coordination, policy coherence and accountability throughout implementation,” he said.

The committee comprises senior government officials, community leaders and representatives of displaced individuals, reflecting what the deputy governor described as a commitment to inclusive governance.

He urged members of the committee to prioritise transparency, effective collaboration among agencies, and strategic planning to ensure the project’s success. He also called on IDP representatives to actively participate in decision-making processes and ensure that the voices of their communities are heard.

Earlier, the project coordinator, Abdulsamad Abubakar, said the initiative would expand access to essential services such as infrastructure, education and healthcare while also creating economic opportunities for beneficiaries.

Abubakar added that the program would strengthen the capacity of government institutions to respond to displacement issues more effectively, ensuring long-term resilience for both displaced persons and host communities.

Bauchi Targets ‘Zero-Dose’ Children as New Immunisation Drive Kicks Off

By Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board has launched an ambitious eight-month intervention aimed at cutting down the number of children who have never received routine vaccines, in a renewed push to strengthen child health outcomes across the state.

The initiative, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund and funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, is expected to improve access to life-saving vaccines and ensure that more children are reached through coordinated healthcare services.

Speaking at a one-day orientation for state health officials and primary healthcare directors from local government areas, the Executive Chairman of the board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, said the programme would deploy targeted strategies to boost routine immunisation uptake in underserved communities.

He explained that the project is designed to reinforce healthcare delivery systems while expanding outreach efforts to caregivers, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where vaccination coverage remains low.

According to him, the intervention will integrate immunisation services into existing health platforms such as antenatal care, nutrition programmes, and routine clinic visits to ensure broader reach and efficiency.

Mohammed stressed that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for preventing childhood illnesses and deaths, warning that children who miss routine immunisation are at far greater risk of contracting deadly but preventable diseases.

“Children who are not vaccinated are highly vulnerable. Once they contract infectious diseases, their chances of survival are significantly reduced,” he said.

Also addressing participants, the Health Manager for Immunisation in Nigeria, Kabir Sheikh, noted that the programme would address key challenges affecting vaccine delivery, including supply chain gaps, poor tracking of defaulters, and low community awareness.

He added that efforts would also focus on improving accountability mechanisms and strengthening public confidence in immunisation services.

The intervention will be implemented in Dambam, Jama’are, and Warji local government areas, which have been identified as high-priority locations due to the prevalence of zero-dose children and gaps in primary healthcare services.

Health officials expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve immunisation coverage and contribute to reducing child mortality across Bauchi State.