A massive rescue operation by the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has saved 719 people stranded by floods in Maiduguri and Jere, bringing hope to affected communities.

SEMA Director-General, Mohammed Barkindo confirmed that the agency’s divers and emergency responders worked tirelessly to reach victims trapped in flooded areas, using makeshift facilities to facilitate the rescue.

Notably, all 719 rescued individuals opted to stay with relatives or in private residences, declining temporary camp accommodations.

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SEMA has ensured their safety by documenting contact information for ongoing support.

He said, “SEMA went with divers and rescued 719 people trapped in trees and upstairs, taking them to their chosen locations. The rescue operations started yesterday and continued up to this time today.

“We documented their contacts to check on their well-being since they were taken to private residences, where they insisted on living with their relatives.

“Virtually all those we rescued, especially along Lagos Street, said they preferred to stay with their relatives, while the rest also suggested better options. None of the 719 was taken to the camp.”

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s economy through initiatives aimed at reducing inflation, stabilizing the foreign exchange market, and enhancing fiscal management.

Speaking at the 17th Annual Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, praised the conference’s theme, “Accelerating Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward,” as timely and essential.

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Tinubu acknowledged that the conference was convened during a period of significant challenges, including high inflation, rising living costs, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and the impacts of global economic changes.

Despite these challenges, he pointed out that they also offer opportunities for growth and development.

The President noted that his administration has undertaken bold yet difficult reforms to address the macroeconomic issues facing the country.

He said, “Though painful in the short term, the removal of fuel subsidies is designed to free up budgetary resources for critical investments in infrastructure and social services. The adjustment of the monetary policy rate, a move aimed at curbing inflation and fostering a more market-oriented exchange rate system.

Tinubu also noted that his administration was committed to strengthening infrastructure development in the ongoing bid to grow Nigeria’s economy.

He added “We are committed to upgrading Nigeria’s infrastructure to support economic growth. We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships to reduce transportation costs and improve market access.”

The media aide to Labour Party presidential candidate, Valentine Obienyem, has denied reports of Obi’s arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement released on Tuesday, Obienyem described the reports as “entirely false and baseless”.

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He explained that the rumour emerged on Saturday but was promptly refuted.

Obienyem further clarified that Obi was not in Anambra State at the time of the alleged incident, dismissing claims that he was arrested alongside his wife, Margaret.

The media aide urged the public to disregard the false reports and remain vigilant against misinformation. He assured that official communications regarding Obi will be released through proper channels.

Obienyem said, “As of Saturday, Mr. Obi was in Rwanda attending to important engagements. He has since returned to Nigeria and is currently in Edo State, where he is actively involved in party and national matters. There was no DSS operation at his residence, and no arrest was made.

“As the situation develops, Mr. Obi continues to focus on his commitment to the nation, while his team remains steadfast in providing accurate updates on his activities.” It added