*The African Public Relations Association, an umbrella body of public relations practitioners and professionals on the continent, expresses deepest sympathy to the Governments, people of Nigeria and Cameroon over the recent devastating floods in the two countries

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The African Public Relations Association (APRA), the umbrella body of public relations practitioners and professionals in Africa, has expressed deepest sympathy to the Governments and people of Nigeria and Cameroon over the overwhelming floods ravaging the countries.

The recent flood disaster particularly affected Borno State, and other parts of the Northeast zone in Nigeria, as well as in Cameroon鈥檚 Far North Province, with severity in the city of Yagoua, the capital of Mayo Danay Department.

Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, fnipr, Secretary-General of APRA, in a recent statement issued in Lagos, Nigeria, lamented the occurrence of the distressing floods caused by the collapse of a dam in Maiduguri, and in Mayo Danay after torrential rains.

Ibietan noted that in both instances, the floods have resulted in the death of many people, displacement of persons, and unprecedented in its upsetting of the ecology.

He stated: 鈥淎PRA notes with grave compassion and serious concerns the impact of the floods on markets and by implication livelihoods in Maiduguri and environs, as well as the reported escape of wildlife, including snakes and other lethal reptiles after the flooding partially destroyed a zoo.

鈥淚n Cameroon, over a hundred primary and secondary schools are affected, as well as livestock, infrastructure and livelihoods.鈥�

According to APRA, in these incidents, Nigerians are faced with humanitarian crises and, therefore, really concerned about the recurrence, just a month after the collapse of Arba鈥檃t Dam, in Sudan, that equally caused deaths and displacement of persons in many communities.

The Secretary-General stated: 鈥淎PRA is determined to work with all governments, institutions, and other stakeholders within and outside the continent to address communication management on climate change, and other topical issues central to securing livelihoods, improving quality of life, and enhancing growth across sectors in Africa.

Ibietan also recalled that few months ago, APRA leaders had met with other stakeholders within the Association to announce the institutionalisation of committees to act on specific challenges of African people.

One of these teams focuses on the African Union and Related Linkages., he said.

The Association further explained through that committee, APRA plans to leverage its observer status with the African Union (AU), and engage with appropriate councils of ministers to enhance communication management that would transform several sectors of the economy on the African continent.

The statement noted the APRA 鈥渋s united behind the aims of the governments and peoples of Nigeria and Cameroon to find solutions to the humanitarian crises attending the disasters.

鈥淭he central governments of these countries, the subnational governments in Borno State and Far North Province in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively, and other local and international stakeholders are commended on their responses to the crises to bring succour to those affected by the floods.鈥�

Dr. Ibietan stated: 鈥淥n behalf of all members, the Executive Council of APRA hereby sends sincere condolence to those who lost family members and friends, and wish the displaced, the injured as well as those whose livelihoods have been affected a speedy recovery.鈥�

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