The African Public Relations Association (APRA), the umbrella body of public relations practitioners and professionals in Africa, has expressed its deepest sympathy to the Governments and people of Nigeria and Cameroon over the overwhelming floods ravaging the countries, particularly the recent flooding in Borno State and other parts of the Northeast zone in Nigeria, as well as in Cameroon’s Far North Province, with severity in the city of Yagoua, the capital of Mayo Danay Department.
In a statement signed by APRA’s Secretary-General, Omoniyi Ibietan, Ph.D, the body lamented the occurrence of the distressing floods caused by the collapse of a dam in Maiduguri, and in Mayo Danay after torrential rains. “In both instances, the floods have resulted in the death of many people, displacement of persons, and unprecedented in its upsetting of the ecology. APRA 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. In Cameroon, over a hundred primary and secondary schools are affected as well as livestock, infrastructure and livelihoods.
“In these incidents, we are faced with humanitarian crises and, therefore, really concerned about the recurrence, just a month after the collapse of Arba’at Dam in Sudan that equally caused deaths and displacement of persons in many communities. APRA 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,” the statement said.
The statement disclosed that APRA leaders met with other stakeholders within the Association, just 2 months ago, to announce the institutionalization of committees to act on specific challenges of African people. “One of these teams focuses on the African Union and Related Linkages. Through that committee, APRA plans to leverage its observer status with the African Union and to engage with appropriate councils of ministers to enhance communication management that will transform many sectors in Africa,” it said.
APRA is united behind the aims of the governments and peoples of Nigeria and Cameroon to find solutions to the humanitarian crises attending the disasters. The 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. On 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.
