The African Public Relations Association (APRA), the leading organization for public relations practitioners across Africa, extends its deepest sympathy to the governments and people of Nigeria and Cameroon in the wake of the devastating floods affecting both countries. The recent flooding in Borno State and other parts of Nigeria’s Northeast zone, along with severe floods in Cameroon’s Far North Province, particularly in the city of Yagoua, has caused significant hardship.
APRA laments the distressing floods caused by the collapse of a dam in Maiduguri and by torrential rains in Mayo Danay. These floods have resulted in numerous deaths, widespread displacement, and severe ecological disruption. The impact on local markets and livelihoods in Maiduguri and surrounding areas has been profound, with reports of wildlife, including dangerous reptiles, escaping from a partially destroyed zoo. In Cameroon, over a hundred primary and secondary schools, along with livestock, infrastructure, and livelihoods, have been severely affected.
These events have led to humanitarian crises, raising concerns about the recurrence of such disasters following the recent collapse of the Arba’at Dam in Sudan, which also caused significant loss of life and displacement. APRA is committed to collaborating with governments, institutions, and stakeholders both within and outside the continent to address communication management related to climate change and other critical issues that impact livelihoods, quality of life, and sectoral growth across Africa.
Two months ago, APRA leaders convened with stakeholders to announce the formation of committees dedicated to addressing specific challenges faced by African communities. One such committee focuses on the African Union and related linkages. Through this committee, APRA aims to leverage its observer status with the African Union to engage with relevant councils of ministers and enhance communication management that will benefit various sectors across Africa.
APRA stands united with the governments and peoples of Nigeria and Cameroon in their efforts to resolve these humanitarian crises. We commend the central and subnational governments in Borno State and Far North Province, as well as other local and international stakeholders, for their responses aimed at providing relief to those affected by the floods. On behalf of all members, the Executive Council of APRA extends sincere condolences to those who have lost family members and friends and wishes a speedy recovery to the displaced, injured, and those whose livelihoods have been impacted.
Signed
Omoniyi Ibietan , Ph.D . , fnipr
Secretary-General, APRA
