Category: Environment

 Environment 

By Amina Ahmed

Azare (Bauchi), June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Azare community in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State has advocated stiff penalties to stem indiscriminate felling of trees in the state.

Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, the Ward Head of Nasara ‘A’ community, stated this during a tree planting campaign on Wednesday in Azare.

The tree planting campaign was part of activities to mark the 2024 World Environment Day organised by the Bauchi State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency in collaboration with the United Nations’ Children Fund (UNICEF).

Mu’azu said proactive measures were imperative to ensure effective enforcement of environmental laws, and to prosecute offenders to check indiscriminate felling of trees in the state.

The community leader, who decried the alarming rate of tee felling, said the measure would pritect forest resources and enhance environmental sustainability.

“Strict measures are necessary to check the menace of tree felling in the state, it will also encourage reforestation, conserve the environment and mitigate climate change,” he said.

Mr Garba Adamu, the Ward Head, Nasara ‘B’, lauded the tree planting in the school, adding that it would protect it against windstorm and land degradation. 

“The selection of the school for the tree planting is strategic because some spart of the tructure building had been destroyed by windstorm,” he said.

He said the community would support the school to ensure monitoring of the plants to maturity.

Also speaking, Bala Zailani, the Assistant General Manager, Sanitation of the RUWASA, said the agency would partner relevant organisations to promote tree planting campaign in the state.

He said the campaign would check tree felling and encourage best tree planting practices in the society. 

On his part, Mr Salish Ali, the Sanitation Officer in charge of Katagum LGA, said the council has mobilised communities to plant trees, especially at the onset of the raining season. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AE/RSA

=======

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Tree

By Amina Ahmed

Azare (Bauchi State), June 6, 2024 (NAN) The NNPC Foundation has planted 500 tree seedlings as part of campaign to preserve the environment and mitigate climate change in the country.

The Managin Director of the Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said this during a tree planting campaign on Wednesday at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Nasarawa in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of the state.

She said the exercise was part of activities to mark the 2024 World Environment Day, to reclaim degraded lands, conserve the environment and biodiversity.

The Day is being observed annually on June 5, to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster action for sustainable development.

The theme of the Day is: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

Arukwe, represented by Mohammed Hashim-Bawa, Manager, Environment of the foundation, said the intervention focused at empowering students, who are members of the environmental clubs to become champions of environmental preservation.

She said tree planting was central to its engagement focussing on practical activities to ensure that students participate actively in tree planting, to instill sense of responsibility and ownership towards environmental conservation.

The manager said the foundation is geared towards supporting environmental sustainability through impactful activities such as reforestation; conservation, and education.

“This year’s theme underscores the critical need to address land degradation, combat desertification, and enhance resilience to drought for present and future generations.

“This year, we extended our campaign to all geo-political zones across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Sustainability in tree planting ensures long term benefits. The NNPC Foundation is committed to continuous monitoring of these plants at all localities to restore degraded lands, build resilience against drought and improve livelihoods,” Arukwe said.

She, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the foundation in its drive to restore Nigeria’s landscapes and build a greener and more resilient future.

The District Head of Azare, Alhaji Magaji Duhuwa, lauded the gesture, adding that it would improve afforestation and control desertification in the state.

Duhuwa said the community leaders would educate their people to the importance of tree planting to preserve the environment.

He enjoined youths and women, especially housewives to plant trees and engage in horticulture to conserve the nvironment and mitigate climate change.

Also, Mr Abdullahi Alka, the Principal of the school, commended the gesture, adding that it would provide green environment and enhance beautification of the school premises.

He said the management would ensure effective monitoring to nurture the 70 tree seedlings planted in the school to maturity.

Some of the students, Aisha Isa and Mohammed Dahiru-Umar, said the exercise had exposed them to the importance of tree planting in building resilience against drought and enhancing environmental sustainability.

They promised to step down the knowledge learnt to their peers in their respective communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event featured sensitisation, quiz, cultural dance and tree planting sessions.

The NNPC Foundation, incorporated in February 2023, focused at promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services as well as new energy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AE/RSA

=======

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

C’River rids Calabar streets of mentally challenged persons

Evacuation

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

Calabar, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Government of Cross River has commenced  evacuation of mentally challenged persons from the state capital city, Calabar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise is being carried out by the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA).

The Executive Director of CUDA, Chief Effiong Ayi, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Calabar, said that the aim of the exercise was to address the pressing issue of mental health in the metropolis proactively.

Ayi said that the evacuation exercise followed the recent inauguration of a mental holding center by Gov. Bassey Otu as part of his administration’s one-year celebration in office.

At the commencement of the initiative on Monday, the holding center had already registered over 30 inmates.

“The primary goal of this exercise is to eliminate the large presence of mentally challenged individuals in our metropolis and facilitate their rehabilitation, enabling them to lead productive lives in our society,” he stated.

He emphasised the urgency of the operation due to the increasing number of mentally challenged persons causing disturbances within the city.

“The completion and reopening of the remand center by the governor prompted this exercise.

“The increasing number of  these persons in the city has brought about various challenges and disturbances within the metropolis,” he stated.

Speaking on their rehabilitation, he said, “they will be provided with the care and treatment they require, and once they regain sanity, they will be reintegrated into society.

“This initiative not only aims to resolve the immediate concerns related to mentally challenged individuals in Calabar but also aligns with best practices in maintaining a safe and serene metropolis.

“The state’s approach signifies a significant step towards improving public health and safety, ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support and rehabilitation to reintegrate successfully into society.”

The executive director said that the holding center is equipped with essential amenities including a standby generator, water supply, and cooking facilities to ensure the well-being of the inmates.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ESI/IAA

======

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Climate

By Sani Idris

Kaduna, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE) says it is mobilising students and young people in Kaduna state to drive climate change solutions in their respective communities.

WISE founder and Programme Director, Mrs Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, stated this during a one-day Green Awareness Walk in Kaduna on Wednesday, with the theme, “Generation Green: Taking the Lead in Tackling Land Degradation and Drought”.

The walk, which took place within the College of Environmental Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, was organised by WISE, in Collaboration with National Association of Environmental Science Technology, Kaduna Polytechnic.

It was organised to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) with the theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.

Olanike Olugboji said that the campaign became necessary considering the anxiety among young people caused by the chaos associated with environmental challenges and global warming.

She attributed global warming and other environmental degradation to the excesses of human activities and stressed the need for young people to join the campaign against climate change and environment degradation.

“It is, therefore, crucial to create awareness among young people on the need for them to begin to take the lead and think outside the box on issues affecting our climate and the environment.

“The goal is for the youths to drive solutions, take action and create initiative that will help reduce some of the environmental problems affecting humanity.

The founder said that sustainable development was only possible if everyone realised the need for collective responsibility in protecting the climate.

She said that the WISE had been mobilising women and young girls in Kaduna and other parts of the country to take part in providing solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges.

“We have realised, over the years, the wide gap in terms of women’s access to environmental resources, even when they are the most vulnerable to the impact of environmental challenges and climate change.

“Women are the most vulnerable and yet their voices were missing at the decision-making table.

“We will keep building the capacity of women and young girls to become authors of their own fate, as it concerns the environment and the climate challenges,” she said.

She stressed the need for policy makers and residents to begin to identify solutions and take actions to reverse environmental degradation and climate change.

She also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to equip communities with the needed knowledge and skills to plan trees and adopt eco-friendly technology in everyday life.

According to her, adopting eco-friendly technologies like clean cooking stoves and solar technology will significantly replace the use of traditional cooking methods and lighting systems.

“This will go a long way in preventing indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods, kerosine lamps and candles in our homes.

“Climate change is real and not far away. It is close next door. Do something; tell someone to do something and we will be doing a lot to reverse climate change,” she said.

Dr Patrick Kigbu, Head of Department, Environmental Science, Kaduna Polytechnic, commended WISE for targeting the youths in its climate change campaign.

Kigbu said that climate change and other environmental challenges could be dramatic and might consume humanity if action was not taken.

He urged the government to be proactive, and outlaw activities that negatively impact the climate.

According to him, people need to know that when they destroy one tree, they should plant five more to sustain the environment.

Similarly, one of the students, Aishatu Ibrahim, said that the awareness was apt, and would motivate students and young people to take action towards climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlights of the event included a panel discussion and tree planting. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SA/FDY

=======

Edited by Philip Yatai

Environment

By Ibukun Emiola

Ibadan, June 5, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Profit Organisation, Eleven Eleven Twelve Foundation (EETF), has decried the effects of human pollution and land degradation on the environment across Nigeria.

EETF Founder, Mr Adetunji Lam-Adesina, cried out at a symposium to commemorate the 2024 World Environmental Day in Ibadan on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the organisation used the forum to sensitise students on the effects of pollution and land degradation on the environment, emphasising urgent actions to reverse the trend.

According to Lam-Adesina, the current situation indicates that the world is in distress due to continuous harmful practices by humans.

“Hence, the need to sensitise young people to inculcate good habits that would protect the earth.

“It takes all of us to get the environment back to what it should be. Our planet needs help and it takes all of our efforts and actions to get it back.

“Today, we decide to focus on the youth, as we need their efforts now more than ever because the future belongs to them.

“And we need to carry them along so that we can catch them young and instil the culture of giving back to the environment in them,” he said.

Earlier, a professor of Agricultural Engineering, Emilolorun Aiyelari, underscored the need to harness the weather and the nation’s abundant natural resources to reverse desertification and drought.

According to him, the government should step up tree planting and treat the soil well to address food insecurity and climate change.

“We have all it takes to grow crops in Nigeria; good weather and water bodies that can be tapped for irrigation.

“If we do this in the North, cattle herders will not migrate to the South.

“This will address some of the insecurity issues in the country, as farmers will once again have the confidence to farm,” he said.

Prof. Grace Oloukoi of the Department of Urban and Environmental Management, Lead City University, Ibadan, said land degradation has a way of impacting every aspect of the environment.

She emphasised the need to protect nature and restore the damage done to the land.

“For us to live well, go green and embrace planting trees; we are already restoring and enriching the earth by so doing.

“We must stop plastic pollution and other habits that have adverse effects on the earth,” Oloukoi said.

On what the education sector could do to promote sustainability, Mrs Helen Ojehomon, Deputy Head of School, Ibadan International School, said environmental management should be inculcated into the school curriculum.

According to her, environmental awareness or knowledge is not a subject that should be taken on its own but something to be integrated into all of the subjects.

“So, while treating economics, we should be talking about environmental impact as well; the same thing for agriculture and other subjects.

“This is necessary so that students can understand that no man is an island, and nothing is completely separate, but they are all interconnected and the environment is what joins all of these together,” Ojehomon said.

Two students of the participating schools, Oluwalonimi Jenrola of American Christian Academy, and Precious Adejumo of Ibadan International School, thanked the organisers for the knowledge gained.

Both students said they would henceforth become advocates for the promotion of good environmental habits among their peers.

NAN reports that the 2024 World Environment Day is themed, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” with the slogan, “Our land, Our future’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IBK/KOO/MAS

===========

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Moses Solanke

Environment Day: KDSG to plant 10m trees

By Ezra Musa

Kaduna, June 5, 2024 (NAN) As the world marks this year’s Environment Day, the Kaduna State Government says it will plant 10 million trees across the front-line local government areas to prevent desertification in the state.

Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the State Deputy Governor, disclosed  this on Wednesday during an event to mark the 2024 World Environment Day in Kaduna.

The theme of this year’s day is: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.

According to her, land degradation, drought, desertification and their  impact on the environment and  human livelihoods have become pressing issues of global environmental concerns that require urgent attention.

She said that land degradation was both a cause and consequence of climate change.

”Its restoration offers a powerful solution with the potential to limit climate change and achieve sustainable development goals,” she added.

The deputy governor disclosed that the state had developed its climate change policy which would launch a 10 million tree planting campaign.

“The project will serve as a major carbon sink and provide numerous benefits including carbon credits to build resistance,” she explained.

“Land restoration offers a powerful solution with the potential to limit climate change and achieve sustainable development goals,” she explained.

The deputy governor called on other public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and other groups to support government initiatives.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Abubakar Buba, Commissioner for Environment, had said that the day was a call to action for collective efforts to save the environment.

“It is most pertinent that we intentionally work toward sustaining the balance in our ecosystem by keeping our planet replenished with its natural forms and maintaining its equilibrium,” he said.

Uman Danlami, Chairman, House Committee on Environment,  said the climate change crisis was real and its impacts are already being felt in our communities.

He expressed the readiness of his colleagues in the Assembly to give the document speedy attention when it gets to the house, due to its importance to the State.

Danlami called on the residents of the state to plant trees to combat climate change.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlights of the event were tree planting, presentation of awards to eco-friendly environment organisations and the winners for the school quiz competition. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EMZ/BRM

==============

Esdited by Bashir Rabe Mani