Category: Environment

Communique
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Participants at the just concluded 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit have advocated the establishment of a climate innovation fund to support climate resilience projects in the state.
This is contained in a communique issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Kunle Adeshina, on Sunday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several key recommendations were made in the communique that will engender a smart and resilient Lagos.
The communique urged the government to provide funding for infrastructure to protect urban areas from climate hazards like floods, storms, and heatwaves.
It also called for the development of mechanisms to access and scale up climate finance through bankable adaptation projects with institutions such as the African Development Bank for concessional and blended financing, and risk mitigation to attract private capital.
In the area of blended financing, the communique called for the utilisation of both private capital investment and public or philanthropic funding.
It called for the completion of the ‘Adiyan Water Works’ to enhance potable water supply as an adaptation measure.
The communique called for the continued support and funding for the Bus Rapid Transit System and multi-modal transport strategy of the state.
The participants made a strong business case for adaptation, expanding investment instruments, and using carbon markets for climate financing.
The communique underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment to unlock domestic private capital and incentivizing private sector innovation.
It also stressed the need for a sustained tempo in the promotion of circular economy practices in the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and efficient use of resources.
The communique called for the integration of the health sector into the State Climate Action Plan to ensure environmental sustainability and public health protection.
The summit called for the provision of a comprehensive, accessible, community-based healthcare services, especially for vulnerable groups.
NAN reports that the summit with the theme: “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives,” was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island from June 11 to 13. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Predictions
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has conducted training for over 500 farmers and extension workers in 10 states on seasonal climate predictions.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary of HEDA, on Sunday in Lagos.
Arigbabu said the training extended to the staff of the Agricultural Development Programmes (ADP) was supported by Oxfam through the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project.
Arigbabu said the primary objective of the workshop was to equip small-scale farmers, extension workers, and ADP staff with crucial information for the upcoming farming season.
He added that participants were trained on utilising downscaled Seasonal Climate Predictions and Crop Weather Calendars.
“We are thrilled to work with NiMet and our partner Oxfam under the AACJ project to deliver this critical training.
“We have engaged participants from all local governments across the 10 states to ensure widespread dissemination of this valuable information.
“Significantly, the growing seasons for each state are as follows: Nasarawa: April 30 – October 27 (203 days); Kwara: April 30 – October 25 (180 days); Oyo: April 10 – November 29 (231 days); Benue: April 24 – November 1 (189 days); Osun: April 10 – November 30 (233 days).
“The predicted growing season in Niger state is from May 9 to November 8 (184 days); Ogun state is March 31 to December 1 (249 days); for Plateau, it is from May 19 – November 9 (186 days); Adamawa state’s length of the growing season is from April 21 – November 1 (193 days); and for Ekiti state, it is between April 13 and November 27 (227 days),” Arigbabu said.
He said that providing access to climate predictions and crop weather calendars would improve agricultural practices and enhance the well-being of farming communities across the country.
According to him, the training organised by HEDA and NiMet, reflect a longstanding collaboration aimed at ensuring farmers have access to NiMet’s seasonal climate predictions and crop weather calendars.
He added that the initiative would strengthen the agricultural sector and support farming communities through improved climate prediction and planning resources.
He said the training held in Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Benue, Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Ekiti, and Osun states – provided essential training on climate predictions and crop weather calendars to over 500 participants. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Anambra: Gunmen attack Ogbaru LG hqs, set patrol vehicles ablaze

Attack
By Monday Ajogun
Ogbaru (Anambra), June 15, 2024 (NAN) Unidentified gunmen on Saturday morning reportedly attacked Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat and torched four patrol vehicles belonging to a local vigilance group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the hoodlums arrived at the council headquarters in large number in motorcycles and one vehicle and began to shoot sporadically.

It was further learnt that an attempt by the vigilantes to repel the gunmen got a boost, following the quick response by a team of crack police operatives.

Confirming the incident in a statement to NAN in Onitsha, the Spokesman for the Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the gunmen fled the scene when they were overpowered.

According to Ikenga, the hoodlums “faced strong resistance from the vigilante operatives until the police response team arrived.

“Due to the superior firepower of the security operatives, the gunmen fled the scene,” he added.

He regretted that the assailants succeeded in setting four operational vehicles belonging to the vigilantes ablaze before escaping.

The statement quoted the Police Commissioner, Mr Nnaghe Itam, to have condemned the attack and destruction of the patrol vehicles.

Itam reportedly commended the efforts of the operatives in repelling the hoodlums and described the incident as an “act of cowardice”.

Ikenga further stated that a joint security force, comprising the Army, Navy, and other security agencies, had been deployed in the area to fish out those behind the attack.

He stated that no lives were lost and gave assurance that the security agencies were poised to strengthen security in the area for the safety of lives and property of the residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AJOM/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Environment

By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Sterling One Foundation and its partners on Saturday converged on Elegushi Beach, Lekki, for a national clean-up to mark the World Environment Day (WED) 2024.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 270 people defied the rain to participate at the clean-up aimed at environmental sustainability and the conservation of the ocean.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Olapeju Ibekwe, the Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, said the exercise was part of the culture of the foundation and Sterling Bank on environmental sustainability.
Ibekwe noted that beaches are not just scenic spots for relaxation but vital ecosystems that support marine life and contribute to the overall health of the planet.
“Unfortunately, they are also among the most impacted by pollution, with plastic waste and other debris posing severe threats to marine organisms and the environment at large.
“Today, we come together not just to clean a beach but to make a statement. We are declaring our commitment to environmental sustainability and our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings
“Each piece of litter we pick up today is a step towards a cleaner, healthier planet.
“As we work together today, let us also remember the importance of spreading awareness about proper waste disposal and the impact of pollution,” she said.
According to her, education and continuous action are key to creating lasting change in the environment.
“We must inspire others in our communities to join us in this effort, making environmental responsibility a part of our everyday lives,” Ibekwe said.
She expressed gratitude to all the volunteers, environmental activists, and organisations who participated in the exercise.
“Your participation and enthusiasm are a testament to the power of collective action. Let us use this momentum to drive more initiatives, foster greater community involvement, and ultimately make a significant impact on our environment.
“Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable world for future generations.
“Let this clean-up be a reminder of what we can achieve when we unite for a common cause.
She advised Nigerians to be intentional about personal hygiene to combat the outbreak of cholera in some states in the country.
Also Speaking, Mrs Tari Taylor, the Senior Special Assistance to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Environment, lauded Sterling One Foundation for the clean-up initiative.
Taylor said that Lagos residents are rising up to the ownership of their environment.
She expressed joy in seeing young volunteers in their numbers defying the rain to clean up the beach.
According to her, the initiative resonates with Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s vision of a transformed Lagos.
Mr Samuel Onosanya, Head of Business Retail, Mainland. Sterling Bank, said that the exercise is part of initiatives of the bank in giving back to the environment.
Onosanya said the national clean up would take place in about 20 states of the federation to underscore the importance of the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Nwirufi cautions Ebonyi residents against flood-inducing activities
Flood
By Chukwuemeka Opara
Abakaliki, June 15, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi on Friday in Abakaliki urged residents of flood-prone areas of the state to avoid activities that expose them to floods.
He said through his Deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, that such activities included building on water ways, blocking of drainages and indiscriminate felling of trees.
Nwifuru spoke during the commencement of flood early warning, downscaling strategies in Ebonyi to mitigate the adverse effects of the menace in 2024 by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
“The welfare of the citizens is paramount in our people’s charter of needs mantra and efforts will be intensified to check the loss of livelihood and properties of occasioned by flood.
“The state government will provide funds and other logistics needed to effectively downscale this flood early warning strategies to the grassroots,” he said.
He commended NEMA for the taking actions to mitigate the effect of flooding in the state and pledged that his administration would cooperate with the agency to achieve desired goals.
The Executive Secretary of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said during the event that the agency would pay special attention to rural areas during the sensitisation.
“For the 2024 rainy season, some Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state are predicted to be affected by flood.
“The affected councils are under high and moderate flood risk areas and are already listed in NEMA’s earlier communication to the state government.
“This underscores the importance of this flag-off and I seek stakeholders’ support in downscaling early warning and risk mitigation messages to the grassroots,” said Umar through Dr Ejike Martins, the agency’s Director of Human Resource Management.
She noted that the devastating impact of flood across the country especially in 2012 and 2022 tasks all tiers of government to collaborate with NEMA in managing disaster risks and associated hazards.
“Lives have been lost, means of livelihood and infrastructure worth billions of naira have been destroyed,” she said.
Umar noted that NEMA banks on the rainfall and flood advisories in the Seasonal Climate Predictory and Annual Flood Outlook of Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency.
“They have provided valuable early warning alerts and we are all expected to take steps that would drastically reduce the adverse impact of flood on the entire landscape.
“This impact is especially on the most vulnerable persons living in communities at the risk of flood,” she said.
Mr Clement Ovuoba, the Executive Secretary, Ebonyi State Emergency Management Agency (EB-SEMA), said the agency would increase its efforts in mitigating predicted flooding and raising flood awareness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
RCO/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne

Lead
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders on Friday have advocated the total elimination of the use of lead in the manufacturing of paints in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders said this at an event organised by the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev) and its partners in Lagos.
The workshop is titled: “Strengthening National Capacity Towards Elimination of Lead Paint in Nigeria.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of SRADev, Dr Leslie Adogame, said the clamour for the elimination of lead from paint manufacturing resulted from its attendant health risks.
Adogame said that lead paint poses significant health risks, especially to children, including neurological damage and developmental delays.
According to him, efforts to eliminate lead paint are critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring a sustainable environment.
He added that strengthening national capacity involves implementing regulatory measures, enhancing public awareness, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
He said the technical committee component of the lead exposure elimination project had agreed that all paints manufactured in Nigeria going forward would carry “No Added Lead.”
He said the resolution would be a big win because anybody going to the market to buy paint should look for the paint with the label, “No added Lead.”
Adogame said that “the focus is Small and Medium Enterprises since they are the once who use all manners of additives, cutting corners in the paint manufacturing process.”
The executive director said that there should be a standard to be adopted in paints manufacturing, noting that buyers of paints should go for ‘No Added Lead’ on the paint label before purchase.
Also speaking, Mr Abimbolu Babatunde, the Chairman, Paints Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, advised informal paint manufacturers to desist from using lead additives in the process of paint manufacturing.
NAN reports that the workshop was organised by SRADev in partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, and the Paints Manufacturers Association of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Cholera

By Abigael Joshua

Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has called on the general public to exercise caution over the recent cholera outbreak in some states across Nigeria.

Mrs Gloria Ogbaki, Head Information and Communications, NBMA, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, quoted Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director- General, NBMA, as saying there was need for carefulness.

“Asagbra said Nigerians must exercise caution as Nigeria records 30 deaths and 1,141 suspected cases from the disease.

“As we approach the festive period of the Salah celebrations, it is of utmost importance that we collectively prioritise the health and safety of our communities.

“Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water, has been reported in Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa, and Lagos States.’’

Asagbra said NBMA, in collaboration with health authorities, was actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to contain the spread of the disease.

She also called on Nigerians to imbibe various hygiene practices such as boiling drinking water or using certified water purification methods.

According to her, there is need to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food.

The director-general also urged Nigerians to always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, cook food thoroughly and consume it while it was hot.

She advised that Nigerians avoid raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables unless they could be peeled or washed with safe water and to always keep the environment clean and dispose waste properly to prevent contamination.

“NBMA urges all Nigerians to be vigilant and adhere to these hygiene practices to protect themselves and their loved ones from cholera.

“We also encourage community leaders and health workers to disseminate this information and assist in educating the public about preventive measures.’’

She called on Nigerians to be alert and report any case of cholera to the nearest hospital.

“If you or anyone you know exhibits symptoms of cholera, which include severe diarrhea, dehydration and vomiting, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest hospital.’’

Asagbra noted that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

“NBMA is committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians; together, we can overcome this challenge and ensure a safe and healthy celebration for all,’’ Asagbra said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo