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Category: Environment

  • Zamfara Govt. cautions residents against indiscriminate tree felling 

  • Vandalised 2nd Niger Bridge fixed–Official

    Bridge
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it has fixed the vandalised railings and expansion joints at the 2nd Niger Bridge.

    Mr Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser on Media to Federal Minister of Works Dave Umahi, announced this in Onitsha on Monday, explaining that the vandalised sections of the bridge were fixed on Sunday.

    He said that the ministry had been working with the police and other security agencies to tighten security and stop vandalisation on the bridge to save the structure from further damage.

    He explained further that decisive measures were being adopted by the ministry to curb further incidents of vandalism and theft of facilities on the bridge and other public infrastructure nationwide.

    Orji said that the minister enjoined all road users, residents and authorities to be vigilant and report any suspected vandals to the nearest police station or call — 08030986263, 08033389700, 08067736638 and 08037056860.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward any person or group who nabs or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators or vandals,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the second time the bridge was being vandalised since it was inaugurated by the former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 23, 2023.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AJOM/KOLE/EAL
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    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • WED: Foundation condemns indiscriminate dredging in Lagos waterways

    Mrs Titi Oshodi (M), the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy with Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ashade, the Chief Executive Officer, Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative, an NGO, with other members of the NGO on Sunday

     

    Dredging
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative on Sunday condemned the indiscriminate dredging of waterways and encroachment of wet lands in Lagos communities.
    Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ashade, the Chief Executive Officer of the initiative, expressed his displeasure during  an event to celebrate 2024 World Environment Day in Badagry.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of 2024 World Environment Day is: “Our land our Future. Land Restoration, Drought Resilience and Desertification”.
    Ashade said: “We want the people to stop the dredging of our waterways and also stop encroaching wet lands in Lagos community.
    “The dredging is familiar with Badagry. Almost in all the communities, you see them dredging and bringing out water from the water.
    “We have so many wet lands in Lagos, most of these lands have been encroached by the people who want to make money at all cost.
    “All these are vital instruments to land restoration that we are talking about,” he said.
    He said that all encroachment and dredging had resulted to flooding.
    “This happens when they sell the wet land and fill it up with sand, chasing away the water because they want to build houses.
    “Go to Gbaji in Badagry, you will see a lot of dredging going on.
    “If this continues, if it rains, this results to flooding because there is no free flow of water,” he said.
    Ashade said the theme of 2024 WED – “Our land, our future”  champions the 2030 Agenda to move the world on to a sustainable and resilient path and joining forces to protect people and planet.
    “World Environment Day 2024 builds momentum for climate action by rallying support for vital ecosystems restoration work.
    “It aims to support Sustainable Development Goal 15- Life on Land, by accelerating progress on global commitments, which include protecting 30 per cent of land and sea for nature and restoring 30 percent of the planet’s degraded ecosystems.
    “Billions across the world are facing food insecurity, crippling droughts, and livelihoods are under threat.
    “That is why on World Environment Day, we’re asking young and passionate volunteers to join the global movement to restore our lands, increase drought resilience and combat desertification.
    “Restoration is the natural solution to help address the triple planetary crisis, deliver new jobs, lower poverty and build resilience to extreme weather.
    ” Land is life and we must protect it,” he said.
    Mrs Titi Oshodi ,the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy,  urged youths in Badagry to rise with one voice and protect their land.
    “You have been chosen to stand to represent the future.
    “Badagry presents a lot of opportunities, not only from the coastal angle, but from the emerging economy and industries that are coming soon
    “There are lots of infrastructures coming to Badagry from Lagos State Development Plan.
    “The town is holding up potential especially for the young ones,” she said.
    Oshodi said she was happy with what the initiative was doing in Badagry.
    “We are happy with what Green Janitors is doing in developing a number of initiative.
    “And partnering with Lagos State University students and other NGO with the space to raise awareness and sensitise the youth to be more responsible with waste management,” she said.
    Also speaking, Mr Sunday Akpan, the Assistant Chief Marine Engineer, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), representing Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager, urged youths to protect their waterways.
    Akpan advised the youth to stop indiscriminate dropping of plastics and other wastes in waterways.
    “We must learn to protect our environment.
    “If life above water refuses to protect the life below the water, very soon, life above water will soon join the life below the water,” he said.
    NAN reports that to mark the World Environment Day, many volunteers and NGOs engaged in cleaning  Badagry waterways by picking plastics and other dirty things . (NAN)
    ROR/VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

     

  • Climate Change: Group trains 250 youths on tree planting, adaptation strategies

    Climate Change: Group trains 250 youths on tree planting, adaptation strategies

    Training
    By Habibu Harisu
    Sokoto, June 9, 2024 (NAN) An NGO, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE), says it has trained 250 youths on tree planting, nursing and other climate change adaptation strategies in Illela Local Government Areas of Sokoto State.

    The group’s Programme Officer and Project Team Lead, Mr Gideon Ihuarulam, said this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

    Ihuarulam said the organisation was implementing a project tagged
    ”Northwest Climate Peace Hubs”, a climate security approach to conflict prevention in border community.

    He said that the project was working toward preventing conflicts and initiating peace building strategies on addressing impacts of climate change along with associated activities.

    “Climate security project means to neutralise the conflict and insecurity stemming from environmental degradation, desert encroachment, degraded pastures and other impacts of climate change in Northwest Nigeria.

    “The project was borne out of the recognition of the dynamic ways through which the impacts of climate change stimulate conflict and insecurity in the region.

    ”Illela in Sokoto State and Jibia in Katsina State are the focus areas of the project,” Ihuarulam said.

    According to him, the project is  supported by the United Nations Development Programme Nigeria and the Norwegian Embassy in Abuja.

    He further said that three key activities had been identified in the project, including capacity building training for youths on dialogue, mediation, reconciliation and climate action.

    The other, he said, was to establish climate and conflict early warning and early response structures and supporting climate change activists to plant and nurture trees across the LGA.

    Ihuarulam also said that the core objective of the project was to support high risk communities in the region working with youths and women to address climate induced conflicts and adapt to climate change.

    In separate remarks, representatives of UNDP, Mansur Dambuwa and Serifu Lamidi, underscored the importance of the project and called for maximum community support.

    They commended the NGO’s Executive Director, Mr Rafi’u Lawal, for his commitment toward ensuring the success of the project

    Speaking on behalf of the benefiting community, the District Head of Illela, Alhaji Buhari Abdulrahman, lamented the adverse effects of climate change and the insecurity facing the north.

    Abdulrahman thanked the organisation for coming up with the initiative and expressed his community’s readiness to support the project and ensure its sustainability. (NAN)

    HMH/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

  • Fire destroys soap factory in Anambra 

    Fire guts soap factory in Anambra

     

    Factory

     

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 8, 2024 (NAN) Fire has destroyed a soap factory and plastic dumping ground at Amanato Street, Ugwuagba Obosi in Idemili Northampton Local Government Area of Anambra.

    Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, Chief Fire Officer, Anambra Fire Service, confirmed this development to newsmen in Onitsha.

     

    According to Chiketa; the Anambra Fire Service received a distress call at 01:40 a. m., about a fire outbreak in a mini soap factory and plastic waste ground at Amanato Street.

     

    “The state firefighters and a fire truck were deployed immediately to the scene of the incident.

    “They fought and contained the fire, and prevented it from hitting a four- storey building,” he said.

    He said that the cause of the fire was still unknown and no life was lost.

    He said that the firemen departed the scene of the fire at 03:40 a. m.

    He advised people to take precautions to prevent fire incidents.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AJOM/NCI/

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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Ephraims Sheyin

  • Agency trains 18 mechanics on water facility maintenance in Kano

    Agency trains 18 mechanics on water facility maintenance in Kano

    By Tosin Kolade

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has trained 18 mechanics and water supply officers on the operation and maintenance of water facilities across seven local governments.

    Malam Shamwilu Abdulkadir, Managing Director of the agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that this became necessary to prevent the breakdown of water supply facilities.

    According to him, this initiative is part of the ‘Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM)’ strategy, which engages local artisans to manage water facilities in rural areas.

    Abdulkadir added that the agency had organised a workshop to review the quality of state rural water and develop a surveillance and implementation strategy.

    He said, “We have initiated and executed a number of water supply projects in various communities and institutions where potable water was seriously needed.

    “These include the construction of an 8000- litre solar borehole at Babawa General Hospital. In addition to this, the agency also repaired 8 hand pump boreholes in the community.

    “It also constructed a 12,000-litre solar powered borehole and reticulation of 500 metres at Kano State School of Health Technology and constructed 4 hand pump boreholes for Sitti communities in Sumaila Local Government.

    “We have also rehabilitated many nonfunctional boreholes at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital overhead tank, handpump boreholes, and the Ministry of Information water facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat.

    “We rehabilitated the Office of the Head of Civil Service facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat; Rehabilitation and upgrade of motorised solar-powered boreholes at Hugungumai village in Tsanyawa Local Government , among others.”

    Abdulkadir said the agency had recorded 11 open defecation-free local government areas within the last ten months.

    He said that the feat was part of the sustained plausible efforts to deliver on the mandate to end open defecation practices.

    The managing director said the initiative also aimed to promote hygiene in the state, following the 2025 national road-map.

    Abdulkadir said this had added to the eight local governments already declared open defecation-free.

    He mentioned that a support mechanism had been established to ensure sustainability.

    According to him, upon assuming office, he continued with ongoing programmes related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the specialised operational focus of the agency with support from the United Nations.

    He added, “We have also set up a mechanism to support the eight validated local governments declared open defecation-free for sustainability.

    “RUWASSA also embarked on training 24 WASH officials on community WASH facilities management within these local governments.”

    The managing director added that various capacity-building workshops had been organised for better service delivery, including the WASH Framework on Measurement and Evaluation in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TAK/TOA/BRM

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

    Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Lagos seeks proactive measures against land degradation

    Environment
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take proactive measures to address land degradation and enhance resilience to drought.
    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this at the grand finale of the 2024 World Environment Day Celebration on Saturday in Lagos.
    Wahab said the state was not immune to natural challenges of being a megacity with growing population and rapid urbanisation.
    He described the theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, as a call to action to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought issues that threaten the existence and future of the planet.
    Wahab said that land degradation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change, affects about 1.9 billion hectares of land globally.
    He explained that desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert and this happens in over 168 countries making it one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time.
    He stressed that droughts have become more frequent and severe, exacerbating the impacts of climate change and threatening the resilience of the ecosystems.
    “In our nation, these challenges are particularly pronounced as Nigeria, with its vast and diverse landscapes, faces significant threats from land degradation and desertification, especially in the northern region,” Wahab said.
    He said that desert encroachment and the loss of arable land were affecting agricultural productivity, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians
    He emphasised that the health nature of the land directly impacts food security, water availability, biodiversity, livelihoods and overall well-being.
    He added that these crises affect millions of people worldwide.
    “Sustainable Land Management initiative not only enhances soil fertility and productivity but also separates carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation,” Wahab said.
    Wahab stated that there is a Community Engagement and Education initiative meant for empowering communities with knowledge and crucial resources.
    He added that the state is conducting extensive outreach programmes to educate farmers, local leaders, and citizens on sustainable practices that promote land restoration and drought resilience.
    “The journey ahead may be daunting, but I am confident that with our collective determination, we can overcome these challenges.
    “Our efforts to restore our land, combat desertification, and enhance our resilience to drought will yield lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and future generations,” he said.
    The commissioner who also dwelt on enforcement efforts of the administration said there was no going back on the application of the law to all environmental infractions.
    Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, noted that the ecosystems are under immense pressure from urbanization, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices.
    He added that amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for all to come together, re-imagine the relationship with nature, recreate sustainable solutions, and restore the balance that is essential for the well-being of the planet and future generations.
    He said the state government has long been at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainability efforts which include tree planting initiatives to waste management reforms.
    He said another example could be seen in the recent ban on styrofoam food containers amongst other saying, the government has demonstrated the unwavering commitment to environmental management.
    In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, reminded participants of the environmental challenges confronting the planet.
    Tajudeen noted that the World Environment Day celebration serves not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action towards sustainable practices that would safeguard the environment for generations to come.
    The Guest Speaker, Dr Soladoye Iwajomo, described land restoration as the process of arresting degradation or rehabilitating degraded land and restoring its productivity through reforestation, soil conservation and protecting natural processes.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Green Awards were presented to private sector operators in Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Reporting and Environmental Restoration Categories respectively. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • NCF, partners seek sustainable action, for ocean conservation

     

    Lagos June 8, 2024 (NAN)  The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and its partner, Lekan Bakare Foundation, have called for sustainable action, understanding and passion for the conservation of oceans.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was made at the clean-up of Elegushi Beach, Lekki, to mark the 2024 World Oceans Day with the theme: “Awaken New Depths.”
    Speaking at the event, Dr Joseph Onoja, the Director-General, said the World Oceans Day call for an action for the protection of the oceans.
    Onoja said that if the use of something is not known, abuse was inevitable, adding that the World Oceans Day call for action for the protection of the oceans.

    It is important for people to understand what the ocean habitat is and the role it plays in trying to create an ecosystem balance so that it will continue to protect the planet earth and humans,” he said.
    He noted that the ocean and planet would always take care of itself but humans cannot take care of themselves because they depend on the earth, the ocean and the environment.
    Onoja who described the theme for the 2024 as apt, said it called for shared understanding and passion and collaborations in protecting the oceans.
    According to him, individuals, corporate organisations and everyone has a role to play in protecting the ocean so that the ocean would in turn come to protect us.
    Onoja called for responsible management of wastes in order not to find their way into the ocean.
    He said that the NCF, the foremost environmental conservation organisation, would continue to urge individuals to take responsible action in the way they treat the earth and the ocean.
    Mr Desmond Majekodunmi, Council Member, NCF, said the World Oceans Day draws attention to the importance of the oceans noting that the oceans occupy 70 per cent of the earth.
    He said that as a result of human activities, the population of fishes in the oceans have reduced tremendously.
    According to him, climate change and global warming were impacting the oceans to a great extent and everyone should do everything possible to protect the ocean and marine life.
    Also speaking, Abiola Chembas, the Chief Operating Officer, Lekan Bakare Foundation, said that it was important to clean up the ocean for the sustainability of the oceans and the creatures that live in them.
    Chembas said the Lekan Bakare Foundation seeks to protect Nigeria’s ocean and coastline by leveraging SDG 14 – Life under Water .
    According to her, the ocean is a source of livelihood for many Nigerians, and it is threatened by the adverse effects of climate change.
    She added that it was important that we ensure the protection of the ocean and promote ecosystem growth.
    Also speaking, Jesusorefunmi Soneye, a 12-year- old volunteer, at the ocean clean-up told NAN that from the pre-clean up advocacy, he learnt that it was important to clean the ocean and keep it free of plastics.
    Soneye, a student of A & T school Agege, said that if fishes in the ocean consume plastics and are in turn eating by humans, it may become cancerous to the body.
    NAN reports that many volunteers and partners showed up for the clean-up at the Elegushi beach.
    At the end of the exercise, a total of 371. 3 kg wastes were gathered from the ocean side. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FG distributes 1m seedlings in Adamawa

    FG distributes 1m seedlings in Adamawa

    Environment

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Environment has distributed 1 million seedlings to stakeholders to plant trees as part of efforts to protect the environment in Adamawa and the country at large.

    Hajiya Safiya Abubakar, controller Federal Ministry of Environment, Adamawa, said this shortly after the Adamawa Mega Trek 2024 organised by Ambassadors of Dialogue, Climate and Reintegration (DCR), in Yola on Saturday.

    She said the seedlings were distributed to higher institutions, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders from June 1 to 7 as the month was set aside for tree planting.

    She urged the benefiting communities to take care of the planted trees by watering and safeguarding them up to maturity.

    Abubakar further appreciated the organisers for creating public awareness and urged other groups to emulate them for environmental protection.

    Mr Richard Inyamkume, founder and president DCR said, the aim of the trek was to create public awareness about the World Environmental Day and mobilise structures towards reducing carbon footprint.

    He called on the public to learn restoration through sustainable ways of living and practice lean conservation by planting more trees.

    He advised government at all levels to always ensure planted trees were protected and nurtured up to maturity.

    “Whenever trees are planted there should be a monitoring committee to safeguard them from animals and water them to grow up.

    “And this will create job opportunities for the young people who will take care of the trees to grow successfully,” he said.

    Inyamkume further called for attitudinal change on negative actions in the society that affect the environment.

    Mrs Sarah Jackson, Executive Director, Against All Odds Foundation, called on the participants to step down the message in their respective communities for a bright future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMK/SA

    Edited by Salif Atojoko

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

  • Group takes tree planting campaign to students in Adamawa

    Campaign

    By Ibrahim Kado

    Yola, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Adamawa Activities for Climate Justice, an NGO has taken tree planting campaign to secondary school students in commemoration of 2024 World Environmental Day.

    Speaking at the commemoration on Friday in Yola, the team leader, Amina Tukur, said the celebration is in collaboration with African Activists for Climate Justice and Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP).

    She advised the students to embrace three planting to save the environment from the challenges of climate change.

    She called on them to understand that environment is a platform for life including plants and animals.

    Tukur also urged the students to be patient in taking care of the trees to grow up to maturity.

    Alh. Aliyu Jada, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment represented by Musa Usman, said issues of climate change is the responsibility of everyone.

    According to him, government is doing everything possible to protect the environment by signing executive order to stop felling of trees for charcoal production.

    “It is our own responsibility to also complement government efforts by planting more trees and stopping all negative activities against the environment,’’ he said.

    He further commended the organisers for the campaign.

    Ahmed Dada, the Executive Director, Dada Education Foundation said that climate change was negatively impacting life and encouraged the students to plant more trees.

    He said the state government had planted trees worth millions of naira over the years but they could not survive due to poor management, hence the need for the students to plant trees and nature them to maturity.

    Mohammed Musa, the Principal, General Murtala Mohammed Collage (GMMC) Yola,  who spoke on behalf of selected schools thanked the organisers and gave assurance that they would take care of the seedlings up to maturity.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the selected schools were GMMC, Government Secondary School Bekaji, Karewa, Capital School, and Government Girls Secondary School Yola (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    IMK/OIF/IU

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/ Isaac Ukpoju