Category: Metro

Ground handling: NAHCO renews contract with Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc
Ground handling: NAHCO renews contract with Lufthansa, Royal Air Maroc

Contract
By Itohan Abara-Laserian
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NAHCO Plc., Mr Indranil Gupta

Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc. (NAHCO-Aviance) has, again, signed five years contracts with Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc airlines for ground handling services.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Tayo Ajakaye, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications of NAHCO, on Thursday in Lagos.

Ajakaye said that the contract with Lufthansa, a leading European carrier, began on May 1, 2024, and would end on April 30, 2029.

He said that the contract with Royal Air Maroc was comprehensive for both Lagos and Abuja destinations.
The official said that both contract took effect on May 1, 2024, and would end on April 30, 2029,.

He quoted the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development of NAHCO, Prince Saheed Lasisi, as saying that the contracts came when NAHCO was increasing capacity, with its recent purchase of new ground support equipment.

“Lufthansa and Royal Air Maroc have made the right decision in staying with NAHCO.

‘We just took delivery of billions of naira worth of equipment which would be deployed to service these valued partners,” Ajakaye quoted Lasisi as saying. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
ITM/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

June 27, 2024
Engender investor confidence in auto sector with NAIDP – Expert
Participants at the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit on Thursday in Lagos.

Auto
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Transtech Industrial Consulting, an automotive replacement parts company, has urged government to pass the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) as amended into law to engender investor confidence in the sector.
The Chief Executive Officer, Transtech, Mr Luqmam Mamudu, made the appeal at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit on Thursday in Lagos.
The summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) had the theme: ‘Developing Nigeria ‘s Economy through the Auto Industry.’
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the NAIDP approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2023, is aimed at enabling the exponential increase in the local production of vehicles.
It is expected to generate one million jobs and enforce patronage of locally produced vehicles by government and companies working on government contracts.
Mamudu, former director of NADDC, said that restriction on the inflow of used vehicles must be well managed to ensure balance between industry needs and consumer preference for Nigeria to reap automotive industry benefits.
“The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment must negotiate with countries or regions from which these dirty vehicles originate.
“Also, all imported used vehicles including salvage must be accompanied by certificates of integrity by originating countries,” he said.
He also recommended that automotive suppliers parks as provided for under NAIDP must be realised and prioritised.
Mamudu said that the zero differential between import of fully built commercial vehicles which presently stands at 10 per cent must be reviewed.
“This was smuggled into the NAIDP programme without consultation with the industry,” he said.
Mr Benedeth Ejindu, Board member, Nigeria Automobile Manufacturers Association, also stressed the need for the NAIDP to be signed into law to reposition the automotive industry for economic growth and development.
According to Ejindu, there is also the need to develop and implement an automotive raw materials development and component manufacturing masterplan.
“There is the need to revive tyre, battery, and glass manufacturing as a precursor to revamping local manufacture of welded parts (exhaust system, seat frames), elect Parts (batteries, trafficators, wiring harness).
“Others are plastic and rubber parts such as tyres, tubes, fan blades, seat foam, oil seals, radiator, cables, filters, brake pads/linings, windscreens, side glasses, fibre-glass parts and paints,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CAN/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 27, 2024
Lagos moves to restructure unregulated public transport bus operators
Participants at the meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

Transport
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for the collaboration of public transport bus operators as it releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience in the state.
Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, said this in a meeting between the Ministry of Transportation with Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) and bus operators on the Bus Reform Initiative programme on Thursday in Lagos.
The initiative is aimed at systematic restructuring of the existing Public Transport operations in Lagos State.
Giwa said this was in line with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for the state.
He described the current state of bus operations as chaotic hence the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the state’s Bus Reform Initiative.
Using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test, he explained that the corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and LAMATA to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the expressway and adjourning roads.
“Systematic framework to address these challenges have been mapped out which include deployment of high capacity buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network.
“Also included is re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Mini buses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.
“Others are the introduction of e-ticketing system, provision of transport infrastructure, regulation and standardisation of bus operations, improved transportation services and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor,” he said.
Giwa noted that the restructuring plan would be implemented in phases, urging transport operators who intend to key into the restructuring program to come to the ministry of transportation to register within the next two weeks.
“Registered operators will be allotted routes by the ministry to ensure strict compliance to the strategy,” he said.
The special adviser warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations implemented would be fined and would forfeit their vehicles in the event that they ignore the notice of their fines.
On concerns raised by members of the unions, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olawale Musa, explained that the government was counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the Lekki-Epe corridor. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CAN/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
June 27, 2024
FG committed to prosperity of MSMEs – Shettima
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to the prosperity of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, gave the assurance at the World MSMEs Day (Joint Nigeria and African Union event), held on Thursday in Abuja.
He said that the recent launch of the N150 billion MSME’s Intervention fund in partnership with the Bank of Industry, which offers single digit loans to MSMEs across Nigeria, among other interventions, was an example of the commitment.
Shettima said that MSMEs were the backbone of not only the Nigerian or the African economy, but of the global economy.
According to him, they account for 90 per cent of all businesses worldwide and employ over 60 per cent of the global workforce.
He said, ” It is no wonder that the United Nations has dedicated today, June 27, to recognise MSMEs and to celebrate them for their immense contributions to the economies of nations all over the world.
” In Nigeria, the stakes are even higher when it comes to MSMEs. MSMEs in Nigeria account for 96 per cent of all businesses.
”They contribute to our economy by over 45 per cent and without them, 80 per cent of the current Nigerian workforce will be without employment.
” These facts provide us with the evidence that if MSMEs prosper, Nigeria prospers, if MSMEs prosper, Africa prospers, if MSMEs prosper, the entire world prospers.”
Shettima, however, said that unfortunately, MSMEs in Africa were fraught with numerous challenges that hinder their growth and by extension, the growth of the African economy.
He added, ” It is for this reason that we have joined hands with the African Union Commission to hear from you all, our distinguished guest speakers and panelists, on devising the appropriate continental solution for this obvious continental problem.
” I want to urge us all not to forget that this gathering is a call to action. This means that we must all ensure that we do our part and put into action all the insights that have been uncovered from today’s occasion.
” Failure to do so would mean that we have gathered here for nothing and wasted another opportunity.”
Shettima appreciated the leadership of the African Union Commission for partnering with the Nigerian government to bring together relevant stakeholders to lend their voice to the important conversation on what could be done to better support MSMEs in Africa.
Earlier, Mr Tola Adekunle-Johnson, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, reiterated the determination of the government to put modalities in place to ensure that MSMEs access single digits loan easily.
He thanked WEMA bank for partnering with the Tinubu’s administration to expand opportunities in the MSMES space.
Adekunle-Johnson said, ” The essence of the partnership is to ensure that small businesses are able to get a single digits loan.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SSI/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 27, 2024
FG commits to implementing teachers’ scheme
FG commits to implementing teachers’ scheme
Scheme
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has pledged its commitment toward implementing the teachers’ scheme as a way to improve the quality of education in the country.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman made the pledge at the Public Presentation of the Professional Standards for school Leadership, in Abuja on Thursday.
The event was organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and supported by British Council and Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE).
Mamman acknowledged the roles of teachers in developing value system at the heart of learners, hence the need to support their crucial roles.
He pledged the commitment of the federal government to provide necessary resources, training, and support to help them succeed in their profession.
The Minister maintained that the professional standards would serve as a comprehensive framework designed to support and enhance the effectiveness of school leadership.
He said the standards were not merely guidelines, but a vision of what exemplary leadership should be by providing a clear pathway for professional growth and institutional success.
“To our school leaders, we want to say this; our work is at the heart of our educational mission. You have the power to inspire, to innovate, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless students.
“These standards are here to guide, support and challenge you to reach new heights. Embrace them with the passion and dedication that defines your leadership.
“Let us all commit to upholding these standards, not as a set of rules, but as a shared vision of excellence.
“Together, we can build education systems that do not only meet the needs of today but anticipates and prepares for the challenges of tomorrow.”
Also, the Registrar of TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, said school leadership was critical to changing the landscape in teaching profession of the country.
According to him, the idea is to produce instructional leadership in our school leaders.
“So that they will not only be managing the chalk and duster but they will also be able to manage the instruction in their various school systems.
“Nigeria is the first country in Africa to have a professional standard for school leadership which is a milestone achievement and being recorded under the TRCN.
“We want to see this professional standards making impact in our school leaders because over the years we have now come to realise that apart from the learners factor, the next most critical factor in a school system is the school leaders.
“We believe that if this school leadership document is well utilised, it will transform our classrooms and school system.
“If we have good leaders in our school system, it will revolutionalise our school system and we will begin to see better results from our schools,” he said.
On his part, the Director Programmes, British Council, Chikodi Onyemerela, said effective school leadership would invariably create an effective learning environment that students could benefit from.
Onyemerela said that school leadership was an indispensable outcome of the whole school system.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the professional standards comprised five core domains which are: promoting school improvement and innovation and leading teaching and learning.
Others are developing self and others, leading and managing the school and engaging and working with the community. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FAK/AMM
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Edited by AbiemwenseMoru
June 27, 2024
Reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on forex, hinders growth – NADDC

Reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on forex, hinders growth – NADDC

Vehicles
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) says Nigeria’s reliance on imported vehicles puts pressure on forex and hinders job creation and economic growth.
The Director-General of NADDC, Mr Joseph Osanipin, made the assertion at a Nigerian Auto Industry Summit on Thursday in Lagos.
The summit was organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), in collaboration with the NADDC.
It had the theme: ”Developing Nigeria’s Economy through the Auto Industry”.
Osanipin, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics Report, stated that, in 2023, the value of passenger car imports jumped to ₦1.47 trillion, indicating 224.67 per cent increase from that of 2022.
He urged that the trend should change.
“We must strive towards a future where Nigeria is not just a consumer, but also a producer of high-quality automobiles, and this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
“The good news is that we are already making strides.
“Nigeria has a number of local assembly plants in operation, and government is more than ever committed to seeing the industry thrive,” he said.
He said that NADDC was dedicated to supporting the development of a vibrant domestic automotive industry and was working on several initiatives to achieve the goal.
He listed the initiatives to include implementing the Nigerian Automotive Industrial Development Plan.
According to him, the plan provides a roadmap for the industry’s growth, outlining strategies/incentives for attracting investment, developing local content, and creating jobs.
He also said that the success of the Nigerian automotive industry hinged on collaboration.
Osanipin said that the association was ready to work with stakeholders to ensure progress.

“The future of the Nigerian automotive industry is bright.
“The inauguration of the Implementation Committee of the 2023 National Automotive Industry Development Plan and the adoption of locally-assembled Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles by the Federal Government is proof of its desire to ensure the development of the sector.
“Nigeria has the potential to become a vehicle manufacturing centre for the West and Central African region.
“Let us use this summit as a springboard to propel the Nigerian automotive industry towards a brighter future,’’ he said.
The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that the automotive industry had the potential to be a cornerstone of economic recovery, offering numerous benefits including job creation, technology transfer, and development of ancillary industries.
She said that the Federal Government was committed to creating an enabling environment for the automotive sector to thrive.
She added that the government had introduced several policies and initiatives aimed at supporting the industry.
“With the right policies, investments and collaborative efforts, we can transform this sector into a significant driver of economic growth and development,” she said.
Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, said that proliferation of used cars in Nigeria was further weakening the naira and straining local manufaturers.
Adeniyi represented by Comptroller Mankini Daniyan of the Port Terminal Multiservices Ltd. Command noted that used vehicles were often cheaper and more affordable than their brand new ones, and sometimes locally-assembled vehicles.
“These abundant and affordable used vehicles dampens demand for new locally-assembled cars, and hinders growth in the domestic industry.
“The service currently enforces an import prohibition on vehicles older than 15 years, as contained in Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff, from entering Nigeria’s car markets as a way to reduce import of used cars.
“This is tailored at further supporting and encouraging growth in the Nigerian automative industry,” he said.
Earlier, the NAJA Chairman, Mr Mike Ochonma, called for adequate support for the automative industry to enhance transformation of Nigeria into Africa’s automative manufacturing hub.
According to Ochonma, the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit shall annually produce significant information that will help in the achievement of the goal.
He said that the summit would strive to help automotive industry leaders to set development agenda aimed at driving relevant government policies toward sustainable development of the industry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CAN/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
June 27, 2024
NUT calls for restoration of TRCN funding
Funding
By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on the Federal Government to reverse its decision to stop funding the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The National President of NUT, Audu Amba, made the call at the Public Presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja on Thursday.
Amba said that the decision to stop funding the council was inimical, noting that the council was critical to the development of teaching profession in the country.
“TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalise everyone that teaches in primary, secondary schools and universities.
“We woke up overnight to hear that the federal government decided to stop funding of the TRCN.
“I have never seen anywhere in the world that a regulatory body that supposed to regulate the teaching profession is not funded; do we really mean business when doing this?
He said that the country placed much attention to other aspects while giving lip service to the teaching profession, the real implementer of other sectors.
“Are we saying that teachers are inconsequential? We will not allow it go as leaders of teachers.
“We will agitate and make sure government fund TRCN because we have gone a long way as the leading country in Africa, so we can’t be seen retracting,” he said.
Speaking on professionalism, the Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said the review of the Professional Standards for School Leadership was undertaken to reflect the evolving instructional roles of school leaders.
Ajiboye said it was also to provide a comprehensive guiding framework that addressed the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the education system.
According to him, while the existing professional standards emphasised the administrative responsibilities of school leaders, there was a recognised need to establish comprehensive standards that address their crucial role in instructional leadership.
“This charged them with the responsibility to provide professional learning for teachers and are considered as the most effective type of leadership practice for improving student learning outcomes.
“The document is setting the stage for a transformative impact on the educational landscape of Nigeria.
“The standards outlined herein are intended to promote a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability among school leaders,” he said.
He expressed hope that the standards would be embraced and implemented with the seriousness and dedication they deserved while contributing significantly to the enhancement of educational quality and equity across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FAK/MNA
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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June 27, 2024
Centre trains police duty solicitors for quick dispensation of justice
Centre trains police duty solicitors across 5 states
Participants at two-day Access to Justice Police Duty Solicitors Scheme training, organised by the Public and Private Development Centre on Thursday in Abuja
Justice
By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has trained about 50 police duty solicitors across five states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to aid quick dispensation of justice in police stations.
The Chief Executive Officer, PPDC, Mr Jubril Shittu, disclosed this during the “Access to Justice Police Duty Solicitors Scheme” (PDSS) training on Thursday in Abuja.
Shittu, represented by Mr Kenechukwu Agwu, Senior Programme Manager, PPDC, listed the states to include Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the FCT.
“And we have 10 young lawyers in each of the states, the crop of the lawyers includes lawyers, who are still undergoing their National Youth service programme and those who have had one or two years experiences at the bar.”
He said the training was designed to equip the duty solicitors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their vital roles.
According to him, PDSS is a scheme where the centre uses young lawyers and corps members stationed at the police stations to provide justice to Nigerians.
He said the essence of the initiative was to provide free legal representation and assistance to indigent suspects and reduce the number of detainees at the police stations.
“Indeed, this gathering is a step in the right direction as we become essential contributors to our justice system, where our expertise, commitment, and professionalism will play a vital role in upholding the rights and freedom of many Nigerians.
“PPDC is committed to catalysing societal transformation towards enhanced governance transparency, accountability, and active citizen’s participation.
“Our Access to Justice programme tackles pressing issues and fosters evidence-based solutions, promoting a more just and equitable society.
“Through targeted strategic initiatives, we are committed to enhancing the operational capabilities of these institutions, making justice delivery more efficient and equitable,” he said.
Shittu, therefore, urged the duty solicitors to have compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice, saying “every individual you represent is entitled to fair treatment.
“It is your duty to advocate for their rights with diligence and empathy. You stand at the forefront of legal representation, often encountering people at some of the most challenging moments in their lives.
“Whether it’s in the early hours of the morning in a police station or during a critical court appearance, your role is pivotal in ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” he added.
The chief executive, while appreciating the participants thanked the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, for the support which enabled PPDC to start off the
PPDC’s PDSS Scheme.
Similarly, Mr Bamidele Ibikunle, Technical Assistant to the Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, encouraged the participants to be passionate about their duties and always sensitise their clients to their rights.
Speaking on the topic “PDSS in Nigeria: The role of PDSS in protecting detainees”, Ibikunle said that the major challenge Nigerians had was ignorance of their rights.
“As a duty solicitor you’re expected to provide legal aid and assistance to indigents suspects within the first 48 hours of arrest at the police station.
“Ensure that due processes of law are undertaken in the course of investigation, and also ensure that all facilities needed by the suspect for his/her defence are available.
“And also ensure that you reduce the duration of pre-trial detention at the police station among others,” he explained.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by the Public and Private Development Centre as of one of its interventions towards enhancing the justice system in the country.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
JIN/KOO/AMM
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Abiemwense Moru

June 27, 2024
Aso-Golf rotary club awards scholarships to 111 indigent pupils
Aso-Golf rotary club awards scholarships to 111 indigent pupils
Scholarship
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, on Tuesday awarded scholarships to 111 indigent pupils of the Science Model Primary School, Garki 11, Abuja.
Mr Clement Chinaka, President of Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf, made this known at the club’s outreach with the theme ‘Create Hope in the World’ ’in Abuja’.
Chinaka said that the club has also donated school bags to 380 pupils and it was carrying out other projects as part of its contribution to address the out-of-school menace.
According to him,rotary is a worldwide humanitarian organisation with the ideals of impacting on the immediate community.
He said that part of the ideals of the rotary was to help humanity, to make impact where it’s most needed.
Chinaka said, “That is what we have come here to do today .Leading to this , our investigative team came to inquire and discovered that some students could not pay sundry fees.
” As such they were not going to continue with their studies and probably would be stopped from writing exams.
“So we have paid that today for about 111 students, and also donated school bags to them because we know that times are hard and parents are struggling.
“So, this is our way of reaching out to the children, by necessary implication ,their families, to be able to assist them with what we have brought today.”
He said that the club had to step in for the children so they could continue schooling because education is the bedrock.
He encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to help indigent children adding that,” Whatever anyone can do to impact the next person positively,please we urge that it be done,”he said
Also speaking ,Mr Ehi Uwaifo, President-nominee of Rotary Club of Abuja Aso-Golf,said the club was impacting the community through the Water Sanitation and Hygiene programme (WASH).
“We sponsor projects in water, health, hygiene, children’s health, education,among others .
“This is because education is the leveller,it is the only way that the son of a rich man and that of a poor man can bridge the gap in development.
“This is just one of the projects that the club has earmarked to execute over a period,” he said.
Uwaifo said that the club also intervenes in other schools to assist them in one way or the other.
He added , “We have looked at the sanitation of the Model science primary school and discovered that there are issues there.
“Both the boys and girls are using the same toilet. So it is the next step of our intervention to separate them and make it more hygienic.”
Mr Kasimi Karshi,Head Teacher,,Garki Model Science Primary School,commended the club for their intervention.
Karshi said that the intervention was apt and it would go a long way to support their education.
“I am very glad particularly because this project happened in my school out of the about 160 schools within the municipality.
“On behalf of the school authority, we are happy indeed for the programme. May God continue to bless you in abundance.,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries of the intervention thanked the club for the kind gestures.
Miss Azizzat Mustapha,a 12-year-old, Primary six pupil,said that the scholarship given to her would help her to graduate without stress.
“Thank you for helping us to pay our school fees because some of our parents cannot pay.
“This will help us further our education,”she said.
Another pupil, Mr Sani Rabiu,said, “We thank Rotary club for the bag and school fees ,may God will bless them with more prosperity.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
ATAB/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 27, 2024
Agric ministry, NGO advocate sustainable action to tackle climate change

Climate
By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has called on Nigerians, particularly the youth, to plant trees to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
Mr Oshadiya Olanipekun, Director of Agricultural Lands and Climate Change Management Services at the ministry, made the call on Wednesday, in Abuja.
Olanipekun, represented by Mrs Anna Kalu, said that the ministry was committed to the government’s renewed hope agenda, which included ensuring food security.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Caritas Nigeria, an NGO, with the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”, to mark this year’s World Environment Day.
He outlined the severe impact of climate change on global food security, advocating that “when you cut one tree, ensure you plant two trees to replace that one”.
“Climate change is driven by human activities like deforestation and release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These exacerbate global warming.
“Deforestation, the act of cutting down trees which serve as carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide, is identified as a major contributor to climate change,” he said.
He highlighted the environmental consequences such as land degradation and drought, especially in Nigeria’s northern regions.
“To address these challenges, the ministry, in collaboration with international donors and local communities, is implementing land restoration projects like Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) in 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In observance of World Environment Day, the ministry stressed the importance of individual actions in mitigating climate change.
“When we burn, we release potent greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
“To counter this, we must engage in afforestation through planting trees to reduce carbon dioxide levels and lower global temperatures,” he said.
Earlier, the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr Zachariah Samjumi, had emphasised the critical role of the environment in human survival.
He recalled the recent cholera outbreaks caused by environmental contamination, saying that it underlined the need for a clean and healthy environment.
Fr Samjumi made reference to Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical on the environment which had been globally recognised and discussed at high-level meetings like the G7.
He commended students and schools for their involvement in environmental initiatives and encouraged them to reflect their environmental knowledge in their daily lives.
On his part, Osi Braimah, a director in the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), said that the engagement of religious leaders and communities in climate change issues was critical in promoting sound environmental practices
Braimah, represented by Mr Ezekiel Oye-Ojo, further explained that together, humanity could foster a culture of sustainability and stewardship of the earth.
“I urge each of you to take action in protecting our environment. Simple actions, such as reducing waste, conserving water, and planting trees, can make a significant difference.
“Let us commit to promoting sustainable development and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations and ourselves,” he said.
Mr Udeaja Ikenna, Geographical information System’s (GIS) Consultant to Caritas Nigeria, in his presentation, urged the government to provide a central water board system that would supply water instead of individual sinking their boreholes
“Nigerians are so insensitive to the sinking of boreholes in the country. You discover each compound sinking their boreholes. Geologists tell us that in the near future, we are prone to earthquakes.
“Any slightest movement, an earthquake will happen. So what about the government having a central water board that will supply water instead of people sinking boreholes?
“Or better still, why not one or three houses use one borehole? Instead of each house having a private borehole?” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
APA/IAA
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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola
June 27, 2024