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  • Environment Day: KDSG to plant 10m trees

     

    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

  • Yusuf empowers 465 street hawkers with N50,000

    Yusuf empowers 465
    street hawkers with N50,000
    Empowerment
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 5, 2024 ( NAN)  Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Wednesday, empowered 465 street hawkers with N50,000 each to  support vulnerable groups, particularly youths and women.
    The  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yusuf at the presentation of cash to the beneficiaries,  said that the empowerment programme is  targeted at  nine clusters within Kano metropolis.
    He said that the exercise main aim is to enhance the beneficiaries’ trades and skills, promoting self-sufficiency and dignity.
    The beneficiaries, who specialises in hawking various items like car decorations, accessories and kitchen utensils, were commended by the Governor for their resilience and determination to earn a decent living.
    Yusuf emphasised his administration’s  priority to support vulnerable groups, including youths and women to improve their socio-economic status.
    “This initiative followed a previous empowerment programme for 5,200 women, who received N50,000 each, equivalent to N26 million.
    “The programme has yielded positive results with beneficiaries experiencing increased socio-economic status.
    The Governor urged the beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously, expanding their businesses to generate a positive multiplier effect in the community.( NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/EBI/JPE
    ============
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Joseph Edeh
    08037874101.

  • Iddo community celebrates Elegba Ejiwa Festival in Lagos

    L-R: Chief Isiaka Ogundare, Apena of Lagos; Chief Ismail Folaji, Olorogun-Ide of Lagos and another white cap chief in Lagos during the celebration of Elegba Ejiwa Festival in Iddo community in Lagos, on Wednesday

     

     

    Iddo community celebrates Elegba Ejiwa Festival in Lagos

    Festival

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Iddo Community in Lagos Mainland on Wednesday celebrated its annual Elegba Ejiwa Festival to ward off evil from the land.

    The celebration witnessed a combination of cultural and spiritual activities from seven coastal communities namely Ido, Oniru, Ikate-Elegushi, Ojora, Ilashe, Irede and Ilado.

    Community members, especially traditionalists, from these areas came out in their numbers with colourful and spontaneous dance and musical performances.

    Chief Ismail Folaji, the Olorogun-Ide of Lagos, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the final ceremony of the seven-day festival that it  was meant to encourage peaceful co-existence within the community.

    Folaji, who is the chief organiser of the ceremony, added that the festival was to promote sanctity of traditions and ensure prosperity in the land.

    According to Folaji, the festival is also to celebrate the remembrance of the ancient traditional ruler of the community known as Olofin Atekoya.

    He said, according to history, the legend’s story resonated as a beacon of leadership, courage and strength.

    “This festival is the time set aside to offer prayers for peace and prosperity for Iddo community and its indigenes, the state and the entire nation.

    “It also serves as a form of reunion for the sons and daughters of Olofin, home and abroad.

    “Elegba Ejiwa is an age-long festival that dates back to the 15th century.

    “We are encouraged to continue this festival annually because we have received beautiful feedbacks whereby our people are making progress and living in peace.

    “This, for us, promotes tourism because we have our friends from Ogun, Osun and other states coming to celebrate with us,” the chief said.

    Correcting the wrong perception about the festival, especially those who believed human blood was usually used for the annual sacrifice during the ceremony, Folaji said this was not true.

    He said blood from domestic animals were used and not human blood.

    The chief noted that the celebration of the festival would now be done in turns by the other six coastal areas of Oniru, Ikate-Elegushi, Ojora, Ilashe, Irede and Ilado, starting with Oniru.

    He said that the Elegba Ejiwa Festival had been improved on as it was now being celebrated for seven days instead of the former three days. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

    PTB/FAA
    ========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Police arrest 19 suspects for alleged crimes in Kano

    Police arrest 19 suspects for alleged crimes in Kano

    Police

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Kano StATE have arrested 19 suspects for alleged armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnapping in different parts of the state.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesman of the command SP Abdullahi Kiyawa.

    Kiyawa gave the names of the suspects as:
    Auwal Fulani, aged 27 years old, Abdullahi Salisu, aged 28 years old, Halilu Adamu, aged 37 years old and Abdulkarim Harisu, aged 37 years old.

    Others were Alhassan Abubakar, aged 20 years old, Sani Abdullahi, aged 45 years old, Tasiu Jamilu, aged 25 years old, Sani Muhammad, aged 45 years old and Auwal Umar, aged 25 years old.

    He said the police also arrested Usman Abdullahi, aged 26 years old, Mustapha Umar, aged 25 years, Nazifi Abdullahi, aged 30, Isa Abbas, aged 21, Junaidu Hamisu aged 33, and Abdulrazak Aliyu, aged 22 years old.

    Kiyawa said the weapons recovered from the suspects included: 2 AK-47 rifles, one Smoke Pistol, one Pump Action rifle, 26 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 2 motor vehicles, 16 rams, dangerous weapons and house-breaking implements,

    He added that the feat was achieved through the efforts of the State Police Command in checkmating violent and criminal activities in all parts of the state to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

    Kiyawa said that the command’s robust crime prevention patrols led to the arrest of the suspects.

    He said all the suspects were presently undergoing detailed investigation at the Criminal Investigation Department of the command after which they would be charged to court.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/NNO/BRM

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

     

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Bashr Rabe Mani

  • Colombia 2024:Falconets draw South Korea ,Venezuela , Germany

    Colombia 2024: Falconets draw South Korea ,Venezuela , Germany

    Falconets
    By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June 5, 2024 ( NAN) Nigeria’s Under -20 female football team, the Falconets have been drawn in Group D of the  2024 FIFA under 20 women’s  World Cup in Colombia alongside Germany, South Korea and Venezuela.
    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the  draw held on Wednesday at the Hall 74 Centri de Evantos in Bogota, the  Colombian capital will see Nigeria slug it out in a tough group at the World Cup.
    The Christopher Danjuma tutored team will open their campaign against South Korea on Sept. 1 at the Estadio El Techo, Bogota by 6pm.
    Nigeria will then meet with  Germany on Sept. 4 at the Estadio El Techo  Bogota by 5pm while their last group match with will be against Venezuela.
    NAN reports that hosts, Colombia will lock horns with Australia in the opening match of the tournament on Aug. 31  at Estadio El camp in Bogota by 6pm.
    The 2024 finals in Colombia will be the first to welcome 24 teams, with Africa producing four teams. (Nigeria, Morocco, Cameroon and Ghana).
    The Draws in full;
    Group A: Colombia ( host), Australia, Cameroon and Mexico
    Group B : France, Canada,Brazil and Fiji
    Group C : Spain, United States, Paraguay and Morocco.
    Group D: Germany, Venezuela, Nigeria and South Korea .
    Group E: Japan, New Zealand, Ghana and Austria.
    Group F: North Korea, Argentina, Costa Rica and Netherlands.

    The tournament will hold from Aug. 31 to sept. 22 in four venues of three cities

    (Bogotá, Medellín and Cali).
    Reigning champions Spain will be challenged by some of the worlds best young teams, while nations such as Fiji and Morocco are making their tournaments debuts.
    Nigeria have been the only team to reach the quarter finals, semifinals and the finals. Finishing second twice in 2010 and 2014 and fourth in 2012.
    This will be the Falconets 11th appearance in the tournament.(NAN) (www. nannews.ng)
    STJ/MUYI/JPE
    ============
    Edited by MUYI/Joseph Edeh

  • Expert tasks FG on policies against unregulated mining

    Mining
    By Henry Oladele
    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) A renowned conservation biologist, Prof. Excellence Akeredolu, has tasked the Federal Government on policies against unregulated mining of mineral resources in the country.
    Akeredolu said this at an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos Zonal office, in commemoration of the World Environment Day on Wednesday in Lagos.
    He enjoined the Federal Government  to tighten policies against unregulated mining of mineral resources, open grazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and deforestation to ensure economic growth.
    He explained that these policies if not tightened could undermine the nation’s efforts at actualising the global mandate to restore degraded ecosystems and halt desertification.
    In his lecture tilted: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’, he observed that the environment had been hugely degraded affecting lives and livelihoods.
    “Following unregulated human activities like unsustainable agricultural practices, open grazing and mining, the environment has been hugely degraded with attendant consequences of lacking the ability to support lives and livelihoods,” he said.
    He added that  in line with the United Nations Decade of ecosystem restoration, the nation should adopt sustainable agricultural practices, conserve forests and massively plant trees, amongst others.
    The expert who stressed the need to prioritise land restoration and combat desertification said everyone must get involved to sustainably protect and conserve the nation’s environment.
    The Federal Controller, Ministry of Environment and Zonal Director, South-west, Mrs Margaret Akinyemi, in her address, called on every  Nigerian to plant at least a tree.
    Akinyemi said this would be in support of the government’s 50 million trees target towards achieving the goal of this year’s World Environment Day celebration.
    She said that the ministry had committed itself to planting 50 million trees within the next five years.
    Akinyemi said that this year’s event, the 52nd edition, emphasised the land as the determinant of the future and must be protected at all costs.
    According to her, land across the globe is under threat of diverse disasters including desertification, land degradation, pollution, and drought.
    She added that all hands must be on deck in tackling them.
    Akinyemi identified tree planting as the most sustainable strategy for tackling most environmental issues.
    The event was attended by pupils and students from schools in Lagos, who made presentations to further convey the message of the event.
    The high point of the event was the distribution of tree seedlings to all the participants to inculcate in them the culture of tree planting. (NAN)
    HOB/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • We’ve more to do in tackling illegal mining, kidnapping —- Police

    Police

    By Suleiman Shehu

    Ibadan, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Abiodun Alabi, the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of South-West Zone, says the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) now need to put up more effective policing plans.

    Alabi, during his official visit to the Police Command in Oyo State on Wednesday in Ibadan, said this would help them to tackle illegal mining, kidnapping and other crimes.

    The DIG, who said he was visiting based on the Inspector-General (IG) of Police’s directive to appraise security in the zone, urged the officers to return to the drawing board.

    “This will help you to see where there are challenges and how to address them,” he said.

    Alabi, who is also in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), urged the officers not to rest on their oars.

    ’But you should redouble your efforts to enhance effective policing and effectively curb crime in the state.

    “It is when there is visibility policing that criminals will be afraid to come out, but if you leave a vacuum they will come out to perpetrate their crime.

    “Put more energy in crime prevention and detection and this will make the public to trust and appreciate our efforts,” he said.

    Alabi further urged the officers to collaborate with members of the community and other critical stakeholders to get information needed to effectively perform their duty of protection of lives and property.

    The DIG pointed out that policing was not a one man’s job, and officers should obviously note that they could not effectively do it except with the community’s collaboration.

    “You must get members of the public involved, no matter how strategic you are. No matter your professionalism, if you don’t have information and intelligence, you will just be doing reactive policing, instead of proactive,” Alabi said.

    Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Adebola Hamzat, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration), Bello Adamu, highlighted the command’s achievements and challenges.

    “We appreciate the DIG for this visit,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DIG also visited the Oyo State Governor’s Office, where he was received by the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Adebayo Lawal.

    Lawal, who appreciated efforts of the police in the state, said the South-West states, including Oyo State, were facing security challenges such as kidnapping and armed robbery, among others.

    He said Oyo State was endowed with solid minerals, which made it prone to security challenges due to activities of illegal miners who had infiltrated the forests in the state.

    The deputy governor called for more deployment of police personnel to rid the state of kidnapping and other forms of crimes.

    “The administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde has taken the issue of security seriously and has deployed a lot of logistics to police and other security agencies to ensure that the state is peaceful,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SYS/FON/OLAL

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

    (Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Olawale Alabi)

     

  • WABC Final Four dunks off in Lagos

    WABC Final Four ongoing at the Indoor Hall of National Stadium Surulere Lagos
    WABC Final Four ongoing at the Indoor Hall of National Stadium Surulere Lagos

    WABC Final Four dunks off in Lagos

    Finals

    By Olanrewaju Akojede

    Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The first edition of the West Africa Basketball Classics (WABC) Final Four have dunked off in Lagos with teams from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo in contention for the grand prize.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final four holds at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.

    The first and second phases of the WABC was held in Lome, Togo and Cotonou, Benin Republic, with elimination of two teams while the final four holds from June 5 to 7.

    The last four teams for the final round are: Gidi Giants, Nigeria; ASPAC, Benin Republic; Kwara Falcons, Nigeria; and Swallows of Togo.

    In the first semi-final game ASPAC of Benin Republic defeated Kwara Falcons by 65-63, while Gidi Giants defeated ASPAL 61-43 in the second match of the day.

    The President of the WABC, Olumide Oyedeji, in an interview with NAN said that the success recorded at the tournament has been a landmark.

    “WABC is a great tournament, we started with six then to five and now, we are at the final four.

    “It”s great seeing the young players display their talents and do what they love to do best.

    “I am excited with the level and standard of performances so far, it’s a masterpiece.

    “The short run of this target of this tournament is to have the competition spread to other West African countries, while the long target is to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL),”he said.

    Oyedeji also congratulate the Rivers Hoopers for their success winning the bronze at the just-concluded BAL in Kigali.

    Ahmed Olusoji, Point guard for the victorious Gidi Giant however told NAN that he and his teammates were poised to win the maiden edition.

    “I feel happy winning our first game, but we have to prepare well for the next match which is the final game.

    “Before the final game, we will work on our defense and coordination because our target is to win the competition,” he said.

    NAN reports that the final of the WABC will be played on June 7 at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KOJE/DOE

    =========
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Flooding: Akwa Ibom to demolish structures built on water channels

    Structures
    By Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor, says the state government will demolish any structure built on water channels in order to avoid flooding and collapse of buildings.
    Eyakenyi, made the statement on Wednesday during an inspecting tour of flooded areas and blocked drainage systems in Uyo.
    Eyakenyi, also the Chairman, Akwa Ibom Emergency Management Agency, urged residents of the city to avoid dumping wastes on drains and water channels.
    He urged approving agencies to be cautious in granting approvals for buildings, saying,” buildings shouldn’t be erected on areas marked out for drains”
    “Ensure that the land is inspected properly before giving approvals, we have to protect ourselves and the environment.
    “We are listed among flood prone states in 2024 by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
    “As a government, we have remained proactive towards controlling flooding and minimizing its effects on the state,” she said.
    The deputy governor urged residents of flood prone areas to relocate to safer environments for the safety of their lives and property.
    Also speaking, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, said the state government’s flood control programme was still on stream.
    “We are commencing work on the problem areas, we need to channel water properly to avoid flooding,” Ibanga said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team visited Ewet Housing Extension, Gloria Amana and adjoining streets around Osongama Estate.
    Also visited were, Methodist Church Cathedral Itiam Etoi along Oron Road and the Nsikak Eduok Drainage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/CHOM/AZU
    ===========
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Azubuike Okeh

  • World Environment Day: NNPC foundation plants 70 trees in college

    Trees

    By Nefishetu Yakubu

    Benin, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Management of NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte. says it has planted 70 economic trees in the premises of Federal Government Girls College, Benin,  in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that this year’s celebration has its theme as “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

    Speaking during the tree planting ceremony on Wednesday, the Managing Director, NNPC Foundation, Mrs Emmanuella Arukwe, said that the foundation’s mission was to support environmental sustainability through impactful initiative such as reforestation, conservation and education.

    Represented by Mrs Goodnews Willie, Deputy Manager, Education and Health care Programmes, Arukwe said that NNPC Ltd. was passionate about executing positive and impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the country.

    “The World Environment Day is a global platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and foster action for sustainable development.

    “As a recently transited private company, NNPC Ltd. is positioned to align with global best practice in the energy industry and is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

    “NNPC Foundation was established as the social arm of NNPC Ltd. to be the connect between the stakeholders, who are the more than 200 million Nigerians, and the company, through the execution of impactful CSR initiatives.

    “One of the key focus areas of NNPC Foundation is to undertake impactful initiatives on Environment, and in commemoration of the World Environment Day.

    “We have lined up strategic programmes such as tree planting campaigns in schools and quizzes competitions to sensitise the citizenry to the need for environmental preservation.

    “According to the UN Convention,  more than  40 per cent of the world’s land is degraded and is directly impacting half of the global population, and threatening economies, ” She said.

    She, therefore, called for the collective affirmative action to take responsibility for the survival of immediate environment that would bring about positive spiral effects to the global habitat.

    Earlier, Mrs Aghedo Osariemen, Principal of Federal Government Girls College, Benin, commended the management of NNPC Ltd/Gte. Foundation for chosing the school as one of its locations for the trees planting campaign initiative.

    The highpoint of the event was a panel session by the students who discussed the important of trees planting in the society.

    The students also engaged in drama presentation as well as cultural display depicting the cultural heritage of Edo, Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    NY/KAY

    ======

    Edited by Kayode Olaitan