Tag: Environment

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
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June 8, 2024
We demolished illegal structures to curb crimes in Bauchi – Official
Security
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Bauchi government has said that the ongoing demolition of illegal make shift structures would enhance security network in the state capital.
Mr Abdulhamid Bununu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs said this at a news conference on Thursday in Bauchi,
He said the exercise was prompted by credible intelligence on activities of criminal elements hibernating some of the structures on the road side and other strategic locations in the metropolis.
“The government is not unaware of the consequences of such order on small business owners, but sees it as paramount to upheld the fabulous security enjoy by the state.
“The security will rapidly increase while security operatives will work for the protection of peace without hindrances in the state,” he said.
Also speaking, Amina Katagum, the Commissioner for Land and Survey, said that Gov. Bala Mohammed had directed for the relocation of the affected businesses to a designated area to continue with their businesses.
“Where by each business owner will be allocated with a piece of land using a cluster system to enable them to continue with the bussinesses,” she said.
While soliciting support for government’s programmes, Katagum said the exercise would address security challenges in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MAK/RSA
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Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
June 6, 2024
Onuigbo seeks urgent climate action on climate change
Onuigbo seeks urgent climate action on climate change
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Former member of House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo has called for unified efforts across society to address environmental and climate challenges in the country
Onuigbo made the call in a statement he issued on Abuja on Thursday in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.
The theme for this year’s edition is: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.
Onuigbo, who represents South-East in the North-East Development Commission, described the theme as timely and appropriate for a secure and sustainable future.
The former federal lawmaker who sponsored the Climate Change Bill which gave rise to the Climate Change Act said desertification and drought had severely impacted 11 northern states, covering approximately 1531 kilometres.
Onuigbo said some of the environmental challenges facing the regions, including the drying up of Lake Chad, forced migration, competition for scarce resources, and security issues.
He linked these challenges to broader climate change issues, underscoring the need for robust environmental and climate change frameworks in Nigeria.
He highlighted the country’s adherence to international environmental mandates, referencing the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Paris Agreement, among others.
These frameworks, he said, are vital for addressing climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable environment.
Onuigbo praised Nigeria’s legislative efforts, particularly the Climate Change Act 2021, which he sponsored.
The Act aims to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions and promote green growth by integrating climate change actions into national development priorities.
He also noted the importance of community involvement and education in climate action, as outlined in various sections of the Act.
The lawmaker highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in climate action, noting initiatives like the Africa Great Green Wall and Nigeria’s goal to plant 25 million trees by 2030.
He said Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change, highlighted the country’s readiness to participate in global carbon markets.
Onuigbo said during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, leaders noted the urgent need to meet the SDGs by 2030, noting that 600 million Africans still lack electricity and 970 million lack clean cooking facilities.
He said clean energy was crucial for reducing emissions and supporting vulnerable communities.
“Nigeria has taken clear steps towards addressing lack of access to electricity and clean cooking through the movement of electricity from the Exclusive List to Concurrent List and the subsequent enactment of the Electricity Act 2023.
“This was signed into law by President Tinubu about ten days after assumption of office. In addition, the Federal Executive Council in early April, 2024 approved a National Policy on Clean Cooking.
“One thing has been established beyond doubt: Climate Change is borderless and affects everybody”, he said.
The World Environment Day is celebrated every June 5 annually to encourage communities to take action towards protecting the environment.
It is also to advocate for policy changes and promote environmental policies at local, national, and international levels.
Meanwhile, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Alike-Ndufu, Ebonyi State, has commended Onuigbo for sponsoring Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, 2021 in the 9^th National Assembly.
Nwajiuba made the commendation during the 2024 World Environment Day celebrating at the National Roots Crops Research Institute, Umidike, Abia State where Onuigbo delivered the keynote address.
He acknowledged the importance of the Act which he described as Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act.
He urged Nigerians, both in private and public sectors to join hands and fight climate crisis, adding that it was an existential threat. (NAN)
TAK/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 6, 2024
UNICEF, Agency inaugurate tree planting campaign in Adamawa

Planting
Guyuk (Adamawa) June 6, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with Adamawa State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), has inaugurated a tree planting campaign in Guyuk Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign is to mark 2024 World Environmental Day with the theme “Accelerating Land Restoration, Drought Resilient and Desertification Progress”.
Mr Williams Wakili, UNICEF WASH facilitator in Adamawa, at the inauguration on Thursday, said that “the day goes beyond symbolic gesture”.
According to him, the day is focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, as the nation faces degradation, desertification and drought.
“So, the day is about fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, responsibility and actions aimed at preventing damage to the environment through human activities and protecting the earth“, he said.
In his remarks, Tanko Audu, Adamawa Commissioner for Water Resources, said it was a fact that desert encroachment had eaten deep into the earth, hence, the need for afforestation.
Audu, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mr Mundi Ibrahim, called on the people in the area to stop indiscriminate failing of trees, and to ensure planting of more trees to protect the environment.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Esly, Programme Manager, RUWASA, called on the people to make great impact in restoring the environment for more rainfall.
According to him, without rainfall, there will be a lot of challenges in the environment and changing times have changed the environment to something else.
“There is the need for people to do their best to restore the environment by planting more trees,” he said.
Similarly, Dishon Dan-sanda, the traditional ruler of Guyuk LGA, thanked and appreciated Adamawa government, UNICEF, and all stakeholders for the steps taken to protect the environment.
“Therefore, I will make sure to enforce these to the letter with the aim to protect our environment, and I will not tolerate indiscriminate felling of trees without planting another”, he assured. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IMK/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 6, 2024