The Centre for Media and Peace Initiatives (CMPI) has called for massive awareness campaigns across the country to sensitize Nigerians on sustainable practices to arrest growing threats of climate change.

CMPI is a nonprofit organisation that seeks to promote conflict-resolving media practices and ensure better policy around the world.

The President of CMPI, Dr. Uchenna Ekwo, made the call at the African Youth Leaders Dialogue on Climate Change, organised by ECube, a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the CMPI and the United Nations on Monday in Abuja.

Ekwo said the call has become imperative for community stakeholders to constantly engage dialogue as tool to sensitize people about the dangers of climate change, to tackle issues relating to it.

He said it is very important that we have conversation and begin to think how to deal with challenges that climate change poses on us.

He said: “For us at CMPI, we try to see connection between peace and conflict as well, because they are all interrelated.

“These problems do not have particular area that shows their correlation, however when we have a climate change induced challenge, such affects us in one way or another, therefore the need for awareness creation, to encourage people to hold their leaders accountable.

“Sometimes you see conspiracy theories about climate change as issues related to politics or religion, but the truth is that scientifically climate change is real.

“So, there is the need for awareness creation to encourage people to always imbibe best practices and sustainable approach to mitigate climate change.”

Speaking virtually at the event, Bitsat Yohamnes-Kassahun, Lead, Energy and Climate, UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, emphasized the need for holistic approach to tackle climate change.

She said people must constantly dialogue to find solution to challenges associated with climate change, stressing that “if we do not care, this is going to be untenable”.

Yohamnes-Kassahun added: “Here in New York government has set up cooling devices against harsh weather condition, but we do not have most of that in many cities globally.

“We have started to experience extreme torrential rainfall and flood in places like New York that infrastructures and homes are not equipped for.

“So, what you have is flooding, people are getting very nervous during flooding, but the local authorities here are overhauling structures to mitigate that.

“When we come to Africa in this context how prepared are we? When we talk about heatwave, we consider the impacts on water shortage and lots more.

“There is the need for awareness creation through different reporting method about the dangers of climate change, to bring about lasting solution to the problem such poses.”

In separate interview, Ilan Lugassy, Country Manager and Managing-Director of ECube, said his organisation had designed measures aimed at encouraging public private partnership to tackle climate change.

He said: “We have been working closely with relevant agencies to promote the awareness,” noting that: “Many government institutions have been here like the Federal Ministry of Power, Rural Electrification Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and other community-based organisations, and every stakeholder has been enthusiastic about the ECube idea.

“The solution to climate change is not just about electrification, our ECube system has been built to provide electricity and connectivity to provide basic amenities for communities.

“By this we are capable of providing services to various communities, which is a game changer in the fights against climate change. “

He revealed that the dialogue was put together to promote best practices in providing support for rural-urban areas with no acces to electricity to mitigate climate change actions.

Wife of Delta State Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has visited the family of two-year-old, Ivan Omorhiakogbe slain by stray bullets from operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at Okpanam area of the State, on Thursday, July 14, 2023.

Deaconess Oborevwori, who described the incident as unfortunate and prayed God to comfort the family and give them the fortitude to bear the irrepairable loss, stated this when she visited the family at their residence on Okpanam road with her entourage.

Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori said it was not the will of God for parents to bury their children, adding that the enemy was responsible, and advised the parents of the deceased to take solace in the word of God, noting that there is no peace for the wicked and that God will fight for the family.

Praying for speedy recovery for the younger sibling, Eromonsele, a one-year-old, who is receiving treatment for bullet injuries sustained in his left eye on the same day the brother died, Deaconess Oborevwori declared Isaiah 53:5 over the child.

The Governor’s wife assured the family of full support towards ensuring that Eromonsele regains his sight.

She advised the father Mr. Fidelis Omorhiakogbe to encourage the wife at this trying moment for the family, stressing that the culprits would be made to face the full weight of the law and prayed that Delta state will never experience such painful incident.

–Wife of the Delta State Governor, Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori (2nd Left), the wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Catherine Onyeme and the Mr. and Mrs. Fidelis Omorhiakogbe on the condolences visit to the family of late Ivan Omorhiakogbe killed from a stray bullet by NDELA operative.

Responding, the father of the deceased, Mr. Fidelis Omorhiakogbe, who hails from Ubiaja, Edo state, but reside in Asaba, appreciated the efforts of all Deltans, especially the the state government for their support, prayers and words of encouragement.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of household items, food items and cash by the Governor’s wife.

-By Michael J. Ekokoruwe:

The president general of Oleh community, Chief comr. Believe Alakri says, the ongoing protest by Oleh community over the marginalization of employment slots by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited management, will continue until the demand raised by the community are meet.

Alakri made the statement while speaking to journalists at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, as the protest by Oleh community women continued the second day.

He stated that, Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, manager Cluster 5 of OML 30, must have cordial relationship with Oleh community to enable them operate, noting that the protest is a fight that will benefit the entire community.

Alakri stated that, “until the company responds to all the demand in a concise dialogue, Oleh community will continue the protest, adding that phone response to unknown individuals is not the solution”.

He maintained that Oleh community will wait for the management of the oil company for dialogue, emphasizing that, everything to sustain the protest is readily available.

While reacting to insinuation that Mr. Clement Uzi, has been reinstated by the contractor, Gran – Abiams catering department, the president general said, Oleh community is not aware, stressing that all the demand must be resolved through dailouge without sentiment.

Alakri said, the Odiologbo of Oleh Kingdom is aware of the protest and not happy with the development, adding that the ‘Freedom to Operate’ contract by the catering department in the GMou is yet to be signed by Oleh community.

He posited out that, “Heritage must go, if Oleh community demands are not met “, emphasizing that dialogue is the way out with Oleh people or at the local government council.

He restated that the employment slots hijacked by the management of Heritage Oil Firm must be released , just as he decried intervention job ricketing, adding that indegenous contractors gets menial work, while major work goes to contractors from other ethnic nationality.

Also speaking, the women leader of Oleh community, Mrs. Juliana Itewor, expressed the frustration of the women, noting that no Oleh woman is employed as staff of the company.

She stated that, the women will remain at the logistics base of the oil company, no matter how long, until the company responds to their demand.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Monday visited the family of two-year-old Ivan Omorhiakogbe killed by stray bullets from operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Okpanam area of the State capital on Thursday, 13th July.

Oborevwori visited the family at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where the younger sibling, Eromonsele, a one-year-old, is receiving treatment for bullet injuries sustained in his left eye.

He commiserated with the family on the unfortunate demise of Ivan and promised that all efforts would be made to bring the culprits to book.

The Governor said that the Police were already investigating the matter and would make its findings known to the general public at the end of the inquiry.

Oborevwori said: “When we heard the unfortunate news, we immediately issued a statement calling on the NDLEA authorities and the Police Command to quickly investigate the circumstances, which led to the death of your son and injury to his younger sibling.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta State, we commiserate with you and your family over the loss of your son, Ivan.

“We have so much confidence in the police and as you know, they are carrying out their investigation; they will not make the outcome public until they are through with their investigations. So be rest assured that the culprits would be brought to book.

“Once again, I commiserate with your family for this loss and am happy that Eromonsele is recovering,” he said.

He commended the medical personnel at the hospital for their proactiveness in treating the younger sibling, assuring that the State Government would pick up all the medical bills related to the incident.

“Let me also appreciate the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba for the proactive action they have taken so far since the incident occurred.

“I had sent people here earlier to find out what they are doing and I am happy that they were able to save Eromonsele’s life and I know that he will come out strong.

“The State Government will foot the bills for the hospital treatment, so no money should be taken from the family,” Governor Oborevwori directed.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass assured the Governor and the family of the Command’s commitment to ensuring thorough investigation into the matter.

“Your Excellency, we will do our best to unravel the mystery behind the whole incident. We have sent messages to the NDLEA and they have responded and in no distant time we will come out with a report that would be made known to members of the public.

“Once again, we commiserate with you and we pray that God Almighty will give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“For Eromonsele, we are praying that God will lay His healing hands upon him to perfect his health,” CP Abass said.

Briefing the Governor earlier, Head of Opthalmology Department at the hospital, Dr Ernest Ogbedo, said they have successfully covered the eye to prevent infections from entering it, adding that further surgeries would be carried out on the eye.

“We have done one surgery but the child is going to need some other surgeries because there is an eye injury which the doctors went through and covered the injury.

“We did an x-ray first and luckily there was no bullet pellets around but we are going to carry out further investigation to see the extent of the injury.

“We have succeeded in covering the eye so that there will be no infections and other diseases to the eye,” Dr Ogbedo said.

The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has called on River State Government to approach the Guinness Book of World Records for certification of its 50.15 kilometres Port Harcourt Ring Road Contract awarded at the cost of N195.3 billion standing at approximately N4 billion per kilometre as the most expensive road in the world.

The group accused Rivers State Government of outrageous cost of contract award in the state, insisting that recent contract award was nothing more than a bazaar.

It said the Rivers State Government recently awarded the world’s most expensive contract in the anal of public procurement in Nigeria and globally.

In a statement released at the weekend in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of the Group, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi, quoted River state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to have tweeted a video on July 11 where he revealed that the Port Harcourt ring road project was awarded at the cost of N195.3 billion.

NEFGAD, reacting to the governor’s disclosure, said, ‘’the 50.15 kilometres Port Harcourt Ring Road Contract awarded at the cost of N195.3 billion standing at approximately N4 billion per kilometre shows that the Rivers state government is insensitive to the economic plight of the people and engaging in a show of shame by coming to the public to sign such world’s most flamboyant and luxurious contract.”

The statement further read that: “The Anti-Corruption Group has observed with dismay that the cost of road construction in Nigeria has been consistently outrageous which now calls for serious concern and scrutiny. Going by a World Bank report, the cost of constructing 1km of road is less than half a billion Naira anywhere in the world irrespective of topographic differences. This figure is the benchmark that should not be surpassed regardless of several factors except vested interest that usually characterize public contract in Nigeria,

“The only thing left out of the contract is for the Rivers state government to apply to the Guinness World Record (GWR) for verification and certification as world’s most expensive contract.

“This is barbaric, outrageous and questionable and will not go unchallenged’” Mr Akingunola stated.

He however called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to look into the procurement process and all financial details of the contract for possible remedy, failure which should compel them to engage in serious advocacy against the uneconomic practice of the Rivers state government.

… Orders immediate renovation
… Rewards staff for working under poor condition

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, was dismayed by the lack of electricity and other situations at the General Hospital in Gwoza town.

The governor paid a surprise visit to the hospital at midnight on Saturday.

Zulum was on a one-day working visit to Gwoza. He spent the night in the town which is the headquarter of Gwoza Local Government Area in southern Borno.

The governor has the habit of paying surprise visits at odd hours to hospitals and schools during classes in a bid to see realities for himself.

The governor has been to a number of hospitals in the middle of the night.

In his latest of such visits on Saturday, Zulum went round Gwoza general hospital to assess functionality of the hospital. He was at all wards and he checked facilities.

Governor Zulum was disappointed with what he saw.

“It is unacceptable that a critical healthcare facility like this Gwoza General Hospital is deprived of basic amenities such as electricity. This situation compromises the quality of care provided to patients and hampers the efforts of our dedicated healthcare professionals. We are not here to trade blame, we are here to find solutions. Nobody brought to my knowledge the deplorable conditions of this place”, Zulum said in anger.

He added, “I will neither exonerate myself nor the local government authority. We (all) have failed to provide what is needed. However, I want to assure you (patients and the rest of the people) that insha’Allah, we will fix this, we will make the working environment here better than it is now.”

… Orders immediate renovation

As part of measures to change the situation he saw, Governor Zulum on Saturday night ordered the immediate commencement of rehabilitation works which will include power restoration at the General Hospital in Gwoza.

… Rewards staff for working under poor condition

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum was impressed with medical staff who, despite the poor situation of the General Hospital, were on ground to provide services.

Zulum announced reward for all the staff for being dedicated in the face of challenges.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja have arrested a 19-year-old student, Benjamin Daberechi for attempting to export 7.2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in crayfish to Europe where he was going for undergraduate studies.

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, the teenage suspect was intercepted last Wednesday during an outward clearance of passengers on Turkish Airlines flight TK 0624.

Daberechi during interrogation operatives claimed he was a student on his way to Cyprus for studies, but upon a thorough search of his luggage, he was found in possession of 7.2 kilogrammes of whitish substance neatly concealed inside a sack of crayfish, a field test of the substance however proved it to be methamphetamine.

Also during last week, operatives of the Tincan Port Command of NDLEA last Tuesday intercepted 116.5 kilogrammes consignment of Colorado, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in bags hidden in a heap of used vehicles parts on the floor of a container marked FCIU 8459700, bearing three units of used vehicles imported from Toronto, Canada.

Babafemi said based on intelligence, the agency had requested for a 100 percent examination of the container which arrived the TICT terminal of the port last Friday, adding that a joint examination with the Nigeria Customs, DSS and other stakeholders last Tuesday however led to the discovery of 233 parcels of the illicit substance stashed inside travelling bags on the floor of the container, covered with used vehicles spare parts.

He said attempts to export various quantities of illicit substances through courier companies were equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigations (DOGI) in Lagos; while 336 grammesc of skunk stuffed inside computer hard drives going to Dubai, UAE, were seized at a courier firm.

A suspect, Ibrahim Analu, 28, was arrested at Iddo motor park, Lagos while attempting to send 151,700 pills of opioids to Kaduna. A total of 4.830 kilogrammes skunk was also discovered at another courier firm in a shipment from Douala, Cameroon passing through Nigeria to Oman. The drug was concealed in 10 of 12 cans of palm fruits paste, locally called Banga, packed in a carton.

Meanwhile, a Lekki Lagos based female lawyer, Ebikpolade Helen, who specialises in production and distribution of skuchies, a mixture of cannabis, opioids and black currant has been arrested in a follow up operation in Awka, Anambra state following an earlier seizure of 5 kilogrammes cannabis and 12 bottles of prepared skuchies in her apartment at Lekki.

Abubakar Shuaibu was arrested last Thursday at Cappa, Mushin/Oshodi road with 86 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup weighing 8.6 litres in his Toyota bus marked FFA 241YB, two other suspects: Razak Ogunbo and Adeola Idowu were nabbed last Tuesday at Ikorodu with 51 litres of skuchies. This is even as 372kg cannabis sativa and 48 bottles of skuchies measuring 48 litres were recovered from the home of a fleeing drug dealer at Akala, Mushin Lagos last Wednesday.

In Ondo state, operatives stormed a building at Ehin-Ala, Akure South local government area where they arrested one Abubakar Gyambar, 28, with 162 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 1,944 kilogrammes, while another suspect, Henry Wilson, 50, was nabbed at Ogume town, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State with same substance weighing 216.5 kilogrammes.

A total of 45.41 kilogrammes cannabis was recovered from Adam Hassan, 27, along Inga wa-Mani – Mashi road, Katsina enroute Niger Republic, while 70 kilogrammes of same substance was seized from Mamman Nur Shettima last Saturday along Kano – Nguru road, Yobe state.

In Kano, a suspect, Abdulhamid Bayaro, 48, was last Friday nabbed at Dan Agundi area, Kano with 114 blocks of cannabis, weighing 71.7 kilogrammes, just as operatives recovered 50,000 pills of Tamol, a brand of Tramadol at Kofar Waika area of the state.

While a total of 912,600 pills of pharmaceutical opioids including tramadol were recovered from two commercial vehicles; one coming from Lagos to Kano, the other was intercepted along Abuja-Jere-Kaduna expressway, with a suspect, Sahabi Lawal, 25, arrested. In Borno state, 32-year-old Umar Tijjani Mustapha was arrested at Gangamari, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), with 55.25 kilogrammes skunk last Thursday

Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the tenacity of the officers and men of NAIA, Tincan, Lagos, Ondo, Katsina, Yobe, Delta, Kano, Kaduna and Borno Commands as well as those of DOGI,charged them and their compatriots across the country to remain vigilant.

Twenty Nigerians are departing the shores of the country between mid-July and early August for university education in India, which is fully sponsored by the Government of India.

The Nigerians are mostly going in for MBA, Bsc or Msc (Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Space Science, etc), PhD, Pharmacy, Engineering, Economics, Agriculture, IT, Cyber Security, among other.

The Indian government has yearly since 1958 been sponsoring Nigerians to study at various Indian university under the Indian Council Cultural Relations (ICCR) Scholarship Programme which has seen several thousands of student worldwide and over a thousand Nigerians benefiting from the scheme.

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shri Balasubramanian speaking at an orientation programme for the 20 beneficiaries, asked them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria to India by being well mannered and facing their studies.

He equally advised them to make sure they return back to Nigeria and involve in their homeland socio-economic growth.

He said India is counting on them to be promoters of Indo-Nigerian relationship as they are going to be accustomed to the two cultures, which noting that both Nigeria and India are multicultural and share many things in common.

India is well known as an education hub attracting international students from all over the world. India’s robust education system, in the backdrop of its rich diversity and vibrant culture and history, affords a broad range of options for students. And as a rapidly growing country with a leading technological edge, studying in India has much to offer, whether it is Engineering, Computers, Arts, Philosophy, Political Sciences or Classics etc.

Indian Council for Cultural Relations administers various scholarship programs annually and awards about 3000+ scholarships under 21 different schemes to foreign students from about 180 countries. Amongst these 21 schemes, six are funded by ICCR from its grant and others are administered on behalf of MEA and Ministry of Ayush. The courses offered for studies are for Under-graduation, Post-graduation and Ph.D. levels. Each academic year, ICCR has about 6000+ of its foreign scholars who are studying at various Central/State Universities, Institutes, NITs, and Agricultural Institutions etc.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday presided over the swearing-in of the Secretary to Borno State Government, three Special Advisers and a permanent secretary to the Borno State Civil Service.

In a ceremony conducted at the International Conference Hall of the Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri, the Chief Judge of Borno, Kashim Zannah, administered the oath of office to the new appointees.

Delivering his address after the swearing-in formalities, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum announced that files and all Government communications should be channelled to him through the office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“All communications to my office on the conduct of Government business must be routed through the office of the Secretary to the State Government for necessary guidance, direction and advice”, Zulum said.

The governor called on the appointees to live up to the expectations of the government and people of Borno State. He charged the permanent Secretary to ensure no administrative vacuum is allowed to linger.

The new SSG, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, was a former minister of state for agriculture from July 2011 to September 2013.

Mr Tijjani a seasoned administrator and agriculturalist was Assistant Secretary-General/ Assistant Director-General (ASGADG) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). He coordinated several agricultural programmes including World Bank’s Fadama Project.

Also sworn in are four Special Advisers, Hon. Ahmed Sanda, Protocol, Engr. Baba Bukar Gujibawu, Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Ibrahim Idriss, Special Projects and Aisha Ibrahim Abdurrahman as Permanent Secretary to Borno State Civil Service.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, the newly sworn-in SSG, Bukar Tijjani, has assured of their commitment to serving Borno State diligently.

The event was attended by the APC Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator representing Borno Central, Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan, member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai at the House of Representatives, Engr. Bukar Talba, leader of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Dige Mohammed and the Grand Khadi of Borno State, Umar Ramat Mukaila.

Piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) have posed significant challenges in recent years. While 2022 saw a massive reduction in piracy incidents, UNODC in partnership with the Bayelsa State Government and with the financial support of the Government of Germany embarked on the implementation of a project titled “Combating Piracy and Maritime Insecurity in Nigeria Through a Community-Based Crime Prevention Strategy with a view to sustaining gains made and preventing the shifting of criminality into the riverine areas of Bayelsa state.
Its overall objective is to support the Bayelsa State Government and people in the development, testing and implementation of a community-based crime prevention strategy concept.
Ultimately, the project aims to empower communities in giving practical meaning to the Freedom from Fear as one of the four fundamental human rights recognized under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
After its launch in 2021, the project as a first step supported stakeholders, including the Federal law enforcement and security institutions, the Bayelsa State Government, local government actors, traditional rulers and organized civil society in developing an overall concept and strategy of community-based crime prevention. This process cumulated in the adoption of the first Bayelsa State Crime Prevention Strategy on 17 March 2022 by the Honorable Attorney General of Bayelsa State on behalf of the Government of H.E. Governor Diri.
Then the project facilitated the formation of a Joint Security Committee comprised of members from the Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, Civil Defense, the Nigerian Police Force, including the Marine Police, the Bayelsa State Government, Community Representatives and Civil Society Organizations to provide guidance and coordination and to regularly review progress in implementation.
With a view to testing and further refining the conceptual validity of the strategy, it was first launched in three pilot communities, namely Ayamasa, Ikebiri 1 and Otuan. With the support of Synergy Care Development initiative, communities developed action plans for the localized implementation of the Bayelsa State Crime Prevention Strategy addressing the specific security and crime prevention needs within their respective environments.
As of today, the project has achieved significant milestones in the three pilot communities, including the refurbishing and equipment of police posts, youth development centers, cassava processing facilities to enhance employment and solar powered street lights which were inaugurated on 5 July as part of the implementation of the community based crime prevention action plans. As Dr. Oliver Stolpe, the UNODC Country Representative remarked “together with the community oriented policing training and the roll out of the Line Up Live Up life skill training for youth, these interventions will help to empower the benefitting communities to shape their security environment going forward.”
The intervention also already started to develop catalytic effects by motivating the State Government to invest in an expansion of the garri production and a refurbishing one of the dilapidated school buildings, in addition to the deployment of additional police officers by the Commissioner of Police of Bayelsa State.
Dr. Stolpe expressed gratitude to the German Government for their support and extended appreciation to Governor Senator Douye Diri and the Bayelsa State Government for their unwavering support and commissioning of the project. Dr. Stolpe highlighted that Bayelsa State was selected for the pilot project due to its unique context and vulnerability to piracy and other criminal activities, with a focus on addressing the root causes and preventing youth involvement in organized crime.
The projects were officially commissioned on July 5, 2023, by Governor Senator Douye Diri, with Her Excellency the German Ambassador, Ms. Annett Gunther, and other esteemed guests in attendance. The people of Otuan community expressed their deep gratitude to the UNODC, the German Government, the Bayelsa State Governor, the state government, and the security agencies for their contributions to the successful completion of these projects.

The federal government has revealed that more than 3.5 million children suffer from diarrheal diseases, calling for improved hygiene from Nigerians.

Speaking at the Year’s National Environmental Sanitation Day (NESD), the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Ibrahim Yusufu lamented that hygienic habits mostly affect children who are are less than 5years old.

He said: “Poor sanitation has been identified as being responsible for a significant percentage of preventable communicable diseases particularly in developing countries including Nigeria. A large number of children die every year due to sanitation and hygiene enabled diseases. More than 3.5 million children suffer from diarrheal diseases and this is not a small figure. Children, who are less than five years old, are more prone to such diseases.”

He added that: “The advent of emerging and re-emerging diseases such as COVID-19, Lassa Fever, Monkey pox, Cholera etc. in Nigeria has further underscored the fact that access to Sanitation and Hygiene is not only a fundamental human right that safeguards public health and human dignity but also an essential need when it comes to disease prevention.”

Yusufu said: “This year’s National Environmental Sanitation Day, therefore calls for individuals, communities, governments at all levels, development partners etc. to be involved in the planning and implementation of sanitation and hygiene activity within their immediate environment, community and the nation at large.

He said this year’s theme “Promoting sustainable waste management for a healthy environment: stop open dumping” could not be more apt and timely considering the critical role sanitation and hygiene play in preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid fever, Lassa Fever, COVID-19 virus, Monkey pox virus etc. The theme is also a clarion call for every one of us to work together and leverage on lessons learned from response to COVID-19 to address the neglect of sanitation and hygiene as a major means of preventing and controlling transmission of sanitation and hygiene associated infectious diseases.

The Permanent Secretary said: “Let me at this point use this forum to call on all State Governments, Commissioners of Environment, Local Government Chairmen and Councilors, Environmental Health Officers, NGOs, CBOS, FBOs, Development partners, Organized private sector, Traditional and Religious leaders etc. across the country to actively step up their Sanitation and hygiene campaigns as an effective means of controlling and preventing disease transmission.”

He commended the contribution of World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund ((UNICEF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Water Aid, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Action Against Hunger, Procter and Gamble, and other stakeholders in supporting sanitation and hygiene in Nigeria.

A Director in the ministry, Mr Charles Ikeah, said that open dumping of waste had long been a detrimental practice that not only polluted the environment but also poses serious health hazards to communities.

“The consequences of open dumping are far-reaching, affecting not only the present but also the future generation. It is a problem that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts.
“By addressing the issue of open dumping, we contribute to the preservation of our natural resources, reduction of pollution and protection of lives,” he said.

Ikeah noted that the theme was appropriate, as promoting sustainable waste management was not just a responsibility but also morally imperative.
“It is our duty to safeguard the environment for our children and grandchildren, ensuring that they inherit a planet that is conducive to healthy living.”

The Branch Chairpersons of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Worldwide, Ekpoma, have passed a vote of implicit confidence on the Presidency of the Alumni Association, worldwide ably led by Dr. Clifford Omozeghian.

They commended the recent interface with the University Management and Special Intervention Team (SIT) on the recent increment in fees for incoming students, saying that the result achieved so far is satisfactory to them.

The Branch Chairpersons of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association Worldwide, Ekpoma, also dissociated themselves from an alleged misleading report by one Ehiorobo Friday, Chairman, Benin branch on their behalf.

The chairpersons of the Association Branches in Nigeria and in the Diaspora said that the publication was done in bad faith and with an intent to create a wrong impression about the status of the Presidency of the Alumni Association, worldwide ably led by Dr. Clifford Omozeghian.

They however expressed full confidence in Dr. Clifford Omozeghian Esq and his executives.

They therefore warned Friday Ehiorobo and his cohorts to urgently desist from misrepresenting the alumni association and casting the image of the reputable university in bad light.

They condemned the action of Mr. Ehiorobo Friday for disparaging the office and authority of the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin and urged members of the public to ignore Mr. Ehiorobo Friday and his claims forthwith.

See signed statement:

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has appointed the former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development under the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Mallam Bukar Tijani as the Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG).

The governor also reappointed Prof Isa Marte as his Chief of Staff.

The two appointments were announced by the Governor’s spokesman Mallam Isa Gusau in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The statement noted that Zulum considered Tijani’s very high level experience from his services as minister from July, 2011 to September, 2013 and as Assistant Secretary-General/Assistant Director-General (ASG/ADG) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

Tijani, according to the statement, through both offices and other national positions such as being the national coordinator for Nigeria’s National programme for Agriculture and Food Security as well as his coordination of the World Bank’s Fadama project, visited about 50 countries for different official engagements and made significant contributions to the development of agriculture and food security in Nigeria, Africa and at the global level.

62-year old Tijani was born in Damasak but hails from Dikwa local government area of Borno State.

The former minister holds a Master of Science (degree) in Tropical Agricultural Development from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, obtained in 1989.

Before that, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (degree) in Plant and Soil Science from 1982 to 1984 at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama, United States of America (USA).

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Isa Hussaini Marte is making a return as he occupied the same office before the dissolution of the last cabinet on the expiration of the first tenure of the governor.

Professor Marte hails from Marte local government area of Borno State, and before his appointment on August 17, 2020, had previously served as Borno State’s commissioner for Higher Education from August 2019 . He also served as overseeing commissioner of health in 2021 while being chief of staff. He held both positions under the Zulum administration.

Marte is a professor of pharmacology with specialty in cancer research and he is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science, member of the Society for Neuroscience, member of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and member of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria amongst others.

Marte holds a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in pharmacology from King’s College London in 1987. He holds Masters Degree in pharmacology from Chelsea College, University of London in 1983. In 1997, he received obtained MBA from Averett University, a private non-profit college in Danville, Virginia, United States of America. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Delta State Government on Tuesday lauded the enterprising and wealth creation spirit of Ndigbos to the economic development of the country. 

Senior Political Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo stated this when he received on courtesy visit, the Chairman and members of Ohaneze Ndigbo Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts led by its President, Chief Chiedu Idama in his office in Asaba. 

Aguariavwodo said that the state government would continue to partner with Ohaneze Ndigbo and other investors for the growth and economic development of the state. 

He called on the Ndigbos to take advantage of the investor-friendly atmosphere in the state to bring more of their businesses to Delta State. 

He said: “I am very happy to receive you this day in my office and I thank you immensely for this visit and for your presentation. 

“I am always impressed whenever am in the midst of the Ohaneze because of your enterprising spirit. 

“I want to salute the enterprising spirit of the Igbo people, because in this world without enterprise or business we cannot create wealth and without wealth creation you cannot have savings and that is what you do everyday. 

“This government is your government because having worked hard to produce this government you will always be remembered. 

“Governor Oborevwori is an action Governor and as he is saying it he is acting and I know that he will remember you all in a shortwhile. 

“Delta is an investor-friendly state and we are pleased when we hear that with the two bridges linking Delta and Anambra, Onitsha would soon become part of Asaba. 

“We know you have a huge population and investments in the South West, tell them to bring their businesses to a more investor-friendly state like Delta. 

“We need to have your businesses and innovations to be established here because Delta is a peaceful state. 

“The last administration worked very hard for the peace we are enjoying today and the Oborevwori’s administration would do more so that businesses will thrive,” Aguariavwodo said. 

He said that with the liberalisation of the power sector in the country, state governments and private sector investors can now bring their investments into the power sector uninhibited. 

Earlier, Chief Idama said they were at his office to felicitate with him in on his appointment as Senior Political Adviser, noting that his appointment was well-deserved. 

He noted that the group was formed to represent the interests of Ndigbos worldwide, adding that they had a very good relationship with the state government especially during the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. 

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has called on the federal government to take immediate action to block revenue leakages and implement measures to improve the economy without further delay.

The call was made on Tuesday on the heels of the interception of a vessel carrying stolen crude oil, with a capacity of 800,000 litres which was estimated at N45 billion.

The CSJ in a statement said only by curbing such criminal activities and ensuring accountability can Nigeria overcome its fiscal challenges and create a better future for its citizens.

The NGO commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat oil theft and protect public revenue with the Monday’s announcement of the successful interception of a vessel carrying stolen crude oil, with a capacity of 800,000 litres.

The the Chief Corporate Communication Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad had disclosed that the interception was made possible due to credible intelligence received by the company, noting that a private security contractor engaged by NNPCL Limited, Messrs. Tantita Security Services, took swift action and apprehended the suspicious vessel, named MT Tura II (IMO number 6620462), on July 7, 2023. The vessel, owned by HOLAB Maritime Services Limited, a Nigerian registered company with the Registration Number RC813311, was en route to Cameroon with the illicit cargo on board.

He also revealed that the captain and crew members were detained along with the vessel, with preliminary investigations revealing that the crude oil cargo was illegally sourced from an offshore well jacket in Ondo, Nigeria.

The CSJ based on the current price of $75 per barrel, the seized 800,000 litres of crude oil amounts to approximately $60 million. When converted at an exchange rate of N750 to $1, the value of the stolen crude oil equates to N45 billion.

The Centre said it is deeply concerned about this incident, particularly in light of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to combating corruption and strengthening public finances, while lamenting that for the past two years, Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC production quota, largely due to rampant oil theft and pipeline vandalism in it’s Niger Delta.

The CSJ, in the statement said: “Nigeria’s debt burden is already significant, with the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update of June 2023 reporting that public and publicly guaranteed debt reached 40 percent of GDP in 2022. Additionally, the debt servicing to revenue ratio surpassed 100 percent of general government revenues for the first time, reaching 101.5 percent. The World Bank projects that Nigeria’s debt servicing to revenue ratio will peak at 121 percent in 2023.

“In light of this precarious situation, it is imperative to prevent the loss of public revenue to criminal activities while citizens bear the brunt of increased taxes and economic challenges. CSJ strongly recommends that the perpetrators of these crimes be publicly named and brought to trial within a reasonable time to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Furthermore, CSJ advises the government against the traditional approach of burning intercepted vessels. Instead, the stolen crude oil should be salvaged to recover the value lost, the vessel sold and the proceeds transferred to the public treasury. These large-scale thefts of crude oil must not be allowed to persist if the government is to achieve its revenue targets and stabilise the economy.”

It lamented that the current economic conditions have already pushed an estimated 4 million Nigerians into poverty between December 2022 and April 2023 and 7 million more may be pushed into poverty before the year ends (if the government fails to act to alleviate poverty), insisting that according to the World Bank. Nigeria’s inflation rate is currently one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, severely affecting household purchasing power.

–BY SUNNY A. DAVID:

Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has pleaded with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu for the release of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a way of solving the security challenges facing the South-East.

He made the appeal in an open letter to Mr. President captioned: “Urgent Need To Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu For Security, Peace and Prosperity in the South-East, Nigeria”.

According to him, in the letter, the plea has become imperative as the people of the region explore avenues to quench the prevailing insecurity in the South- East region and pave way for lasting peace and economic prosperity.

The National Chairman stated that the case revolves around the Federal government’s appeal that vehemently challenges the court of Appeal’s decision from last year, wherein the charges of terrorism and treasonable felony against Mazi Kanu were dismissed.

Barrister Ezeokenwa pointed out the need to uphold the values of the fundamental tenets of democracy, equality and the right to fair treatment under the law which Nigeria was founded upon to foster conducive environment for National unity and harmony.

While being mindful of the recent Supreme Court’s adjournment of the hearing regarding Mazi Kanu’s bail appeal until 14th September, 2023, he implore President Tinubu to wield his influence and authority to expedite his release without further undue delay.

Barrister Ezeokenwa noted that beyond legal implications, that the release of Mazi Kanu holds crucial significance in addressing the prevailing security challenges in the South-East.

The National Chairman recalled that some individuals and groups have echoed the Clarion call for Mazi Kanu’s release including Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Governor Chukwuma Soludo who has made several oral and written appeal for the release of Mazi Kanu.

He recounted series of unfortunate events witnessed in the South- East region following Mazi Kanu’s detainment including the recurring Monday Sit-At-Home protest, instances of lawlessness resulting to killings and the incessant disruption of vital services such as schools, hospital and movement of people.

Barrister Ezeokenwa harped on the need to recognize the invaluable contributions by the South-East towards national economic growth and development adding that his call for Mazi Kanu’s release has no political undertone but to alleviate the immediate challenges faced by the South-East and also lay the foundation for long-term stability, progress and well-being of the people.

No fewer than 4,560 kilogrammes of skunk have been seized in interdiction operations in Lagos, Adamawa and Osun by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in the last few days.

The Operatives also raided a skucchies factory in Ogun and arrested four members of a drug syndicate including two church officials; female staff of a courier company and another lady, involved in trafficking lethal opioid, fentanyl in Delta.

These were parts of the clampdowns in the last one week by the anti-narcotics agency, according to a statement on Sunday by it’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

He noted that the bust of the fentanyl cartel operating from Warri, Delta state is coming barely a month after two members of another syndicate: Odoh Oguejiofor and Oliver Uzoma were arrested at Ogbogwu market, Onitsha Head Bridge, Onitsha South local government area, Anambra State following months of intelligence-led investigation of the syndicates behind the dangerous drug, which is 100 times more potent than heroin and currently responsible for over 70% overdose deaths as well as a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the United States.

Babafemi said two officials of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministries (aka Mercy City Church), Warri, Delta state: Adewale Ayeni, 39, and Ebipakebina Appeal, 41, linked to two intercepted consignments of the illicit drug have been arrested in Warri. He disclosed that while Ayeni is one of those managing the prayer call centre of the church, Ebipakebina is in charge of movement of international guests from the airport to the church.

He said two female accomplices also arrested in Warri in the course of investigating the intercepted shipments include Naomi David, 28, who is a staff of United Parcel Services (UPS), and Stacy Njideka, also known as Nkiruka, 27, who is a business associate of Ayeni.

He added that operatives of the agency last Wednesday intercepted a Toyota Hilux vehicle marked EPE 863 XD along Ngurore-Mayo Belwa road, Adamawa State, and a search of the van with two occupants: Kelvin Efe, 51, and Christian Ogaga, 42, showed that 118 cartons of Indomie Noodles packs were used to conceal 544 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing 408 kilogrammes hidden in a false compartment and meant for distribution in Yola, Mubi and Gombe.

In Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 1st July arrested a suspect, Segun Odeyemi conveying 89 jumbo bags of skunk with a total weight of 3,842 kilogrammes in his truck around Eleganza area of Ajah, Lekki, while in Osun state an abandoned J5 Peugeot bus marked AAA 521 SQ with bags of fresh pepper used to conceal 25 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 300.5 kilogrammes was recovered along Akure-Ilesa expressway after its occupants sighted NDLEA officers on patrol last Friday.

Operatives in Ogun state last Thursday raided a skucchies factory at Ajaka Sagamu where a suspect, Adekunle Adekola was arrested. Exhibits recovered from the premises include: 10 kilogrammes cannabis; 1,356 litres of skucchies; 20 litres of codeine; seven deep freezers; a set of generator; and two gas cylinders among others.

Meanwhile, while commending the team of NDLEA officers tracking the fentanyl opioid syndicate in Nigeria for the success of the operations so far, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) also gave thumb up to their counterparts in Adamawa, Lagos, Osun and Ogun for the arrests and seizures of the past week.

He however charged them and their compatriots across the country to continue to set their eyes on the goal of ridding the nation of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The United Nations has raised an alarm that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 is in peril and that something urgently needed to be done to galvanize it.

The world body in order to achieve this last Wednesday kicked off a communications campaign programme to rally for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the roadmap for people and planet adopted by world leaders in 2015.

According to a statement, ahead of a critical UN Summit in September, the campaign aims to amplify an urgent call for ambitious new action, showcase the Goals as the blueprint for sustainable progress globally, and galvanize the global public around this shared agenda for our common future.

The statement said: “At halftime toward the deadline of 2030, the promise of the SDGs is in peril. For the first time in decades, development progress is reversing under the combined impacts of climate disasters, conflict, economic downturn and lingering COVID-19 effects.”

The statement revealed that: “The 2023 SDG Summit will gather world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 18-19 September to reaffirm their collective commitments to the Goals and the promise to leave no one behind. This Summit is a defining moment to urgently put the world back on track to achieving the SDGs.

“Starting today, in a major digital activation across platforms and countries worldwide, the UN campaign aims to re-energize the conversation about the Goals.”

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale,

The Director of Campaigns in the UN Department for Global Communications, Nanette Braun, was quoted in the statement to have said: “We want to get everyone on board for the SDGs”, while the
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Matthias Schmale,
said: “Our hope is that decision-makers and individual citizens alike will feel inspired to join the conversation and contribute to achieving the Goals with new resolve and ambition.”

The statement said building off the colour wheel brand of the SDGs, the campaign uses a dynamic new visual system for its messaging to build momentum, raise awareness and mobilize accelerated action for the SDGs.

It revealed that one core campaign component is the call to individual citizens to take action on the SDGs through the UN’s ActNow initiative across all 17 Goals. From using public transportation, to fundraising for schools or speaking up for equality, the platform lists steps that everyone can take to accelerate progress on the SDGs and create better lives on a healthier planet for all.

It added that a curated group of high-profile influencers, the Circle of Supporters, will galvanize their communities to take individual action on the SDGs and to impress upon decision-makers the urgency to act now.

Lack of funding for humanitarian assistance in Nigeria, and other countries in the Sahel, may make over 800,000 people in desperate need resort to engaging in survival sex, early marriage, or joining non-state armed groups, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has raised the alarm.

The WFP which in June kicked off a large-scale emergency food and nutrition assistance operation in the Sahel, in a statement lamented that a funding crunch means it will only be able to assist just over half of the 11.6 million initially targeted.

It said this may leave millions stranded without aid as the lean season sets in and hunger starts to peak, noting that @Mali and Chad will be hit the hardest, with 800,000 people at risk of resorting to desperate measures to cope, including engaging in survival sex, early marriage, or joining non-state armed groups.”
 
The statement explained that: “WFP’s lean season response works to boost national governments’ efforts in tackling hunger as they grapple with the combined effects of conflict, the climate crisis, and soaring costs of food and fuel. WFP had initially targeted 11.6 million women, men and children – out of 19.2 million people in humanitarian need – in Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and north-eastern Nigeria from June to September 2023.

“But funding constraints have forced WFP to roll out assistance for just 6.2 million of the most vulnerable people – with a focus on refugees, newly displaced people, malnourished children under 5, pregnant women and breastfeeding women and girls.”
 

The WFP Regional Director ad interim, for Western Africa, Margot Vandervelden, was quoted in the statement to have said:
“We’re in a tragic situation. During this year’s lean season, millions of families will lack sufficient food reserves to sustain them until the next harvests in September and many will receive little to no assistance to tide them through the gruelling months ahead. We must take immediate action to prevent a massive slide into catastrophic hunger.”

She added that: “We need a twin-track approach to stop hunger in the Sahel – we must address acute hunger through humanitarian assistance, while tackling the structural causes of food insecurity by increasing investments in resilient food systems and expanding government social protection programmes.”

WFP lamented that food insecurity has reached a 10-year high in West and Central Africa, affecting 47.2 million people during the June-August lean season – including 45,000 people in Burkina Faso and Mali facing catastrophic hunger according to the March Cadre Harmonisé analysis. Malnutrition rates have also surged, with 16.5 million children under 5 set to be acutely malnourished this year – an 83 percent rise from the 2015-2022 average.
 
It stated that conflict remains a key driver of hunger in the region, leading to forced population displacements that have emptied out entire villages and limit communities’ access to land for farming; conflict is also spreading across the region and into coastal countries risking a spread of instability into new and previously stable areas. In just six months, the number of people fleeing violence in the Central Sahel and seeking refuge in four Gulf of Guinea countries has nearly quadrupled, rising from 30,000 in January to 110,000 people in June.

According to the statement, WFP’s lean season response aims to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance to families facing acute hunger at a time when food stocks dwindle. However, proactive investments in prevention and smart longer-term solutions can significantly reduce reliance on such emergency actions. These solutions include resilience-building activities, social protection programmes and anticipatory actions like climate insurance pay-outs.

In 2023, climate risk insurance pay-outs from the African Risk Capacity (ARC) totalling US$15.4 million enabled WFP to provide cash transfers to 490,000 people in Burkina Faso, The Gambia, and Mali who were impacted by drought in 2022. This response allowed farmers to recover from the impacts of droughts as they were able to meet their basic needs including purchasing food for their families and providing seeds for the next planting season.

The statement further revealed that WFP’s integrated resilience programme in the Sahel focuses on participatory watershed planning, land recovery and rehabilitation, and support for smallholder farmers – with links to school meals and nutrition activities. The programme has shown promising results, with participant households demonstrating increased capacities to withstand shocks and coping better during lean seasons. In Niger, for example, 80 percent of villages that received WFP resilience support did not require humanitarian assistance in 2022- unlike other villages in the same areas. This success meant that about half a million people did not need humanitarian food aid thanks to the long-term investments in resilience strengthening. Expanding these activities will be crucial in preventing emergency needs from escalating.

In partnership with UNICEF, WFP is also implementing a social protection programme in Chad, Burkina Faso,  Mali, and Mauritania, contributing to strengthening national systems, supporting millions of people through cash-based transfers and complementary services. The programme also contributes to strengthening national capacity to anticipate and respond to climatic and other shocks that lead to humanitarian need.

WFP, said in the statement that US$ 794 million is required to ensure adequate response to the emergency needs across the five Sahel countries over the next six months (July- December 2023).

 The United Nations World Food Programme remains the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.