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FG to Establish Air Quality Monitoring Stations Across the Country
FG to Establish Air Quality Monitoring Stations Across the Country
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to establish air quality monitoring stations across the country to generate reliable database for sound policy making aimed at ensuring clean air.
It said will also will ensure viable environmental management by deploying mobile App that would give realtime Air Quality Index for every major city in Nigeria.
Speaking at the weekend during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Clean Air for Blues Skies, with the theme “Invest in Clean Air Now Join the National Campaign #BreatheEasyNigeria”
held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako stated also noted that the agenda for the day is to reduce all forms of air pollutants to 50% globally by 2030.
The minister stated that: “If we fail to take action and reverse the current high level of air pollution in our country and in the world, the repercussions for public health, our economy, the environment and our survival is far reaching.”
He noted that: “According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), air pollution is estimated to cost the global economy 8.1 trillion USD per year equivalent to 6.1% of the global GDP due to increased healthcare cost.”
He disclosed that the Ministry of Environment is actively engaging stakeholders in the development of the National Policy on Air Quality Management as well as a Youth-led National Clean Air Programme which will work with celebrities and high network individuals as Clean Air Ambassadors.
He disclosed that The National Clean Air Campaign #BreatheEasyNigeria is expected to be launched soon
Salako while noting that the day is aimed at raising awareness at all levels on the importance of clean air for human and environmental health, productivity and economic growth, said: “Globally, there is a growing concern about air pollution and the threat poor air poses to our existence with air pollution now regarded as the world’s single largest environmental health risk. It is estimated that 99% of the world’s population is breathing polluted air with dire consequences for everything we hold dear.”
He said the challenges of air quality management are common to every part of the country with activities of humans being the main driver.
Salako said In order to address the challenges, we need everybody well informed and on board taking actions to improve our air quality. We count on you our ally in the media to inform Nigerians, create awareness and take the message home that our lungs deserves clean air. In the words of a popular evolutionary biologist and environmentalist, Guy McPherson; “you can’t count your money, while holding your breath”
He revealed that Nigerian government is working to establish a national framework to guide States that are setting up vehicular and generator Emissions Testing Centres in line with minimum standards developed by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
He said: “We have commenced a pilot scheme for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Industrial Emission Monitoring Scheme (I.E.M.S) as a vital initiative designed to enhance the capacity to manage and mitigate industrial pollution across the country effectively. In the coming days, we plan to commence a national roll out of the QA/QC IEMS.”
He however noted: “Nigeria, as a country is faced with significant air pollution challenges and was ranked the 3rd most polluted country in Africa by the 2021 world air quality report. In 2023, the average PM2.5 concentration in Nigeria was 4.8 times of the World Health Organisation annual air quality guideline value.
“Like most parts of the world, vehicular emission is the greatest contributor to air pollution, with the situation complicated in our country by the many old, second hand , third hand, infact several hand automobiles plying our roads. Other sources include industrial activities, illegal refining, gas flaring, burning of refuse, household cooking and power generation.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Ibrahim Kambari, represented by the Director Human Resource Management in the Ministry, Mrs Mariya Rufai, said there is need for more awareness to created in the society especially for the elderly, women and children who are more vulnerable to air pollution.
He said that air pollution is hazardous to the society because it brings alot of problems to the human beings and well-being of the society at large.
He noted that the meeting is to help deliberate and find a lasting solution to the environmental challenges bedeviling the country.
He said: As you are aware clean Air is very important all over the world because it’s a great enablers for good health, healthy environment, enhance productivity and a vibrant economy.”
“I think we should embark on a more and a wider sensitisation or enlightenment campaigns towards educating our people on the dangers and the effect of consequences of air pollution in our society, all these chemicals pollution, soil and water contamination we have in our society are the causes of all these air pollution and as long we don’t take measures to prevent these issues occuring in our society will never have it funny i think this forum is a good one to help us deliberate on this solutions to our air pollution that is bedeviling our society at large.”
Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, ECHON, Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba said all agency and department under the Ministry must work together to address these challenges, while also recognizes the vital importance of clean air to human health and the environment.
He said: “Today’s event is also very apt because it will help our community, stimulate our economy and increase the public health and well-being of our future generation, let us all work together across all sectors to support the initiatives so that the issue of our Air remains clean and also equitable one.”
The international Day of Clean Air for Blues Skies, is a day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to “strengthen international cooperation in improving air quality and reducing air pollution” since 2020.
FG to Establish Air Quality Monitoring Stations Across the Country
News
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
By: Our Reporter
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has donated soap-making machines and office furniture to the Borno State Government as part of its efforts to empower Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through vocational training and livelihood support.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, received the items during an official handover ceremony at the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
The donation, which includes two sets of soap-making machines equipped with mixers, crushers, driers, extruders, and tables, as well as 30 chairs and office furniture to replace items damaged by recent floods, reflects UNHCR’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in crisis-affected areas.
Speaking during the event, the Head of the UNHCR Sub-Office in Maiduguri, Nicholas Kaburaburyo, emphasized the organization’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with the government and the Ministry of Education. He highlighted UNHCR’s role in facilitating the repatriation, resettlement, and livelihood reintegration of returnees, particularly through vocational training programs.
Engr. Wakilbe commended UNHCR for its unwavering support, noting that the donation aligns with the state government’s resettlement and empowerment initiatives. He revealed that nine Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centers in Borno are actively training IDPs, with the vision of transforming the state into a hub for skilled artisans.
The Commissioner also directed the Director of Science and Technology to commence training for master trainers at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute (BOSVEI) in Muna, with the goal of launching the IDP training program by January 2025.
Zakaria Ahmed, Coordinator of BOSVEI Muna, and Ali Musa, Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry of Education, expressed their gratitude to UNHCR. They acknowledged that the donation would significantly enhance vocational training opportunities for IDPs and improve working conditions within the ministry.
This initiative underscores UNHCR’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and fostering sustainable development in Borno State. Through such efforts, the organization continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of those most affected by conflict and disaster.
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Adesina, recently visited Bokkos council Area to engage with stakeholders, discuss peace building strategies and find possible ways to eliminate all threats to peace and security in the area.
The meeting which was attended by council Chairman, Amalau Samuel and his Management Team, as well as Community/Religious Leaders, Youth/Women Leaders, and Security Help Groups arrived at silent resolutions for the peace to remain intact during the yuletide period.
A statement from the police spokesman Alfred Alabo stated that during the meeting, discussions focused on salient issues such as the incessant attacks, farmer/herder clashes, and cattle/animal rustling in the council area.
The release noted that the stakeholders expressed their concerns over the rising levels of insecurity within the area even as they pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to help them ensure peace and calmness within the area.
The stake holders also pledged their support and cooperation to the Police in their efforts to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents in Bokkos area.
“They also agreed to work together through intelligence sharing, to identify and address the root causes of the security challenges facing some communities in the LGA.
“CP Adesina assured the stakeholders of his Command’s commitment to addressing the security challenges in Bokkos council area emphasizing the need for collaboration and information sharing between the Police and the community, to effectively combat crime and maintain peace in the area.
“He further assured them that efforts are being made to deploy additional manpower and logistics to major flashpoints within the area, to forestall any future threats.
“Chairman, Amalau Samuel while responding thanked the CP for his unflinching commitment towards attending to their needs and ensuring that Bokkos council area is peaceful and safe for all to live in.
“He assured the CP that the council Area under his watch will continue to support the Police, untill all criminal elements are flushed out.
“The chair warned all those who intend to cause mayhem especially during this festive period, to desist from such plans, as his administration will not fold it’s hand and watch them destroy the fragile peace currently being enjoyed.
“The Plateau State Police Command remains dedicated to its mandate of protecting lives and property in the state.” Noted the release.
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
By: Zagazola Makama
A deadly clash of supremacy between rival terrorist factions has claimed the lives of 15 Boko Haram fighters, with five Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members sustaining injuries.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the confrontation occurred when ISWAP launched a coordinated attack on Boko Haram fighters loyal to the Bakura Buduma faction.
The assault, aimed at asserting dominance, led to significant losses on the Boko Haram side, with ISWAP fighters seizing an undisclosed number of weapons during the confrontation.
The incident marks the latest in a series of violent infightings between the two groups, which have been engaged in a bitter rivalry over resources, territorial control, and influence in the Lake Chad region.
Sources said that the clashes have intensified in recent months as both groups seek to expand their foothold in the area with the Boko Haram faction already gaining upper hand against the ISWAP.
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
UNHCR Boosts IDP Empowerment with Donation of Soap-Making Machines and Office Furniture to Borno State Ministry of Education
CP Plateau engage stakeholders in Bokkos council area to address recent threats to the peace
15 Boko Haram Fighters Killed in Fierce Supremacy Battle with ISWAP in Tumbum Kare
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