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Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
By: Melvin Uche
The inaugural North-East Climate Change Summit and Retreat, held on September 16-19, 2024, at the International Conference Center in Gombe, sparked a passionate call for climate action. The event, hosted by the North-East Development Commission, centered on the theme “Leveraging Climate Action for the Sustainable Development of North-East Nigeria.” During his address, Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, and Member (South East) & Chairman Committee on Security, Climate Change & Special Interventions North East Development Commission ( NEDC ) highlighted the severe climate challenges that threaten agriculture, security, and the overall livelihoods in the region.
Onuigbo stressed the urgent need to address environmental crises such as land degradation, desertification, and recurring droughts that have crippled agricultural productivity in the North-East. These environmental challenges have compounded the region’s long-standing issues of insecurity, inadequate skills development, education, and technological advancement, leaving millions vulnerable.
Drawing from international frameworks, including the United Nations General Assembly’s 2009 Resolution on Climate Change and the 2017 UN Security Council Resolution, Onuigbo pointed out that climate change amplifies security risks in the North-East. “Environmental degradation has fueled resource conflicts, migration, and displacement, which, in turn, worsen the region’s security issues,” Onuigbo stated.
While Africa contributes only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Onuigbo underscored that Nigeria, especially the North-East, is facing devastating effects, from desertification to the drying up of Lake Chad. The impact on agriculture, which sustains the region’s economy, is particularly alarming, with rising food insecurity driving migration and heightening conflicts.
Onuigbo, who is widely called the father of climate change in Nigeria, praised Nigeria’s recent legislative strides, including the Climate Change Act 2021, which he sponsored, and the Electricity Act 2023, which creates pathways for sustainable development and renewable energy adoption. “These laws are essential for integrating climate resilience into agriculture, energy, and education, and for fostering economic growth,” he noted.
Highlighting national initiatives like the Energy Transition Plan (2021) and the Great Green Wall Initiative, Onuigbo emphasized their critical role in mitigating climate risks and promoting sustainable land use in the North-East. He urged the region to take advantage of international funding opportunities, such as the World Bank’s $3 billion annual fund for climate-smart agriculture.
Rep. Onuigbo also addressed the direct link between climate change and the region’s security challenges. “Droughts and resource scarcity are pushing communities into conflict over land, water, and grazing rights,” he warned. The resulting tensions have fueled insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes.
While outlining these grim realities, Onuigbo offered a hopeful vision for the future. He advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions to boost productivity, generate revenue, and create sustainable livelihoods. “The North-East’s agricultural potential can be unlocked with the right investments in technology and climate-smart practices,” he said.
The Electricity Act 2023, which decentralizes electricity generation, was lauded by Onuigbo as a game-changer for energy access in the region. He urged state governments to invest in renewable energy projects that co inuld power industries and households, improving living conditions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “The North-East’s topography is perfect for renewable energy projects,” he added, citing the decreasing costs of solar and wind power as a promising development.
Onuigbo also called for the establishment of state-level climate governance frameworks, urging governments to adopt robust climate action plans with clear, measurable goals. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness on climate issues, particularly among vulnerable groups like women, youth, and the elderly, who are often the most affected.
Onuigbo’s optimistic outlook on leveraging climate action for regional development set the tone for the latter part of the summit, where further discussions explored practical steps for implementation. He pointed out that COP28’s global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 presents unprecedented opportunities for the North-East to become a hub for clean energy and sustainable agriculture. He cited the plummeting costs of renewable energy as an opportunity the region must not miss.
Onuigbo also referenced alarming global health statistics, including those shared by Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesos, Director General of the World Health Organization, on the deadly effects of household pollution from dirty cooking fuels. “Clean energy is not just about economics—it’s about saving lives,” Onuigbo said, highlighting the importance of renewable energy in reducing household air pollution, which claims millions of lives globally each year.
Onuigbo also highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women, due to extreme heat and poor working conditions. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is already impacting lives, livelihoods, and security,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Onuigbo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making food security a priority in his administration’s agenda and for spearheading efforts toward energy transition and climate change mitigation. He also acknowledged the North-East governors for establishing the North-East Governors’ Forum, which serves as a vital platform for addressing regional climate challenges.
He praised the leadership of the North-East Development Commission for organizing the summit at such a critical time, stating that “this collective action is what is needed to transform the region’s future.”
In his parting message, Onuigbo left the audience with a bold vision: “The North-East has the resources, human capital, and global momentum to overcome these challenges. By embracing renewable energy, investing in climate-smart agriculture, and building resilient infrastructure, the region can position itself as a key player in the global economy.”
As Nigeria and the world move toward a low-carbon future, the North-East region stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will shape not only the region’s future but also its role in addressing global climate challenges.
Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
News
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
By: Zagazola Makama
Recent attacks by terrorists linked to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), Ansaru splinter factions and the Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) have brought into sharp focus a troubling expansion of jihadist violence into Nigeria’s North-Central zone, with Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State emerging as a new flashpoint.
On Jan. 9, 2026, terrorists operating along the Borgu axis attacked Damala village, a Kambari farming settlement in Borgu LGA. The assailants killed four residents, looted foodstuffs and livestock, and subsequently withdrew towards the Kainji National Park.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack followed a similar modus operandi to the Jan. 3, 2026 massacre at Kasuwan Daji, where villagers were killed and abducted in a coordinated night raid.
Deep findings indicated that Borgu and neighbouring Agwara LGAs have increasingly become areas of operation for a Saddiku-led Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) faction working in collaboration with JNIM fighters infiltrating from the Sahel.
The terrorists are believed to be exploiting the Liptako–Gourma tri-border forest corridor, which stretches across parts of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso, before filtering through Benin Republic into the Kainji National Park ecosystem.
Zagazola noted that the vast forested terrain of the park, combined with weak surveillance, has made it an attractive rear base for terrorist regrouping, logistics and cross-border movement. Borgu has been under sustained pressure, with attacks occurring at regular intervals.
On Nov. 21, 2025, gunmen abducted students of St. Mary Catholic School, Papiri, in Borgu LGA. The students were later released in batches on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22, 2025. It was revealed whether ransom was paid or not. However, Intelligence linked the abduction to JAS handlers operating from Ali Ngulde camp in the North-East.
This was followed by the Jan. 3, 2026 Kasuwan Daji attack and an earlier Jan. 5, 2026 assault on a Mobile Police (MOPOL) checkpoint at New Kali village, also in Borgu LGA. This point to a high probability of continued and potentially more daring attacks within Borgu LGA and adjoining areas over the next two weeks.
There are also growing concerns that the violence could spill into Kwara State, particularly Kaiama and Baruten LGAs, which border Kainji National Park. The terrorist groups have had sufficient time to regroup and reposition following recent security operations in parts of Niger State, increasing the likelihood of an operational surge.
“The pattern suggests deliberate expansion rather than isolated criminality,” a counterterrorism expert said. “This is ideological jihadist violence, fused with banditry and cross-border logistics. The Damala attack has further reinforced assessments that JAS/Ansaru factions and JNIM elements now maintain established bases within the Kainji National Park.
The systematic raiding of livestock and foodstuffs, analysts say, reflects the groups’ dependence on local communities for sustenance and their reliance on the park’s ecosystem for concealment, mobility and survival.
Military strategists describe the park as the terrorists’ operational centre of gravity, and, paradoxically, their main vulnerability.
Zagazola suggested that a sustained , intelligence-driven air campaign targeting known hideouts, logistics routes and assembly areas within the park could significantly degrade their combat power.
Such an approach, would fix terrorist elements in place, disrupt their supply chains and create favourable conditions for coordinated ground operations to restore security and prevent further expansion into Kwara State and deeper into the North-Central zone.
The unfolding situation in Borgu is widely seen as a warning sign of the evolving nature of Nigeria’s security threats, where jihadist groups displaced from the North-East and North-West are probing new theatres with weak state presence.
If left unchecked, the Borgu–Kainji axis could become a permanent jihadist sanctuary, linking Sahel-based terrorist networks directly to Nigeria’s heartland.
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
By: Our Reporter
Prominent Nigerians on Saturday converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to attend the wedding ceremony of three children of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori.
Gatekeepers News reports that there was heavy traffic in parts of Maiduguri as dignitaries from all works of life made frantic effort to access the residence of Dalori and the Al-Ansar Mosque, the two main venues of the wedding ceremony.
Among those in attendance were top government officials, party leaders, traditiona rulers, business moguls, and religious leaders from within and outside Borno State. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, reflecting Dr. Dalori’s political influence and wide network across the country.
Leading the array of dignitaries is the National Chairman of the APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, othe members of National Woking Committee of the APC and large numbers of States Chairmen of the party .
Also in attendance were the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, his Deputy, Hon Umar Kadafur , three Senators from the state- Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Mohammed Ndume Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of the House of Representatives from Borno State
Others are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of Borno State House of Assembly , former Nigeria Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alh. Ibrahim Bunu, Ibrahim , Former Deputy Governors of Borno State- Ali Jatau and Adamu Dibal .
The Deputy National Chairman of the APC was full of gratitude to his guests who left their various confort zones to attend wedding of his children- Usman, Falmata and Aisha .
” I’m immensely grateful our National Chairman of APC Professor Nentawe, our amiable Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and the too many important personalities who came from far and near to honour my invitation, may Allah (SAW) bless you all ” Dalori said .
The wedding rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic injunctions, featuring special prayers for the couples, their families,. The atmosphere was marked by joy, unity, and cultural splendour, as guests exchanged pleasantries and goodwill messages with the host and his family
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the venues to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth flow of activities. Traffic control officers were also on ground to manage the influx of vehicles and guests, while emergency and protocol teams worked tirelessly to coordinate movements and logistics.
The wedding ceremony came to a successful end with a reception that featured traditional music, refreshments, and continued interactions among guests, bringing together leaders and citizens in a rare atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
By: Our Reporter
A new video has emerged showing two men, allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, pleading for help.
One of the victims, Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, is seen in the video appealing for rescue.
The two men were taken hostage on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the abductees said the terrorists are demanding a ransom of $150,000 per person, totaling $300,000, for their release.
‘We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,’ one of the victims said. ‘We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.’
The victims specifically appealed to Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene and help secure their freedom.
‘We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. ‘They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.’
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
EXCLUSIVE: expanding JAS/ANSARU–JNIM violence signals growing jihadist threat in Niger–Kwara corridor
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
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