News
ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s Commitment to Climate Change Issues
ECOWAS Commends Nigeria’s Commitment to Climate Change Issues
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Nigeria for taking the issues of climate change seriously, noting that among the 15 member countries of the regional economic bloc, Nigeria alongside Benin and The Gambia are the three counties to have submitted their Strategy to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Speaking at the National Workshop on Socialization of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Carbon Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).in Abuja, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse said: “As part of the Paris Agreement, ECOWAS Member States have all submitted their revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the implementation of which calls for the mobilisation of all national actors in each country and the support of regional and international partners.
“Alongside these NDCs, countries are called upon to develop their long-term low- carbon emission development Strategy. To date, out of the 15 ECOWAS Member States, only three (3) countries (Benin, The Gambia, and Nigeria) have submitted their Strategy to the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. I would like to commend the Federal Republic of Nigeria for submitting this important document to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement.”
Toure-Litse, who was represented by one of the Commission’s Director, Kofi Bernard noted that: “This achievement is in line with the declaration of the ECOWAS Head of States and Government adopted on Climate Change in December 2021, which also calls on Member States to develop their Long-term low-carbon emission development Strategy.”
She said: “The Commission is delighted to support the socialization of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s long-term low emission development strategy for the socialization with a view to ensuring better ownership and effective contribution of all national stakeholders in its implementation.”
On his part, the Director General of the
National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru said: “The LT LEDS is comprehensive and serves as a vehicle for transitioning Nigeria to its Net-zero Pathway by 2060. In particular, it identifies actionable programmes and policies that aim to accelerate the uptake of measures and technologies in and around a climate-resilient development pathway while working towards long-term quantifiable GHG emission reductions across Nigeria’s priority sectors.”
He said: “In November 2021, Nigeria passed the Climate Change Act that seeks to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions, green and sustainable growth by providing the framework to set a target to reach net zero between 2050 and 2070. With this regulatory framework, the Act established the National Council on Climate Change with the sole responsibility for the coordination and harmonization of national climate actions among several roles.
“The journey to net-zero emissions has thus begun, and it is already clear that the road will be rough. Nigeria’s position is balancing its socioeconomics with climate change initiatives. It is to be noted also that in order to mobilize adequate climate finance into the country, there is need for adequate regulatory frameworks and its implementation.”
He noted that: “Today, we have come together to socialize and present this decisive strategy, and so we have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, and build partnerships that will drive the successful implementation of the LT-LEDS. This workshop will serve as a catalyst for change, a space for learning, and a forum for collective action, as we strive to shape a future where Nigeria thrives as a global leader in low-emission development and climate resilience.”
He said: “The demonstrated leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the reduction of Nigeria’s carbon footprint can be seen in the launch of several initiatives such as the Electric Buses Rollout Programme, the Carbon Market Activation Programme etc.. The present administration is providing all the necessary support to implement robust, enabling policies and frameworks.”
End
Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue 62 Abducted Persons in North-West Operations
By: Michael Mike
Troops of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded significant operational gains with the killing of two suspected terrorists in Kebbi State and the rescue of 62 abducted persons in Zamfara State.
The coordinated operations, carried out by troops operating under Sector 2, were based on credible intelligence and involved close collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.
In Kebbi State, the troops ambushed suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group around Kerani village, near the boundary between Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State and Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State. During the operation, two of the suspects were neutralised, while two motorcycles believed to have been used for criminal operations were recovered. The suspects were reportedly dressed in camouflage outfits, and the motorcycles were modified for long-distance movement.
In a separate operation in Zamfara State, the troops raided Munhaye Forest, a known criminal hideout, following intelligence that several kidnapped victims were being held in the area. The operation led to the successful rescue of 62 abducted persons, who have since been moved to a secure location.
Military authorities said arrangements are ongoing to reunite the rescued victims with their families, while efforts continue to track and dismantle remaining criminal elements operating in the forests and border communities.
The military noted that the latest successes reflect the sustained commitment of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to restoring peace and improving security across the North-West region.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue 62 Abducted Persons in North-West Operations
NHRC Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the brutal killing of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano State, describing the incident as a gross violation of the right to life and an attack on human dignity.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 17, 2026, reportedly involved unknown attackers who broke into the family’s residence, killed the victims with dangerous weapons, and allegedly threw an infant into a well.
Reacting to the incident, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, said the act was not only criminal but also a serious breach of constitutional and international human rights obligations binding on Nigeria. He noted that the right to life is sacrosanct and must be protected at all times, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed deep concern over the level of violence displayed in the attack, stressing that such acts threaten public safety and undermine the rule of law. He called on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to carry out a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The NHRC extended its condolences to the victims’ family, the Dorayi Chiranchi community, and the people of Kano State, assuring them of the Commission’s solidarity during the period of mourning.
The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across the country, stating its readiness to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability and justice in the case.
Dr. Ojukwu further urged collective action by government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society groups to uphold the sanctity of human life and prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents.
He emphasized that justice for the victims is essential to restoring public confidence and fostering a society built on peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.
NHRC Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano
SOJA Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano, Calls for Justice
By: Michael Mike
A human rights advocacy group, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA), has condemned the gruesome killing of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi area of Kano State, describing the incident as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and a failure of state protection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its legal officer, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh., the organisation said the killing of a mother and her children had shocked the nation and undermined the values of humanity, justice and the rule of law.
SOJA noted that the incident amounted to a serious breach of the right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as provisions of international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. The group stressed that the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights impose clear obligations on the Nigerian State to protect life and ensure accountability for violations.
The organisation further described the killing of six children as a gross violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which mandates governments to take all necessary measures to protect children from violence and unlawful death.
SOJA expressed concern that recurring cases of extreme violence, particularly against women and children, point to systemic weaknesses such as poor early-warning mechanisms, inadequate community-level protection, and insufficient intelligence gathering. According to the group, the responsibility of the state goes beyond prosecuting offenders to preventing foreseeable harm.
The advocacy group called on the Kano State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice without delay.
It also urged authorities to provide psychosocial support, protection and relief assistance to surviving family members and the affected community, noting that justice must include healing and institutional reforms, not just arrests.
SOJA further recommended stronger community-based protection and early-warning systems, improved coordination between security agencies and local communities, sustained public education on violence prevention and child protection, and strict enforcement of existing laws protecting women and children.
The group stressed that the victims must not be reduced to mere statistics, adding that their deaths should serve as a catalyst for accountability and renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life.
SOJA said it stands in solidarity with the victims’ family and the people of Kano State, reaffirming its commitment to speaking out until justice is served.
SOJA Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano, Calls for Justice
Troops Kill Two Terrorists, Rescue 62 Abducted Persons in North-West Operations
My Binocular: Federal Orthopedic Hospital Azare achieves first interlocking intramedullary femoral nailing operation
NHRC Condemns Killing of Woman, Six Children in Kano
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
