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Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG
Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has decried that environmental degradation is not in tandem with the spirit of Nigeria’s national anthem as it oppresses the most vulnerable Nigerians.
Speaking at the Circular and POPS-free Plastics in Africa Project Inception Workshop in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said: “As we reflect on the words of our national anthem, “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,” we must recognize that environmental degradation is indeed a form of oppression. It disproportionately affects the most vulnerable groups in our midst and limits opportunities for future generations.”
The Minister noted that: “This project represents our collective determination to break free from this oppression and build a Nigeria where both people and nature can thrive.”
Lawal while declaring the workshop opened, said: “I wish to express my profound appreciation to all critical partners who have made this initiative possible, namely: the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for financial support; UN Environment, the Implementing Agency, for providing technical support; and BCCC- Africa, for its resourcefulness in providing guidance for the project implementation. To NESREA, the performing environmental police in Nigeria – your commitment to environmental protection and your role as the National Executing Partner is deeply appreciated.”
He noted that Nigeria, as one of the five beneficiary-nations in Africa, has an ample opportunity to, among others: reduce the import, production and use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastics-containing products in the automobile, construction and electronics sectors) and the generation of unintentionally-produced POPs (UPOPs), with their attendant burdens of pollution and morbidity in our environment; identify safe, eco-friendly and effective alternatives to POPs- containing plastics as well as suitable technologies to manage POPs-contaminated waste in an environmentally sound manner; and adopt and enforce upstream policies and financial instruments, to implement circular economy practices and eliminate or replace problematic products with more sustainable alternatives.
He said the cross-cutting dimension of POPs Management and plastic pollution, including the magnitude of associated challenges call for collective responsibility among all sectoral stakeholders, stressing that: “It is therefore heartwarming to note an equitable representation of high-level policy makers, the dedicated presence of ‘Basel Centre’, the Industry, Academia, Civil Society Organisations, and our Development Partners, whose expertise, vast wealth of experience and solemn commitment wil be brought to bear in actuating successful delivery of the project.”
He decried that while plastics have brought undeniable benefits to modern life, in the absence of an effective waste management strategy and circular economy system, more than three-quarters of scrap plastics get discarded and dispersed in open dumps, burnt, clog the drainage system and ultimately discharged into the marine environment as microplastics.
On his part, the Director General/CEO, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor said on this historic inception workshop for the Circular and POPs-Free Plastics in Africa Project. “Today, we gather as partners, stakeholders, and custodians of our environment to embark on a transformative journey that will shape Nigeria’s environmental future for generations to come.”
He noted that: “The significance of this gathering cannot be overstated. We are here to address one of the most complex and pressing environmental challenges of our time – the pervasive threat posed by Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in plastic materials. POPs are carcinogenic and mutagenic, causing cancer, genetic mutations, neurological damage, reproductive problems, and immunological disorders. Exposure to POPs has severe long-term health consequences.
“POPs disrupt ecological systems, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health. “
He noted that: “Many chemical additives used during plastic production to provide the finished plastics products (e.g. plastic housing units of electronics) with unique properties (including plasticity and fire retardancy) are classified as POPs. A typical example is polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, including penta-BDE, octa-BDE and deca-BDE). These chemicals are toxic, chemically stable and readily accumulate in the environment and living organisms.
“These toxic substances represent a silent crisis, accumulating in our ecosystems, permeate our food chains, and posing severe risks to human health and biodiversity when end-of-life plastics from electronics are not properly managed. As Nigeria’s apex environmental regulatory agency, NESREA recognizes both the gravity of this challenge and the tremendous opportunity this project presents for gradual and systemic change.
“In Nigeria, our focus on the electronics sector under this project is particularly strategic. Our nation has overtime, emerged as a regional hub for electronic goods in West Africa, with all the attendant responsibilities, advantages and disadvantages this position entails. While we celebrate the economic opportunities this brings, we must also confront the environmental implications. The lifecycle of electronic products – from production to disposal – presents multiple points where POPs could be released into the environment. This project thus provides us with the necessary tools, resources, and partnerships we require to transform this sector into a model of environmental responsibility and circular economy principles.”
Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, officially opened a newly constructed 48-classroom High Islamic College in Gubio Local Government Area of northern Borno.
The state-of-the-art institution is designed to offer a hybrid curriculum that integrates western education with traditional sangaya (Qur’anic) educational system.
Zulum had introduced an integrated policy framework which aims to provide students with a holistic education, grounding them in both religious principles and contemporary academic knowledge.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum emphasised that the college is structured to ensure its graduates are not only deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship but are also fully equipped and qualified to pursue higher education in conventional institutions.
“Our focus has been on revitalising the system by preserving its rich tradition of Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational skills. We recognise the historic role of sangaya education in shaping moral values, discipline, and learning within our communities, while also equipping learners with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, foundational English, and vocational training to enable them to function effectively and competitively in today’s society.”
“Through institutions operating under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) approved curriculum, sangaya learners are now receiving a balanced education that integrates Islamic Studies with modern knowledge. These reforms have created clear pathways for graduates to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and, where they so desire, progress to higher institutions of learning to further develop their potential.”
The facility, in addition to the 48 classrooms, also features administrative blocks and a library. It is expected to serve hundreds of students from Gubio and surrounding communities, reducing the need for children to travel far from home for quality integrated education.
Zulum also commissioned the Gubio II Junior Day Secondary School, executed by Borno State Government. During a tour of the facilities, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, explained that classrooms are intended to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces, with a particular focus on improving access for adolescent girls.
… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA
Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned three projects executed by the Chairman of Gubio Local Government Area, Mali Bulama Mali Gubio.
The projects include Gubio Oil Mills, Zulum Ultramodern Clinic, and Mustapha Gubio Shopping Complex.
The occasions were attended by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and Members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zanah and Engr Bukar Talba.
Other dignitaries include the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners, special advisers and other senior government officials.
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has charged the newly appointed chairman of the Yusufari local government area to consider security of lives and property as the priority of the administration.
Buni gave the warning today while swearing in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the chairman of the council following the death of Alhaji Bah Abba Aji some few days ago.
According to Buni, the death of the chairman has created a vacuum that must be filled for continuity in governance, and this justifies the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new chairman of the Yusufari local government council.
He urged him to be a good team player for a result-oriented administration that would give members of the council and people of the local government area a sense of belonging.
Governor Buni also urged the new chairman to conduct government business transparently to promote accountability and probity as well as to channel government resources into areas of need that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
He appealed to the people of the local government area to support the new chairman for a smooth and successful administration that would meet the needs of the people.
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has approved a substantial increase in rural allowances for health workers as part of efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel in remote communities across the state.
The governor announced the decision after inspecting several government projects in the northern axis of Borno. The inspection covered Government Secondary School, Gubio; two general hospitals; and ongoing housing developments in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.
Under the new arrangement, medical doctors posted to rural areas under the State Hospital Management Board will receive a rural allowance equivalent to their full basic salary, representing a 100 per cent increase. Nurses and midwives serving in similar locations will receive a 40 per cent increase in their rural allowances. The policy takes effect from January 1.
Governor Zulum said the move was informed by persistent manpower gaps in public health facilities, particularly in rural communities.
“We are facing serious challenges with human resources for health. Many of our hospitals do not have enough doctors and nurses,” he said. “Our findings show that a good number of medical professionals prefer working with international organisations because the pay is better. We must respond to this reality.”
According to the governor, the improved welfare package is expected to make rural postings more attractive and encourage more qualified personnel to work in general hospitals at the local government level.
He expressed optimism that the incentive would significantly improve healthcare delivery in villages and underserved areas, adding that health workers willing to take up rural postings should report to the State Hospital Management Board.
During his visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor also directed the immediate provision of essential facilities for the school’s laboratories and library to improve teaching and learning.
The inspection tour was attended by the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba; and several commissioners and senior government officials, including those in charge of information, works and housing, local government affairs, and water resources.
The allowance increase forms part of the Zulum administration’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery and improve living conditions in rural communities across Borno State.
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio
Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari
Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase
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