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Environmental Degradation Not in Tandem with Spirit of National Anthem, Oppresses Most Vulnerable Nigerians-FG

Published

3 weeks ago

May 21, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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

News

June 12: Why we reject call for protest in Gombe- Groups

Published

3 minutes ago

June 11, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

June 12: Why we reject call for protest in Gombe- Groups

A coalition of youth groups in Gombe State, on Wednesday condemned the recent killing of a 45-year-old community leader and industrialist, Amadu Kasiran, on June 8 by some suspected Kalare boys, describing the act as a threat to peace in the state.

Speaking through a joint press statement issued in Gombe, Mr MK Ishaku, the publicity secretary for the coalition urged the security agencies to leave no stone unturned towards ensuring that the suspects were brought to book.

The groups which focus on peace-building, good governance and youth development comprised Youths with Vision and Progressive Youths for Gombe.

Ishaku said that the life of every citizen in the state is important and must be protected in line with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He called on the security agencies to put in more efforts to stem the tide of criminality and other issues that were threatening the peace of residents of the state.

He said that the prevailing peaceful coexistence being enjoyed in the state needed the collective efforts of all residents to be sustained, hence urged residents to also support security agencies in addressing the rising cases of cult-related activities in the state.

“We are commending the police and all security agencies in the state for their efforts in ensuring peace and it is in this regard that we call on residents to give them the necessary backing for them to succeed.
“The success of the security personnel in the state will translate to improved peace and security in the state,” he said.

Following the recent upsurge in the activities of suspected Kalare boys and other criminal-related elements, “we are urging our teeming members and other youths in the state to back down on any attempt at protesting during the June 12 Democracy Day.
“Our reason is simple. The protest could be hijacked by criminal elements to breach peace in the state and this will not benefit anyone in the state

“We stand for peace, progress and development and anything that negates these, we will not support.
“Our youths in the state must remember that we have no other place than Gombe State, we must work for the peace and tranquillity of our great state,” he appealed.

Ishaku urged the security agencies to sustain efforts at nipping crimes in the bud while improving surveillance in areas that needed improved patrols.

June 12: Why we reject call for protest in Gombe- Groups

News

NSCDC Arrests 12 Suspected Vandals in FCT during Sallah Holiday

Published

17 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NSCDC Arrests 12 Suspected Vandals in FCT during Sallah Holiday

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has arrested 12 suspected vandals at different locations within the federal capital territory during the sallah holiday.

Briefing reporters on Tuesday in Abuja, the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commander, Dr. Olusola Odumosu said the
arrest was made possible by the Tactical Squad of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure of the FCT Command who were on routine patrol during the festival to ensure safety of lives and properties in the Federal Capital City.

Odumosu said the suspects are Istifani Stephen, 43 years; Samson Danladi, 29; and Yakubu Thankgod, 35; Barnabas Sobok, 25; Zayyanu Muhammad, 21 years;

Others are Sani Wakili, 55 years; Usman Dankastina, 38 years; Abdulahi Saidu, 31; Ibrahim Haruna, 32; Sambo Abraham, 34: Umar Suleiman; Musa Ibrahim, 20

He noted that exhibits recovered from them include armoured cables, telecommunication masts accessories, three shoves, three dagger, an axe, pieces of galvanized iron rods and billboards, among others.

Commenting on the arrest, Odumosu, said the command was determine to bring to an end the rascality of vandals in the FCT.

He said: “You know, these criminals take advantage of festive season to perpetrate their heinous acts, we are not unaware of their tactics, that is reason we manned tighter surveillance during celebration period to beat them at their game

“It is disheartening that the Federal Government and the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike, are practically demonstrating their own part by providing the citizenry with the essential facilities to make life meaningful and here we have some unscrupulous elements busy Vandalizing this National Assets for their selfish interests, this must have to stop.”

Odumosu maintained that the FCT Command is poised to go all out come rain or shine to provide protection for all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure under their purview.

He said: “We are here to serve our father’s land, we have the responsibility to protect manhole covers, telecommunication masts and their accessories, water pipelines and other Critical National Assets provided by government to make life meaningful for the people of the FCT and we cannot renege in our efforts to actualize these all important National assignment.”

He however warned criminally minded elements to desist from sabotaging the efforts of the government or be ready to face the full weight of the law adding that disobedience to the law especially theft and vandalism of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure will not be treated with levity when caught.

The FCT Commandant appealed to FCT residents to assists the Corps with vital intelligence information to help them deliver on their mandate.

NSCDC Arrests 12 Suspected Vandals in FCT during Sallah Holiday

News

Youths Take the Lead: Over 1,000 Students to Convene in Maiduguri for High-Level Peacebuilding Summit

Published

17 hours ago

June 10, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Youths Take the Lead: Over 1,000 Students to Convene in Maiduguri for High-Level Peacebuilding Summit

By Our Reporter

Maiduguri, Borno State — In a bold step towards ending violent extremism and fostering sustainable peace in Northeast Nigeria, the Kalthum Foundation for Peace (KFP), in collaboration with the Network of Civil Society Organisations Borno State (NECSOB) and the Borno Youth Parliament, will host a groundbreaking one-day multi-sectoral engagement focused on countering violent extremism, terrorism, and promoting peace.

The event, which will hold on June 28, 2025, at the prestigious Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri, is expected to bring together more than 1,000 students and youths from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. It is strategically designed to empower the younger generation with practical tools for community engagement, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding — key elements of the Counter-Insurgency (COIN) strategy.

Themed “Countering Violent Extremism, Terrorism, and Peacebuilding: A Youth-Driven Multi-Sectoral Dialogue,” the summit will serve as a melting pot of ideas, collaboration, and inclusive engagement between young people, security agencies, traditional rulers, academia, and civil society leaders.

High-profile dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion, including the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. Also expected is the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as Distinguished Guest of Honour. Their presence highlights the strategic importance of youth inclusion in peace and security efforts.

Other notable guests include the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar ibn Garbai el-Kanemi; Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan; Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar; GOC 7 Division, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu; National Coordinator for Counterterrorism, ONSA, Major General AG Laka; and Professor Ibrahim Umara of the University of Maiduguri.

According to the Founder/CEO of KFP, Ambassador Ummu Kalthum Muhammad Rabiu, “This summit is not just a meeting; it’s a movement. It’s about shifting the narrative and ensuring that our youths are seen as active agents of peace, not as passive victims of conflict.”

The Executive Director of NECSOB, Comrade Bulama Abiso, emphasized the role of civil society in bridging gaps and sustaining peace at the grassroots. “Through platforms like this, we can create long-lasting impacts that resonate beyond just dialogue — we build understanding, networks, and community resilience.”

Echoing similar sentiments, the Speaker of the Borno Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Usman, stated, “This is our moment. Our generation must rise to lead the charge for peace. No one understands our struggles like we do.”

With its blend of experienced policymakers, traditional authorities, and passionate youths, the summit is set to be a landmark event in shaping a new narrative of peace and resilience across the Northeast region.