News
Environmental Experts Sound Alarm on Fossil Fuel Dependency and Climate Change
Environmental Experts Sound Alarm on Fossil Fuel Dependency and Climate Change
By: Michael Mike
The discussion around energy, its costs, and stranded communities has alarming statistics, including decades of oil pollution contaminating the soil, water, and air of the Niger Delta. Climate change disproportionately affects marginalized communities due to patterns of production of dirty energy and consumption patterns as well.
A one-day webinar was organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) USA hub to examine pressing issues as they affect communities, especially in the Niger Delta. The webinar also proposed that comprehensive environmental audits, health assessments for affected communities, transition to renewable energy, and increased community-led initiatives be put in place in order to address the crisis.
Environmental experts Nicholas Johnson and Nnimmo Bassey discussed the devastating consequences of fossil fuel dependency and climate change on stranded communities. This critical conversation highlighted vital issues, including the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, fossil fuel addiction, and the role of neoliberalism in perpetuating the polycrisis.
Nicholas Johnson stressed that consumption patterns contribute to environmental degradation while stating that solidarity with communities is essential for ecological justice. He further highlighted critical issues, including the intersection of climate change and human rights, the environmental and social impact on communities, pollution cleanup, environmental study, challenges posed by multinational corporations, grassroots activism, and corporate accountability.
The Executive Director of HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, emphasised that environmental degradation undermines human rights, particularly the right to life. He highlighted methods to combat climate change, which include learning from communities affected by oil extraction and promoting participatory ecological impact assessments in decision-making. He also stated that payment of climate debt was the right way to handle climate finance as it would address the origins of climate injustice.
HOMEF USA notes that the international community must prioritize solidarity with affected communities and support their environmental justice and human rights demands.
This critical conversation underscored the urgent need for environmental justice, human rights, and solidarity with stranded communities.
Environmental Experts Sound Alarm on Fossil Fuel Dependency and Climate Change
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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