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FG Asks Nigerians to Cultivate Tree Planting to Fight Sand and Dust Storms

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FG Asks Nigerians to Cultivate Tree Planting to Fight Sand and Dust Storms

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has reiterated the importance of planting and nurturing trees that will provide vegetation cover and protect farmlands from the encroachment of desert especially in the northeastern part of the country.

Speaking during the celebration of the international Sand and Dust Storm Day in Abuja which is always celebrated on July 12. the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako said the day was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (SDS).

He said, Sand and Dust Storms (SDS) are atmospheric phenomena that occur mostly in the dry lands but its impacts are witnessed beyond dry lands due to long-range transportation of sand and dust mostly originating from arid, semi-arid and dry sub humid areas.

The purpose of proclaiming 12th July as the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms by the United Nations General Assembly according to him, includes to raise awareness on the catastrophic effects of Sand and Dust Storms as well as it’s causes, impacts and preventive measures;
to sensitize policy and decision makers on the causes and socio- economic impacts of Sand and Dust Storms.

Also to advocate at the International, National and Regional levels on the need to share knowledge, best practices and measures to mitigate the sources and impacts of SDS to strengthen observation, forecast and adaptive capacities of the countries to cope with the adverse effects of SDS.

The Minister added that: “Globally, afforestation and reforestation has been considered as the easiest and cheapest methods to restore the ecosystem, protect our biodiversity as well as, reduce the impact of climate change.

He explained that: “The absence of forests/trees leads to loss of vegetation cover and extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves and droughts, it is also a major factor that allows movement of sand particles across areas with less or no vegetation cover otherwise known as SDS.”

Salako while addressing the press, said: “This phenomenon occurs when strong turbulent winds blow over unconsolidated dry grained sand transporting it to where vegetation covers are sparse or absent.

“The origin where this sand and dust storm originates from are devoid of vegetation such as the Sahara desert.”

He said that to combat SDS, I must emphatically state the importance of planting and nurturing tress that will provide vegetation cover and protect farmlands from the encroachment of desert especially in the northeastern part of Nigeria. The existence of forests across the country is very crucial to the campaign against SDS.

He noted that, SDS usually result in the removal of fertile topsoil which is a major cause of loss of farmland and crops thereby threatening the sustainability of food production.

He stated that the Federal Ministry of Environment and the UNCCD carried out an SDS Risk Reduction Project aimed at enhancing knowledge and developing predictive modelling about SDS risk

He noted that: “Even though Nigeria is not a source country for SDS, it is one of the frontline countries whose close proximity to the Sahara makes it vulnerable to SDS activities.

SDS occurs with intensity in the months of November to February which is locally known as Harmattan period. Dust particles are transported regularly from dust sources across the country towards the Atlantic Ocean during the dry season.

FG Asks Nigerians to Cultivate Tree Planting to Fight Sand and Dust Storms

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Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

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Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has charged personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to continue to offer excellent services to its clients, declaring that efficient customer service is a right and not a privilege.

Comptroller General of the Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, gave the charge in Abuja when she declared open the 2025 SERVICOM Customer Service Week.

She assured that the Service is on an irreversible path of reform, modernization and improved transparency in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The CGIS noted that the week-long event, themed “Mission Possible” with the NIS sub-theme “Meeting and Exceeding Expectations”, was an opportunity for officers to recommit themselves to the principles of courtesy, timeliness and citizens-centered service delivery.

She said: “The Nigeria Immigration Service must not only meet expectations but exceed them. Every passport issued, every permit processed, every encounter at our borders is a test of our professionalism and integrity. We must continue to build public trust and prove that we are a Service that delivers”, the CGIS declared.

She noted that on assuming office in 2024, she raised concerns over negative practices that dented the Service’s image and challenged officers to “go back to the drawing board.”

Nandap said that directive resulted in far-reaching reforms, including the passport automation and contactless processing system, designed to minimize physical interaction and eliminate bottlenecks.

She highlighted that: “Others are the deployment of e-gates and body cameras at airports, enhancing border security while promoting transparency; Intensified sensitization campaigns across formations to combat corruption and entrench professionalism.

“These reforms are already paying off,” she noted, citing improved national ratings, commendations and awards recently received by the NIS at government performance review retreats.

Nandap however urged NIS personnel nationwide to use the 2025 Customer Service Week as an opportunity to recommit themselves to exceeding public expectations, charging officers to uphold the Service’s reputation at all times.

She added that: “This celebration is not for fanfare. It is a solemn call to renew our pledge of service and to institutionalize transparency, courtesy and excellence as our standard culture.”

Earlier, Special Assistant to the CGIS on SERVICOM and Reform Champion, Barr. Muhammad Awwal Abubakar, a deputy comptroller of immigration, described the Customer Service Week as “a call to reflection, action and renewal.”

He emphasized that the global theme “Mission Possible” challenges public institutions to see obstacles as opportunities for innovation rather than excuses for inefficiency.

“Customer service is not a privilege given by government institutions but a right owed to the people. Our duty is to ensure that every interaction with the NIS leaves citizens and travelers with confidence in our integrity and efficiency”, Abubakar said.

The 2025 NIS SERVICOM Customer Service Week will feature activities across commands and formations nationwide, highlighting innovation, best practices and the Service’s ongoing transformation agenda.

Immigration Comptroller General Advises Personnel on Excellent Service to Clients

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Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

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Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

A herdsman has been killed and 36 cows shot dead by unknown assailants in a fresh attack at Ndinn village, Fan District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola Makama report that the incident, which occurred on Monday evening, is the latest undocumented violent attacks that have continued to claim lives and property in parts of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers ambushed the herder, identified as Abubakar Alhaji Woda, while he was grazing his cattle, and shot him dead before opening fire on his herd, killing 36 cows on the spot.

Residents described the attack as unprovoked and expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity in rural parts of Barkin Ladi and neighbouring local government areas.

They lamented that despite several similar attacks in recent weeks, no arrests have been made, and the perpetrators continue to operate with impunity.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the FUYODA Riyom chapter coordinator, Muhammad Saidu, described the attack as “a heartbreaking reminder of the persistent insecurity and injustice faced by peaceful Fulani communities in Plateau.”

“We strongly condemn this act of violence and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served,” Saidu said.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and called on the government to take decisive steps to restore confidence among pastoral communities who continue to suffer silent losses in the ongoing communal crisis.

“May Almighty Allah grant Abubakar Alhaji Woda Jannatul Firdaus, forgive his shortcomings, and comfort his family with patience and strength during this difficult time,” he added.

However, as of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding the attack.

Zagazola report that the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau State has often been reported only from the angle of reprisals, while several attacks on herders go undocumented or receive limited attention.

Community leaders have called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of hostilities in the area.

Herdsman, 36 cows shot dead in fresh unprovoked attack in Plateau

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Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

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Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

By: Zagazola Makama

Maj.-Gen. Rogers Ibe Nicholas (rtd), Chairman of the Fact-Finding Committee on Insecurity in Plateau State, says the crisis in the state involves both indigenes and non-indigenes across all ethnic and religious divides.

Nicholas, a former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, made this known while reacting to reports that the committee’s findings had indicted Fulani herdsmen as the aggressors in the prolonged conflict.

He clarified that the committee’s report, submitted last month to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, did not attribute blame to any single ethnic group, stressing that the violence in Plateau was a multi-dimensional problem involving various communities.

“The committee was set up by the state government to make findings and recommendations, which have been submitted to the government. The document is still classified until a white paper is issued,” Nicholas said.

He explained that during the committee’s engagements with community leaders across the state, it became evident that all sides had suffered and contributed to the cycle of violence.

“I think people need to be corrected based on the statement that Fulani are the ones causing the problem. The report did not say that,” he stated.

“While we are clear, everybody — all the ethnic groups in Plateau — are in one way or another involved in the crisis. In some areas, fingers have been pointed at particular groups, but our findings show that every community has played a part,” Nicholas added.

He further noted that many of the attacks in the state were reprisals triggered by earlier assaults, which often led to further bloodshed and destruction of property.

Nicholas maintained that the committee’s recommendations, once made public, would help guide the government in addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering lasting peace in the state.

Fact-finding committee says all ethnic groups involved in Plateau crisis

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