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FG Calls on Nigerians to Cultivate Bamboo Trees
FG Calls on Nigerians to Cultivate Bamboo Trees
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to embrace cultivation of bamboo trees in the country to combat climate change.
The called by the Federal Government came even as Chinese Government through the Chinese Chamber of Commerce said they it was poised to improve the usage of bamboo in Nigeria through the establishment of a bamboo industry in the country.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2023 World Bamboo Day in Abuja with the theme “Environmental Restoration and Job Creation’’, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal said in building on the outcomes of COP28 – Global Climate Summit – recently concluded in Dubai, UAE, the ministry is taking a significant steps toward a greener and more sustainable future for Nigerians.
He noted that one of the steps to be taken by the ministry is promoting bamboo cultivation and utilisation in the country.
The Minister explained that: “Not only does it (bamboo cultivation) contribute to the preservation of our environment, it also offers opportunities for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
“Its diverse applications in different sectors of the economy make it a valuable resource for job creation and income generation.”
He noted that the bamboo’s rapid growth, strength, and adaptability make it an ideal solution for sustainable development and resource management, stressing that: “Bamboo plays a crucial role in combating climate change. Its ability to sequester carbon dioxide and release oxygen surpasses that of many other plant species.
“As the whole world grapples with the menace of climate change and its attendant impacts, we are by this event, reminded of the immense potential this plant holds in addressing some of these pressing challenges.
“Bamboo, often referred to as the “green gold,” has been an integral part of our culture and heritage for centuries.”
He added that: “It has proven to be a true gift of nature considering its versatility and numerous environmental and economic benefits.”
The minister also said with shorter gestation period, bamboo boasts of shared and greater environmental and socio-economic potential including for construction and as industrial raw materials.
He added that: “Currently, the first bamboo processing factory is being established in Karara, Kogi state with the objective to bolster local content development in the production of bamboo toothpicks and other products in the short and long terms.”
Earlier, in an opening remark, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Lawrence Adigwe said that promoting bamboo cultivation will enhance biodiversity, adding that: “It is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth and capable of reaching maturity within a few years.
He noted that: “This is a feature that makes it an excellent tool in combating deforestation through reforestation and afforestation.
“Bamboo products is steadily increasing, providing opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas where bamboo is abundantly available.”
The representative from Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Gene Zhang said they were poised to improve the usage of bamboo in Nigeria through the establishment of a bamboo industry in the country.
He said: “China can lend helping hands on how to set up bamboo industry in Nigeria.”
FG Calls on Nigerians to Cultivate Bamboo Trees
Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising 20 terrorists and destroying the stronghold.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the decisive, well-coordinated offensive followed credible intelligence that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on communities and logistics movements.
According to the source, the troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, conducted week-long surveillance before moving to intercept the terrorists.
“Contact was established on Jan. 31, 2026, as the terrorists advanced. They engaged the troops in a fierce firefight and attempted a flanking manoeuvre, but this was repelled by superior firepower,” the source said.
He said 20 terrorists were neutralised in the encounter, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations, the source added, were ongoing to assess further casualties and recover additional items.
The raid yielded significant recoveries, including assorted weapons and ammunition, bicycles, food supplies, medical drugs, clothing, detergents and other logistics materials.
“The Gwaska Dan Karmi camp was completely destroyed,” the source said.
He noted that troops remained highly motivated, with combat efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering.
Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Police Command, have rescued an abducted man in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Jan. 29, when armed bandits invaded the residence of Abdullahi Isah Nagari on the outskirts of Tsafe town and abducted him to an unknown destination.
According to the source, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tsafe Division promptly mobilised to launch a coordinated rescue operation.
“During a thorough search of the surrounding bushes, the victim was successfully located and rescued. He was found tied to a tree with a machete cut injury on his hand,” the source said.
The sources added that the victim was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Tsafe, where he was receiving medical attention.
The source said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators, while security patrols had been intensified in the area to prevent further occurrences.
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
U.S. official heads to Mali to reset ties, boost Sahel cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
A senior official of the United States Government, Nick Checker, is travelling to Bamako to convey Washington’s respect for Mali’s sovereignty and explore a new course in bilateral relations between the two countries.
This is according to a statement issued by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs.
The statement said Checker, a Senior Bureau Official at the State Department, would engage Malian authorities on ways to move past previous policy missteps and rebuild cooperation.
It added that the United States was looking forward to discussing next steps for enhancing U.S.–Mali relations, particularly in the areas of security and economic development.
“The United States also plans to consult with other governments in the region, including Burkina Faso and Niger, on shared security and economic interests,” the statement said.
It noted that the visit underscored Washington’s desire to strengthen engagement with Sahelian countries amid ongoing regional security and political challenges.
The Bureau said the discussions would focus on practical ways to promote stability, respect for sovereignty and mutually beneficial cooperation across the Sahel.
U.S. official heads to Mali to reset ties, boost Sahel cooperation
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Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
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