National News
FG Inaugurates SPESSE Project for Healthier, Cleaner, Sustainable Environment
FG Inaugurates SPESSE Project for Healthier, Cleaner, Sustainable Environment
By: Michael Mike
The federal government in order to ensure a healthier, cleaner, and more sustainable environment on Tuesday inaugurated the Working Group on Environmental Standards for the Sustainable Procurement Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement (SPESSE) Project
Inaugurating the project in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, explained that the project was a collaboration of the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Environment, Finance, Budget and National Planning, and is aimed at enhancing human capacity in sustainable procurement, environmental, and social standards in both the public and private sectors, which would create a more sustainable future for all.
He noted that: “The Sustainable Procurement, Environmental, and Social Standards Enhancement Program seeks to address a critical gap in our country’s capacity, including the inadequate supply of qualified professionals in procurement, environmental management, and social standards.
“We have recognized the need for a stronger pool of professionals in procurement, environmental management, and social standards. This project will play a pivotal role in filling this void, equipping our workforce with the expertise needed to drive sustainable practices across various sectors. By establishing this working group, we are taking a proactive step toward bridging this gap and building sustainable capacity in these sectors. This is essential not only for the success of the project but also for the long-term sustainability and resilience of our economy and society.”
The Minister added that: “It is important to note that this project’s goals align seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision for a more transparent procurement process. Transparency is the cornerstone of good governance, and by enhancing our environmental and social standards, we are taking a significant step towards achieving this objective. Furthermore, this initiative is integral to our broader goals of enhanced capacity for global competitiveness, economic growth and job creation.”
He noted that: “A skilled workforce is essential to driving innovation and resilience. By developing and implementing an effective National certification scheme, we are not only investing in the future of our environment but also in the prosperity of our nation.
“The Working Group on Environment Standards (WgES) holds a central place in our efforts to enhance support and foster relevant stakeholders collaboration, both of which are fundamental pillars of the SPESSE Project Development Objectives (PDOs).
“By uniting line experts and harnessing their collective expertise, the Working Group on Environmental Standards (WgES) will play a crucial role in supporting the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in developing a nationally and globally respected certification scheme. This scheme will not only raise the bar for environmental standards in our country but also position us as a leader in sustainable development on the international stage.”
FG Inaugurates SPESSE Project for Healthier, Cleaner, Sustainable Environment
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
By: Michael Mike
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to strengthen unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, the Director-General of the institute, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He said the occasion, which signifies the end of a period of fasting, reflection and spiritual devotion, provides an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to the values of peace, compassion and national unity.
Ochogwu urged Muslims to sustain the virtues cultivated during Ramadan—such as self-discipline, patience, charity and piety—beyond the festive period, stressing that such values are essential for building harmonious communities and strengthening the nation.
According to him, Nigerians must also rise above religious, ethnic and political differences and embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as vital ingredients for national development.
“At a time when the country is confronted with complex challenges, unity of purpose and collective responsibility are crucial to overcoming divisions and building a more secure and prosperous nation,” he said.
The institute also expressed concern over recent security incidents in parts of the country, including the tragic bomb blast in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed several lives.
Ochogwu extended condolences to families of the victims, praying for the repose of the deceased and speedy recovery for those injured in the attack.
He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to its mandate of promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution across Nigeria, noting that IPCR would continue to work with government institutions, communities and other stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict.
The IPCR boss further urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and actively support peacebuilding initiatives in their communities.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and every Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding it,” he added.
Ochogwu also prayed that the Eid-el-Fitr celebration would usher in renewed hope, healing and unity for Nigeria while advancing peace, stability and national progress.
Eid-el-Fitr: IPCR Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Peaceful Coexistence
National News
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism, declaring that those behind recent attacks in the country will be decisively confronted.
He noted that beyond the presidential directive to security chiefs, the Federal Government was investing more in equipment and other logistics to boost the fight against terrorism across the country.
Senator Shettima spoke on Wednesday in Maiduguri when he visited victims of the bomb blast who are receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Condemning the gory multiple explosions in Maiduguri on Monday in which more than 100 people were affected by the incident, with over 20 confirmed dead, he described the perpetrators as barbaric, stressing that no cause justifies the killing of innocent people.
The Vice President said his visit was to sympathise with the injured and families affected by the tragedy, assuring of government’s support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the North East Development Commission, and the Borno State Government.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur; NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar; Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahijo, and other top government officials.
VP Shettima Visits Victims Of Multiple Explosions In Maiduguri, Assures Of FG’s Tough Response To Terrorism
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Muslim faithful across the country on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Federal Government, the minister urged Muslims to uphold the core values of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice, which define the Ramadan period. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to reflect on these virtues beyond the fasting season as part of efforts to build a more harmonious society.
Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for national peace, unity, and sustained progress, noting that collective responsibility remains key to the country’s stability.
He further encouraged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and extend kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season.
The declaration underscores the government’s continued commitment to promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country, as millions of Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
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