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FG Promises to Secure Abuja from Environment, Climate Disasters

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FG Promises to Secure Abuja from Environment, Climate Disasters0

By: Michael Mike

The federal government said it would be moving headlong to secure the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja from imminent environment and climate disasters.

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal assured of the nation’s commitment to its environmental and climate action goals, initiated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and through targeted policies and programmes.

Speaking Tuesday in Abuja, during the 2025 Abuja City Environmental Sustainability Summit, with the theme ‘Sustainable Urban Transformation: Building a resilient and green Abuja ‘, Lawal said climate impacts as well as great green wall and agro climate resilience in semi-arid landscape projects were undertaken by the ministry, which adapts to the impact of climate change, which promote just, equitable and inclusive growth.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Kambari, the Minister said the ministry has demonstrated a growing commitment in developing and implementing policies and initiatives that integrate ecosystem restoration and sustainable management.

He noted that Abuja city faces a significant environmental and transportation related issues, ranging from frequent flooding, poor waste management to traffic congestion, air pollution and rising greenhouse gas emissions, adding that these are not just any environmental problems, but developmental issues as they impact on our health, economy, livelihood and quality of life.

He said: “We need to enhance a new flooding that reduces our environmental footprint, promotes circular economy and prioritizes people, livelihood and economies in the planet. To achieve this Sustainable pathway in Abuja’s city, a green city planning and sustainable urban transformation system prioritizing public transport, electric vehicles, cycling and walking and promote the development of green spaces, energy efficient building. Renewables and use of smart innovative technologies, to optimize resource use and reduce the environmental impact.

“It is important to note that this city are at high risk of environment and climate related disasters, which includes insecurity and other risks essential to environment and climate related issues. The ministry asalin demonstrated a growing commitment in developing and implementing policies and initiatives that integrate ecosystem restoration and sustainable management such as National clean cooking policy, national gender policy, national adaptation plan and circular economy, which aims to enhance resilience of Nigerians and reduce vulnerability.

“Climate impacts as well as great green wall and agro climate resilience in semi-arid landscape projects were undertaken by the ministry, which adapts to the impact of climate change, which promote just, equitable and inclusive growth.

“Nigeria remains committed to its environmental and climate action goals initiated in line with Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and through targeted policies and programs. We will continue to prioritize nature based solutions and ecosystem restoration and adaptive capacity at all levels.

“To this end we must be intentional to embark on transformative development pathway that will transition us yo low carbon economy, protect and restore. Biosafety, combat pollution, promote innovation, sustainable consumption as well as green jobs.

“I commend the organizers. Of this initiative for their dedication to driving climate change and empowering communities. With practical solutions. I also urge all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to strengthen partnership, share best practices and advance policies that will ensure more resilient and sustainable future for Nigeria.”

Speaking earlier, the Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yussuf Kelani, said the summit will showcase the urban redevelopment efforts currently being spearheaded by the FCTA, saying the efforts play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life in Abuja.

He said: “Climate change has emerged as a paramount environmental concern, standing as the most pressing issue globally, and Nigeria is no exception to its ramifications. Regrettably, a significant portion of the populace remains uninformed about the imminent perils we face and the underlying causes of major community calamities we’ve endured.

“The imperative to incorporate climate change adaptation strategies into development agendas is growing ever more urgent. Nonetheless, a lack of awareness or comprehension regarding pivotal issues surrounding vulnerability and adaptation can impede the much-needed response.

“The impacts of climate change manifest divergently across various regions of Nigeria. The Northern part contends with the adversities of drought and desert encroachment, while the Southern regions grapple with inundation due to their low-lying terrain and dense tropical vegetation. The central belt confronts gully erosion, compounded by being a focal point for communal conflicts spurred by the repercussions of climate change.

“Assuming the role of Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, I bear the responsibility of advancing the Presidency’s initiatives and programs concerning climate change intervention, fostering engagement with Nigerians and stakeholders across all pertinent sectors.

“My team is carrying out this assignment along the mandates and responsibilities of my office. We have since deployed our working strategies in realizing the aforementioned objectives and execute the above official responsibilities through the Presidential Climate Change Action and Resilience Enhancement Scheme (P-CARES), a workplan platform for my office, which was launched in May 2024 to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital, faces numerous environmental challenges, including rapid urbanization, waste management issues, and climate change impacts. The Abuja Environmental Summit seeks to address these challenges by fostering collaboration among government entities, private sector leaders, environmental experts, and civil society organizations. The summit will focus on developing sustainable urban solutions that can be implemented to ensure Abuja’s transformation into a resilient and green city.

“This summit is designed to be a pivotal event focused on advancing sustainable urban development practices in Abuja. With the goal of accelerating the implementation of eco-conscious urbanization strategies, the summit will provide a platform for fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, urban planners, environmentalists, and the private sector. Additionally, it will aim to build the capacity of local government officials and engage the public in efforts to transform Abuja into a leading model of climate-resilient urban growth. Through this event, the summit seeks to catalyze meaningful change in the way urban spaces are managed, ensuring a more sustainable, and environmentally-friendly future for the city.

“With urbanization increasingly affecting our environment, it is crucial to adopt sustainable practices ensure a resilient and eco-friendly future. The summit will act as a catalyst for change and will directly contribute to the ongoing efforts of the federal government in addressing climate change and building sustainable cities. Through this summit, we aim to address these critical issues and propel Abuja to the forefront of sustainable urban development.”

He added: “This summit will showcase the urban redevelopment efforts currently being spearheaded by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Special focus will be placed on key initiatives such as tree planting and urban greening, which significantly to carbon capture and the improvement of urban air quality. These efforts play a crucial role in mitigating climate change, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the quality of life in Abuja.

“The summit will provide targeted capacity-building Workshops for local government officials from the six area councils of Abuja. Training will focus on facility management, sustainable urban practices, and waste management. These workshops will equip officials with the skills and knowledge needed to better manage urban spaces and contribute to promoting sustainable practices at the grassroots level, further enhancing the eco-friendliness of Abuja.

“A key component of the summit will be the Waste to Wealth initiative. This program will train young people in sustainable others management practices, empowering them to view waste as a resource that can be converted into valuable products.

“Participants, including local government officials, youth, and other stakeholders, will be empowered with the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable change in Abuja.

“The summit will catalyze the development of actionable policies and strategies that support the growth of environmentally-friendly urban spaces in Abuja.

“The Waste to Wealth program will create economic opportunities for youth while contributing to environmental sustainability, making a lasting impact on both the local economy and the city’s waste management system.

“The summit will help forge lasting partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society, which will be crucial for ongoing collaboration in the drive for sustainable urban development.”

On his part, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who was represented by the Special Adviser (Technical), Prof Babatunde Bernard, said Abuja is for all Nigerians, hence we must jointly come together to be able to take care of it in a more sustainable way.

“So, it’s like I corrected one of the speakers, it’s a conscious effort by all of us, the government and the people themselves. The awareness is being created, we have a national waste management, we have now a climate change and then we have quite a lot of government efforts towards this climate change issues to have a sustainable city.

“Abuja is for all of us. It’s the capital city of Nigeria, so it’s a place for all of us and we must jointly come together to be able to take care of it in a more sustainable way,” he said.

FG Promises to Secure Abuja from Environment, Climate Disasters

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1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

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1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

By: Michael Mike

A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.

The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.

Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.

He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.

“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.

“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”

He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.

Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.

Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End

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Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

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Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

By: Zagazola Makama

A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.

According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.

Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.

The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.

Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

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Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

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Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

By: Zagazola Makama

A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.

However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.

“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”

Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.

Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.

“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”

The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.

While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.

It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.

Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.

Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

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