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FG Promises to Secure Abuja from Environment, Climate Disasters

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
News
RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State

RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State
…Making it the 20th State to Benefit from the Support
By: Our Reporter
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Food Outreach Program, launched in Abuja in March 2024 to provide monthly support to vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, has reached Yobe State—making it the 20th state to benefit from the initiative.
Since its inception, the program has covered Abia, Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto States before arriving in Yobe.
With generous support from the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) and another industrialist who prefers to remain anonymous, assorted food items were delivered, bringing relief to many households, particularly those with disabilities.
The First Lady and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that donors provide two truckloads of food items to each beneficiary state for onward distribution. Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, she highlighted Yobe as a major beneficiary of RHI programs and interventions.
These include:

- The Tony Elumelu Foundation Women Economists Empowerment Program, which supported 500 women with ₦50,000 each.
- The RHI Women Agricultural Support Scheme, where 20 women received ₦500,000 each.
- A ₦68.9 million grant from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to the Young Farmers Club.
- Annual financial support to senior citizens, with 100 beneficiaries receiving ₦100,000 each in 2023 and 250 beneficiaries receiving ₦200,000 each.
- A ₦50 million financial grant to 1,000 petty traders.
- The Women in ICT Program, aimed at empowering women in the digital economy.
According to Senator Tinubu, these interventions are designed to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the state has aligned with RHI through various empowerment programs for women, children, and vulnerable groups. These include the distribution of household items, skill acquisition schemes, and post-insurgency recovery programs that have economically empowered many women.
The State Coordinator of RHI and Wife of the Yobe State Governor, Hajiya Hafsat Kollere Buni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for extending such impactful support to Yobe State. She also looked forward to stronger collaborations to further project the ideals of RHI and improve the lives of the people.
Also present at the event was Dr. Ubong Udoh, Managing Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, one of the key donors to the program.- RHI Presents Food Items to Vulnerable Groups in Yobe State


News
Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency

Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency
By: Zagazola Makama
Former National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), has warned that Nigeria’s fight against insurgency will remain elusive without national cohesion and a united front across society.
Monguno stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He said Boko Haram and other violent groups had thrived by exploiting Nigeria’s divisions, stressing that disunity among citizens, political actors, and institutions weakened the country’s capacity to defeat terrorism.
“Without national cohesion, insurgency will not end. Terrorists feed on our fault lines – ethnic, religious, political – and they weaponise them against us. If we remain divided, no amount of military might will deliver lasting peace,” Monguno said.
He urged Nigerians to rise above parochial sentiments and embrace a spirit of patriotism, solidarity, and common purpose. According to him, the fight against insurgency must go beyond the battlefield to include reconciliation, justice, and inclusive governance.
The retired General emphasised that the scars left by Boko Haram were not just physical but also psychological and social, making unity a vital condition for national healing.
“The book reminds us that security is not just the work of soldiers. It is the responsibility of leaders, institutions, and citizens. Unless we build cohesion, insurgency will continue to mutate in different forms,” he added.
Monguno commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his experience, describing the work as a guide that combines history, strategy, and national lessons for the future.
The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, diplomats, and senior government officials.
Monguno says lack of national cohesion fuels insurgency
News
Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach

Kukah says military operations alone cannot end insurgency, stresses soft power approach
By: Zagazola Makama
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said Nigeria cannot defeat insurgency through military operations alone, stressing the need to embrace soft power and address root causes of insecurity.
Kukah made this known in Abuja on Thursday while reviewing Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He said the country’s reliance on military doctrines and repeated counter-insurgency operations had failed to produce lasting peace because Boko Haram represented an ideology, not just an armed threat.
“For years, we have had Operation Lafiya Dole, Operation Restore Order, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Safe Haven, and many others. Yet, when one operation fails, another is launched. These operations have not ended the insurgency because you cannot fight an idea with weapons alone,” Kukah said.
The cleric argued that describing the insurgency only in military terms forecloses other sources of information and non-kinetic solutions that are critical to peacebuilding.
According to him, Boko Haram’s struggle is framed as a jihad, and many of its fighters see death as martyrdom, making them indifferent to conventional deterrence.
“The challenge before us is not merely about defeating insurgents on the battlefield, but about understanding the soft issues of life and death. Guns cannot build peace; soft power must complement military power,” he said.
Kukah pointed to chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Irabor’s book, which emphasise reconciliation, good governance, justice, and national healing as critical conditions for security.
He praised the author’s reflections for going beyond military strategy, describing them as “the writings of a priest” that call for dialogue, reforms and moral renewal.
The bishop added that Nigeria must prioritise structural reforms, political inclusion, patriotism, and judicial integrity to tackle grievances that feed extremism.
“The urgency now is to invest in soft power – in human development, reconciliation, and building trust in institutions. Military operations can only create space; it is ideas and justice that will sustain peace,” Kukah said.
The event attracted former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, senior government officials, service chiefs, diplomats, and other dignitaries.
End
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