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FG to Partner Stakeholders on Environmental Sustainability
FG to Partner Stakeholders on Environmental Sustainability
…IEPN President Commits to Protection of Nigerian Environment
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed it’s determination to partner with the stakeholders in the environmental sector especially the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) on environmental sustainability.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal expressed this at the inauguration ceremony of the 1st Governing Council of IEPN in Abuja.
Lawal, who was represented by Dr Olubunmi Olusanya, Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry assured that they would unlock all the potentials in the environment sector and regulate environmental professionalism.
He said: “This institute is going to ensure we have professionalism in the system. For us in the Federal Ministry of Environment, we are very particular about the quality of professionals that are managing our environmental issues; therefore we are going to collaborate with the institute to ensure that we conserve our environment for sustainability and also unlock all the potentials that are in the circular economy in Nigeria. Also from Environmental management we can begin to maximise the profit there; there is a lot of profit in environmental management if properly done, so through this institute I think we are going to achieve that.”
Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye President and Chairman of Governing Council of IEPN noted that the institute was saddled with the responsibility of regulating the activities of its members in the protection of the Nigerian environment.
Ezemonye, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, said he will protect the environment by regulating the activities of its members to provide good governance, stewardship and environmental justice.
He noted that: “The primary mandate of the council is to join hands to protect the Nigerian environment, and we will do this by regulating the activities of our members to provide good governance, stewardship and environmental justice and when we do this in accordance to the proper best practices and ethics, you can be rest assured that the Nigerian environment will be protected.
“We understand today that the symbiotic relationship between man and the environment seems to have collapsed; because everyday the environment is presented with different environmental challenges, not only affecting the matrices of land, water and air, but it also affecting man and that is the current predicament that the Nigerian environment is currently experiencing; so the emergence of this Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria is to bring sanity and sanctity in the practice of environmental protection, conservation, remediation and restoration to the Nigeria environment; that is our sole mandate and that is what we have resolved to do.”
He added that: “Today marks the beginning of a new era in Environmental Governance and Ecosystem Management in Nigeria. It was not an easy task going through the process of signing the IEPN establishment Act into Law.
“Nothing signposts man’s apparent failure to protect Mother Nature than our apathy in combating climate change challenges.
“As a matter of fact, the symbiotic relationship between man and the environment seem to have collapsed. Every passing day presents daunting environmental challenges interfering with ecosystem matrices such as water, air, land and man,” he said.
The president reassured that it behooves on all, to ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian environment saying that the primary mandate of the council is to protect the environment by regulating the activities of environment users in order to proffer environmental justice.
He commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for signing the IEPN Act into Law.
The members of the governing council of IEPN includes, President of the Institute- Lawrence Ezemonye, VIce President – Chukwukeluo Chukwuogo, Registrar – Yakubu Waziri, Treasurer – Paul Akporowho, Legal Adviser – Ifunaya Charity, amongst others.
FG to Partner Stakeholders on Environmental Sustainability
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims during a routine patrol in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation took place at about 7:01 p.m. on April 30 when troops of 12 Brigade deployed at Okoloke Patrol Base intercepted suspected kidnappers at Ejiba community.
The sources disclosed that the troops acted swiftly, forcing the suspects to abandon their victims.
According to the sources, the two kidnapped persons were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
They added that security patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents.
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has summoned the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa following mounting concerns over a fresh wave of anti-foreigner protests and reported attacks targeting Nigerian citizens and their businesses.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the envoy is expected at its headquarters in Abuja on Monday, May 4, 2026, where Nigerian authorities will formally register their strong displeasure over developments seen as threatening the long-standing diplomatic and economic ties between both countries.
At the heart of the meeting are recent demonstrations by various groups in South Africa, which have reportedly degenerated into harassment, violence, and destruction of foreign-owned businesses—many belonging to Nigerians. The incidents have triggered widespread anger among Nigerians, amid fears for the safety of thousands living and working in South Africa.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa on Saturday said the government is deeply worried about the implications of the unrest on bilateral relations, stressing that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
Despite the rising tension, the Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm, assuring that steps are being taken at the highest diplomatic levels to address the situation and ensure the safety and dignity of its nationals.
Nigeria and South Africa share one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral relationships, rooted in a history of solidarity dating back to Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid struggle. However, relations have repeatedly come under strain due to recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Notably, major incidents in 2008, 2015, and 2019 saw widespread attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, leading to deaths, looting, and destruction of properties. The 2019 crisis, in particular, sparked a diplomatic row, with Nigeria recalling its High Commissioner and boycotting the World Economic Forum on Africa 2019 in protest.
In response to past crises, both countries established diplomatic mechanisms, including an early warning system and joint consular forums, aimed at preventing further violence and protecting citizens. Despite these measures, sporadic tensions and anti-immigrant sentiments have persisted, often fueled by local grievances over unemployment and crime.
Analysts warned that the current developments, if not swiftly contained, could once again test diplomatic ties between Africa’s two largest economies and undermine regional integration efforts under frameworks such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is therefore seen as crucial in determining whether both nations can de-escalate tensions and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect, cooperation, and the protection of citizens on both sides.
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven have rescued a civilian who sustained machete injuries following an attack by Berom militia along Bachi–Werreng Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on May 1 when suspected criminals attacked the victim along the road.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 6, deployed at Bachi, swiftly responded to a distress call and moved to the scene.
According to the sources, the attackers fled upon the arrival of the troops, abandoning the injured victim.
They added that the victim, who sustained machete cuts, was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rachi for medical treatment.
The sources further said the assailants carted away the victim’s motorcycle during the attack.
They noted that security patrols have been intensified in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
Troops Rescue Injured Victim After Attack by Berom militia in Plateau
Troops Rescue Two Kidnap Victims in Kogi
Two Impostors in Military Uniform Arrested in Kaduna
Nigeria Summons South Africa Envoy Over Renewed Anti-Foreigner Protests, Attacks on Nigerians
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