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Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change
Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change
By: Michael Mike
All relevant institutional and statutory agencies have been asked to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and food production in order to ensure food security in the country.
Speaking at the First Regional Workshop on Climate Smart Soil in Abuja organized by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in collaboration with African Climate Action Partnership, the Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Chris Nkwonta said soils are integral to the functions of all terrestrial ecosystems and to increased and sustainable food production.
He noted that: “Consequently, conscious efforts must be made by relevant institutional and statutory agencies to adequately respond to and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and food production.”
The lawmaker said “climate change is currently disrupting agriculture and food production in every corner of the world, from droughts or floods that damage crops to rising seas and other environmental pollutions that threaten rural and agricultural communities.
“In the context of climate change, agriculture faces complex and unique problems. Crop production is directly dependent on natural resources, weather and climatic conditions. As a result of raising temperatures, variable rainfalls, environmental pollutions, invasive and alien species of pest and other unpredictable environmental factors have invariably exposed farmers and agricultural communities to several challenges that are inimical to increased food production and sustainable food security.
“The aforementioned environmental challenges adversely affecting farmers and food producers tend to worsen as climate change issues accelerates globally, making it most critical to implement mitigation strategies and appropriate responses as soon as possible to curb it’s long-term negative impacts on food production and food security.”
He asked that a blend of climate smart soil and agriculture must be emplaced to transform farming with the aim of delivering positive outcomes on the basis of adaptations and mitigations to support and improve food security under the new realities of global climate change.
Nkwonta said: “It is my believe that this workshop is a catalyst towards achieving improved food security in the country in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In a goodwill message, the Chairman, Security, Special Intervention and Climate Change, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep. Sam Onuigbo
said: “Today’s event organized by the National Council on Climate Change in collaboration with the African Climate Action Partnership, is extremely important because it recognizes the critical intersection between healthy soil, climate change, hunger, poverty, and the consequent diseases and insecurity that come from them. As we all know, without fertile soils, we cannot grow food, and without food, there will be hunger, loss of livelihood means for land-dependent people, displacement, forced migration, climate refugees, insecurity and conflict arising from competition for scare resources.”
He noted that: “The United Nations has recognized the critical link between Climate Change and food security. The UN Resolution 68/212 of December 20, 2013, reaffirmed that “Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time…, particularly developing countries are vulnerable to the adverse impacts… including persistent drought and extreme weather events, sea-level rise, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, further threatening food security and efforts to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development and in this regard emphasizes that adaptation to climate change represents an immediate and urgent global priority.”
He noted that: “With an area of 923,769 square kilometers and an ever-increasing population of about 223million people, 70 percent of which depend on agriculture as a means of livelihood, the recurrent issues of losing arable land to desertification, erosion, drought, and unsustainable agriculture, forestry, and other land use (AFOLU) has opened up the country to the danger of food insecurity. As changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events continue to challenge our agricultural sector, sustainable soil management practices and initiatives aimed at increasing soil organic carbon sequestration hold the promise of addressing food security, mitigation, and adaptation challenges.”
He said “mechanization is absolutely essential, good quality seeds, fertilization, improved agricultural practices, smart agriculture, these are the solutions we seek because the whole mantra is on increase in yield.”
Onuigbo further said: “The degradation of our soils, especially in Africa, is a pressing concern that impacts not only our food security but also our ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. According to the World Bank, the consequences of soil degradation have far-reaching effects, particularly for the agricultural sector which employs more than half of Africa’s workforce, and accounts for 30-40 percent of its GDP.
“Increasing the availability of arable land must start from climate-smart and sustainable soil practices which I am happy that this event is about. We can produce enough food to feed our nations, and the continent of Africa, attract foreign direct investment, earn foreign exchange and create employment. So, what we are doing here today, and what the potentialities are, provide an optimistic springboard for addressing some of the most germane challenges we face in the country.”
On his part, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru said the workshop was organized with a deep sense of purpose and urgency, recognizing the pivotal role that soil plays in shaping the future of our nation and the world at large.
Dahiru, who was by the Deputy DG, Mrs. Halima Bawa Bwari said: “Soil health, food security, and climate change are inextricably linked, forming a triad that demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts. The state of our soils directly impacts our ability to feed a growing global population, adapt to a changing climate, and mitigate its effects. It is a complex challenge that requires the prioritization of Adaptation and Climate Smart Agriculture in line with Nigeria’s NDCs as well as a holistic approach, collaboration, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders involved.”
Food Security: Statutory Agencies Asked to Mitigate to Adverse Effects of Climate Change
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari to bolster the morale of troops on the frontline.
Mairari, a strategic town in the state, endured two insurgent attacks in December. On both occasions, the assaults were successfully repelled by troops, averting a significant security breach.
Governor Zulum, who is currently on a resilience-building tour of Northern Borno, commended the officers and men for their bravery and sacrifice, describing them as the backbone of peace and stability in the state.
“Your resilience and commitment inspire confidence in our people,” the Governor stated. “I want to assure you that my administration will continue to provide all necessary logistics and welfare support to boost your morale and enhance your operational effectiveness. Mairari will not fall.”
He emphasised that the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government and military high command, would ensure a steady supply of operational logistics, mobility support, and welfare packages to keep troops combat-ready.
The Commander of Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Suleiman Saidu Tilawan, commended the Governor for his consistent and proactive support.
“The support we receive from the Borno State Government and the Theatre Commander has been exceptional,” he said. “It has translated into improved logistics, enhanced morale, and renewed confidence among our troops to confront threats head-on.”
Governor Zulum also interacted with residents of Mairari, listening to their concerns and commending their courage. He described the community as a symbol of resilience and announced cash assistance to those affected by the recent attacks to ease hardships and support recovery.
…Zulum Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
Earlier in the day, Governor Zulum conducted an inspection of the abandoned Federal Government College in Monguno.
He assessed extensively damaged classrooms, vandalized laboratories, and deteriorating staff quarters, tangible reminders of the insurgency’s impact on public institutions.
The Governor said the purpose of the visit was to assess the damage and identify practical steps for the college’s full rehabilitation. “Education is the foundation upon which any peaceful, prosperous, and resilient society is built,” Governor Zulum stressed. “Rebuilding schools is central to the long-term recovery and stability of our dear state.”
He assured that his administration would spare no effort in restoring the school, with the ultimate goal of ensuring children from Monguno and neighbouring communities can access quality education.
During the inspection, Governor Zulum encountered widows who are taken refuge in some of the abandoned structures and provided them with cash assistance and facilitated the admission of some of their qualified daughters into the Monguno College of Nursing and Midwifery, offering them a pathway to education and future self-reliance.
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
News
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 55,000 operatives across the country to ensure public safety and protect critical national assets and infrastructure during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the nationwide deployment as part of measures to strengthen the nation’s security architecture before, during and after the yuletide period.
Audi said the decision became imperative in view of the tendency of criminal elements to exploit festive periods to carry out acts of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency and other crimes.
He stressed that many security threats could be effectively curtailed if citizens embraced the culture of providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies. According to him, proactive intelligence-sharing would aid early intervention and lead to the arrest of individuals who pose threats to national security.
“To prevent crimes rather than react to them, it is imperative for members of the public to trust and collaborate with us by providing credible and timely information that will enable swift action,” the NSCDC boss said.
Audi directed Zonal Commanders to closely monitor formations under their jurisdiction, while State Commandants are to coordinate Area Commands, Divisional Offices and other operational units to ensure effective coverage.
He explained that the deployment involves both covert and overt operations, with full mobilisation of personnel aimed at guaranteeing maximum human security and safeguarding government assets nationwide.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to national peace and stability, the NSCDC helmsman assured Nigerians of enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure a safe environment conducive to development.
He said: “Our unwavering commitment is to ensure a safe and secure environment, and this can only be achieved with the active support of the public.”
The assurance was contained in a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale.
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
By: Zagazola Makama
The military has arrested four police officers for allegedly providing unauthorised escort services to a VIP in contravention of the presidential directive on the withdrawal of policemen from VIP protection duties.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest occurred on Dec. 17 at about 9:30 a.m., while the officers were reportedly on escort duty.
Those arrested were identified as ASP Musa Waziri and Insp. Jeremiah Achimogu both attached to 45 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Abuja; Insp. Awipi Terry of 21 PMF; and Insp. Hassan Baba of 50 PMF, Abuja.
According to security sources, the officers were arrested by military personnel after allegedly flouting the presidential order withdrawing police personnel from VIP escort duties.
The sources further disclosed that the policemen were dressed in uniforms similar to that of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), allegedly in an attempt to evade detection and deceive enforcement personnel.
The arrested officers have since been detained, while disciplinary procedures have been initiated against them in line with extant regulations.
The Federal Government had earlier directed the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties to redeploy manpower to core policing and internal security operations across the country.
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
Zulum Visits Frontline Troops in Mairari, Inspects Dilapidated FGC Monguno
Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 55,000 Operatives Nationwide, Intensifies Intelligence to Tackle Insecurity
Military arrest policemen on VIP escort duty in violation of President Tinubu’s directive
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