Earth Day 2026: HOMEF Calls for Urgent Climate Action as Nigeria’s Environmental Crises Deepen

By: Michael Mike

As the world marks Earth Day 2026, the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has called for urgent and sustained action to confront accelerating environmental degradation, warning that humanity must urgently shift from rhetoric to responsibility in addressing the climate crisis.

This year’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” underscores the need to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels, drastically cut carbon emissions, and adopt holistic strategies that protect biodiversity and restore damaged ecosystems.

HOMEF said the mounting environmental challenges facing the planet—including erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures, deforestation, oil pollution, and biodiversity loss—can no longer be addressed through gradual or fragmented responses.

According to the organisation, environmental protection is no longer optional but a survival imperative tied directly to public health, food security, economic stability, and national security.

The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, called for bold investments in ecological restoration and stronger global commitment to environmental justice. He stressed that humanity already possesses the capacity to reverse environmental decline, but lacks the political will to act decisively.

He noted that Earth’s ecosystems remain the foundation of all life, providing essential resources such as clean air, water, and fertile soil. Their continued destruction, he warned, threatens the future of both current and coming generations.

Bassey urged a shift away from extractive systems he described as environmentally exploitative, calling instead for a renewed relationship with nature rooted in stewardship, sustainability, and respect for ecological limits.

He further warned that failure to protect the planet amounts to “destroying the home we all depend on and leaving nothing but ruins for those who come after us.”

HOMEF used the occasion to encourage citizens and governments to adopt practical climate actions such as tree planting, reducing single-use plastics, supporting zero-waste systems, and promoting indigenous conservation practices.

The organisation also highlighted ongoing environmental hazards in Nigeria, particularly persistent oil-related disasters. It drew attention to the continued burning of the Ororo-1 oil well off the coast of Awoye in Ondo State, which has reportedly been active for several years, as well as the ongoing wellhead fire at Ofiomina-Ama community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.

HOMEF described these incidents as long-standing ecological emergencies that demand immediate government intervention, including decommissioning of hazardous sites, environmental cleanup, and comprehensive community rehabilitation.

The group stressed that Earth Day should go beyond symbolic celebration, insisting it must serve as a global moment of accountability and renewed commitment to protecting the planet.

“This is a defining moment,” the organisation said in its message. “We either act decisively to defend the Earth, or we accept a future shaped by irreversible environmental decline.”

As Earth Day 2026 is observed worldwide, HOMEF is urging governments, industries, and individuals alike to move beyond awareness and embrace urgent, concrete action to secure a livable planet for future generations.

Earth Day 2026: HOMEF Calls for Urgent Climate Action as Nigeria’s Environmental Crises Deepen

Zulum Bags Nurse-Friendly Governor Award at Commonwealth Nurses Conference

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has been honoured with the prestigious Nurse-Friendly Governor Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The conference, organised by the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation, brought together delegates from across Commonwealth countries under the theme: “Towards Excellence: Nurses and Midwives working together towards excellence in practice, education and regulation.”

Presenting the award, CNMF President Kathleen McCourt commended Zulum for his outstanding service to humanity, highlighting his large-scale housing initiatives for internally displaced persons and sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure. She noted that his hands-on leadership style in restoring dignity to vulnerable populations has set a benchmark across the Commonwealth.

The governor was represented at the event by Professor Abubakar Kullima, Chief Medical Director of the State Hospital Management Board, alongside his Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications, Hon. Abdurrahman Bundi.

Earlier, President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Haruna Mamman, explained that the awardees were selected after a rigorous assessment based on criteria established by the association.

Other recipients included governors from Nasarawa State, Sokoto State, Kebbi State, Bayelsa State, Adamawa State, Lagos State, Katsina State, Plateau State, Anambra State, and Akwa Ibom State.

Zulum’s administration has prioritised healthcare development, including the establishment of Colleges of Nursing in both northern and central parts of Borno.

According to organisers, his government delivered 120 projects within his first 100 days in office, 326 projects in his first year, over 500 in his second year, about 800 in his third year, and approximately 1,500 projects by his seventh year in office.

Zulum Bags Nurse-Friendly Governor Award at Commonwealth Nurses Conference

Troops clears Jilli, 17 other settlements in Borno, maintain dominance in ongoing clearance operations

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have continued clearance operations across parts of northern Borno State, clearing several settlements believed to be infiltrated by ISWAP terrorists, maintaining operational dominance in ongoing counter-terrorism missions.

Military sources said the operation, conducted on April 20, 2026, was carried out by troops of the Army Headquarters Intervention Battalion as part of Operation Desert Sanity, with movements covering areas within the Nganzai–Kukawa axis and adjoining communities.

According to the sources, the troops advanced through multiple settlements including Sumari Ngomari, Gudusuri, Kaleri, Malari, Ali Chiromari, Goni Kakari, Baram Karauwa, Maji Furamti, Ngwubala, Fulatari Ardo Yura, Bamma Bukar Malumi, Jilli, Damburi, Dabira Liwanti, Unburari, Bulabulin and Bukar Suguri.

The sources added that residents were observed carrying out normal daily activities in the cleared settlements, with no presence of hostile elements encountered during the advance.

Security sources confirmed that no contact was made with insurgents during the clearance operation, and no unusual incidents were recorded.

Military authorities said the theatre remained generally calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained high morale and combat efficiency throughout the mission.

They added that clearance and domination operations would continue across surrounding communities as part of sustained efforts to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and restore lasting security in affected areas.

Troops clears Jilli, 17 other settlements in Borno, maintain dominance in ongoing clearance operations