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NEDC, Borno Flag Off Training on Waste Management, Recycling
NEDC, Borno Flag Off Training on Waste Management, Recycling
By: Michael Mike
The North East Development Commision (NEDC) in collaboration with the Borno State government have flagged off a five days training programme on waste management and Recycling for selected participants in the 27 Local Government Area of Borno State.
Declaring the training Open yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno State Commissioner for environment, Engr Emat Kois, called on the participants to harness the training for personal, societal and national benefits through job creation
Represented by the General Manager of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, the commissioner described waste as wealth while noting that the programme is apt and timely, as it is capable of addressing the rate of unemployment and contributing to fight against climate change globally.
“I am happy to see this initiative.. With the current price of diesel now, it is high time we have as many alternatives as possible” he said.
He emphasised on the need to come together to mitigate climate change effect through waste management and renewable energy exploration.
According to him, “the super powers are the major pollutants and not developing country like Nigeria, but then, we are talking about something that is affecting the world, therefore, everyone must take a part in proffering solution to the problem by converting waste products to wealth products”
In his remarks, the NEDC State Cordinator, Engineer Muhammed said the training project is running across all the 6 states of the North East and each of the state have not less than 500 participants.
He said, ” in Borno State for instance, the selection cut across the 27 local government area of the state, the key stakeholders were included in the selection process, examples like ministry of environment, agric, youth and sport, and others added value in terms of the names selection. It has taken them some months to come up with the names”
He noted that the participants are to be splitted in their area of choice among the six projects which Include renewable energy, waste management, water shed management, climate change and awareness, use of efficient stove, and fabrication of efficient stove and briquettes production
“The programme is in trippatite, one is that it will be self sustainable to the participants, two, it will create job, and the third is to ensure that youths key into the global aim of reducing global warming” he added.
He however noted that beneficiaries of the training will be supported with a start up stipend at the end of the programme , while they progressively build on the business
One of the participant, Mustapha Muhammed expressed appreciation to NEDC and the Borno State Government for the initiative, while noting that the program will be a way paver for him in his quest for financial independency.
NEDC, Borno Flag Off Training on Waste Management, Recycling
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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