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Nigeria Calls for Collaboration to Safe the Planet from Threat of Climate Change
Nigeria Calls for Collaboration to Safe the Planet from Threat of Climate Change
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has called for collaboration to safe the planet from threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The call was made on Thursday by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako at the the Meeting of Technical Experts of the 9th Session of the Pan African Agency for the Great Green Wall (PAGGW) in Abuja.
He said: “In the realm of technology and expertise, we find ourselves at the crossroads of higher possibilities and greater responsibilities. Our world is evolving at an unprecedented pace with the major crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution threatening man’s continous existence on planet earth. It is through fora such as this that we can harness the power of collaboration to navigate theese challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.”
He added that: “This meeting is a testament to our commitment to fostering an environment where ideas can flourish, and knowledge can be shared without boundaries. The diversity of expertise present in this room is a reflection of the interconnected nature of our global community. In our pursuit of technical excellence, we must recognize that our collective strength lies in our ability to learn from one another, to draw inspiration from diverse perspectives, and to work collaboratively towards common goals.”
He charged participants that: “As we embark on the deliberations of this 9th session, let us keep in mind the profound impact that our decisions and innovations can have on our different countries, on Africa as a continent and the world in general. The solutions we seek, the advancements we make, and the policies we formulate should all be rooted in a shared vision of a better and more sustainable future.
“I encourage each participant to engage wholeheartedly in the discussions, to challenge assumptions, and to contribute boldly to the dialogue. It is through the crucible of collaborative thought that breakthroughs emerge, and it is in the crucible of shared knowledge that progress is forged.
“As experts in the fields of Forestry, land restoration, conservation and allied specialities, the council of ministers of the Pan Africa Agency of the Great Green Wall will be relying heavily on your expert recommendations to guide their decisions.
“Let us therefore ensure that such recommendations are evidence based, they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.
“In our pursuit of technical excellence, we must recognize that our collective strength lies in our ability to learn from one another, to draw inspiration from diverse perspectives, and to work collaboratively towards common goals.”
The Executive Secretary of the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), Ibrahim Sa’id on his part said finance has become a major challenge in fighting the threat of climate change in Africa.
He said: “It is also thanks to the consideration and commitment of our countries in financing the activities. With the effects of climate change, the task is becoming increasingly difficult, requiring much greater resources. So mobilising resources remains a constant challenge. Added to this are the real difficulties posed by the lack of security in some of our countries and regions.”
He added that: “We sincerely hope that this situation will soon be resolved to the benefit of our populations and peoples, who have already suffered enough from the harmful effects of climate change, land degradation and the erosion of biodiversity.”
Director General/CEO,
National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, said: “The commitment to addressing the impact of emerging climate change risks within and near the Great Green Wall corridor implies that efforts must be geared towards effective implementation of the GGWI at regional and national levels.”
He said: “I am very optimistic that the submission of the technical report of the Technical Committee of Experts that shall emerge from our deliberations today shall guide the discussion of the Council of Ministers accordingly.”
Nigeria Calls for Collaboration to Safe the Planet from Threat of Climate Change
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
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