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Nigerians should forge a new contract with nature, advises UN Resident Coordinator

Nigerians should forge a new contract with nature, advises UN Resident Coordinator
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr Matthias Schmale has called on all Nigerians to forge a new contract with nature in order to combat the danger of desertification and drought, and its growing threat to lives and livelihoods across Nigeria and the rest of Africa.
Schmale gave the advice on Friday at the virtual observance of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2022, under the theme, “Rising up from drought together”, organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). He said: “Together we can build a more inclusive and sustainable world that leaves no one behind. On this day, let’s begin to see ourselves as caretakers of the precious resource that is land.”
He explained that we could forge a new contract with nature that would ensure a healthy and prosperous Nigeria for future generations, and noted that restoring nature was the great test of our generation, a test that could not be failed.
The Resident Coordinator advocated for a more inclusive, balanced and sustainable world that leaves no one behind, while further calling for actions to be taken at all levels, from citizens, businesses, governments and UN partners.
He said: “Everyone can come on board and lend a helping hand to rise up from drought together.”
In his welcome remarks, the WMO Representative, Mr Benard Gomez, who was represented by the National Professional Officer, Mr Roland Abah, emphasized that the State of the Global Climate 2021 report released in May 2022 by the UN Community through WMO, indicated that the past seven years had been the warmest seven years on record, and drought affected many parts of the world, including parts of Africa.
Abah disclosed that: “UN Agencies support programmes and projects to combat drought, desertification and other extreme climate-related events in Nigeria. These programmes cover meteorological and hydrological observation, data infrastructure, monitoring and forecast products from satellite and data processing centres, information services, and early warning systems, emergency response and recovery.”
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FAO Representative, Mr Fred Kafeero, represented by FAO Assistant Representative, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, disclosed that “FAO’s large-scale landscape restoration activities were carried out in 15 communities with a total of 2,240 Ha of drylands put under restoration through the planting of native woody and herbaceous fodder species including 2,757 Ha farmland areas that were naturally regenerated for biodiversity conservation and protection.”
Abubakar emphasised that FAO was promoting nature-based approach through sustainable land management practices and restoration of degraded dry lands in three states of Bauchi, Jigawa and Sokoto in Northern Nigeria.
He further emphasized the commitment of FAO to transformation of the food system and sustainable management of Nigeria’s natural resources.
In her presentation on “Fostering Sustainability and Resilience for Food Security in the Savannah Zones of Northern Nigeria”, the Project Manager, UNDP-GEF-IAP- FS Project Nigeria, Ms. Rhoda Dia, explained how UNDP have worked with small holder farmers to build resilience to climate risks (Desertification and Drought inclusive) and other shocks that drives food insecurities.
She cited the introduction of different erosion control measures such as use of cover crops, earth and stones bund and use of sandbags; and disclosed that “So far, 17.14 % (84.4 hectares) of eroded land was reclaimed in farmers plots. Planted /grew 180,747 seedlings/tree at farmer’s plots, school compounds, orchards and household gardens.”
Ms Dia further informed that the project provided linkages to research institution to access foundation for Seed multiplication; Established over 97 orchards with economic tree species in schools and communities; Trained over 38,000 beneficiaries on: Integrated pest & weed Management, and different erosion control techniques; among others. Explaining the remedy for drought management, the Coordinator, Northern Zone, Natural Eco Capital, Mr Umar Saleh Anka, said that “Reliance on ground water and surface water are viable option for reducing the impact of drought.” On the other hand, Irrigation as an option, according to him, will increase cost of production, but will definitely save farmer from drought induced total loss or crop failure.
Nigerians should forge a new contract with nature, advises UN Resident Coordinator
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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