News
Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges

Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
By: Melvin Uche
The inaugural North-East Climate Change Summit and Retreat, held on September 16-19, 2024, at the International Conference Center in Gombe, sparked a passionate call for climate action. The event, hosted by the North-East Development Commission, centered on the theme “Leveraging Climate Action for the Sustainable Development of North-East Nigeria.” During his address, Rep. Sir Sam Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, and Member (South East) & Chairman Committee on Security, Climate Change & Special Interventions North East Development Commission ( NEDC ) highlighted the severe climate challenges that threaten agriculture, security, and the overall livelihoods in the region.
Onuigbo stressed the urgent need to address environmental crises such as land degradation, desertification, and recurring droughts that have crippled agricultural productivity in the North-East. These environmental challenges have compounded the region’s long-standing issues of insecurity, inadequate skills development, education, and technological advancement, leaving millions vulnerable.
Drawing from international frameworks, including the United Nations General Assembly’s 2009 Resolution on Climate Change and the 2017 UN Security Council Resolution, Onuigbo pointed out that climate change amplifies security risks in the North-East. “Environmental degradation has fueled resource conflicts, migration, and displacement, which, in turn, worsen the region’s security issues,” Onuigbo stated.
While Africa contributes only about 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. Onuigbo underscored that Nigeria, especially the North-East, is facing devastating effects, from desertification to the drying up of Lake Chad. The impact on agriculture, which sustains the region’s economy, is particularly alarming, with rising food insecurity driving migration and heightening conflicts.
Onuigbo, who is widely called the father of climate change in Nigeria, praised Nigeria’s recent legislative strides, including the Climate Change Act 2021, which he sponsored, and the Electricity Act 2023, which creates pathways for sustainable development and renewable energy adoption. “These laws are essential for integrating climate resilience into agriculture, energy, and education, and for fostering economic growth,” he noted.
Highlighting national initiatives like the Energy Transition Plan (2021) and the Great Green Wall Initiative, Onuigbo emphasized their critical role in mitigating climate risks and promoting sustainable land use in the North-East. He urged the region to take advantage of international funding opportunities, such as the World Bank’s $3 billion annual fund for climate-smart agriculture.
Rep. Onuigbo also addressed the direct link between climate change and the region’s security challenges. “Droughts and resource scarcity are pushing communities into conflict over land, water, and grazing rights,” he warned. The resulting tensions have fueled insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes.
While outlining these grim realities, Onuigbo offered a hopeful vision for the future. He advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions to boost productivity, generate revenue, and create sustainable livelihoods. “The North-East’s agricultural potential can be unlocked with the right investments in technology and climate-smart practices,” he said.
The Electricity Act 2023, which decentralizes electricity generation, was lauded by Onuigbo as a game-changer for energy access in the region. He urged state governments to invest in renewable energy projects that co inuld power industries and households, improving living conditions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “The North-East’s topography is perfect for renewable energy projects,” he added, citing the decreasing costs of solar and wind power as a promising development.
Onuigbo also called for the establishment of state-level climate governance frameworks, urging governments to adopt robust climate action plans with clear, measurable goals. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness on climate issues, particularly among vulnerable groups like women, youth, and the elderly, who are often the most affected.
Onuigbo’s optimistic outlook on leveraging climate action for regional development set the tone for the latter part of the summit, where further discussions explored practical steps for implementation. He pointed out that COP28’s global commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 presents unprecedented opportunities for the North-East to become a hub for clean energy and sustainable agriculture. He cited the plummeting costs of renewable energy as an opportunity the region must not miss.
Onuigbo also referenced alarming global health statistics, including those shared by Dr. Tedros A. Ghebreyesos, Director General of the World Health Organization, on the deadly effects of household pollution from dirty cooking fuels. “Clean energy is not just about economics—it’s about saving lives,” Onuigbo said, highlighting the importance of renewable energy in reducing household air pollution, which claims millions of lives globally each year.
Onuigbo also highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women, due to extreme heat and poor working conditions. “Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is already impacting lives, livelihoods, and security,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Onuigbo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making food security a priority in his administration’s agenda and for spearheading efforts toward energy transition and climate change mitigation. He also acknowledged the North-East governors for establishing the North-East Governors’ Forum, which serves as a vital platform for addressing regional climate challenges.
He praised the leadership of the North-East Development Commission for organizing the summit at such a critical time, stating that “this collective action is what is needed to transform the region’s future.”
In his parting message, Onuigbo left the audience with a bold vision: “The North-East has the resources, human capital, and global momentum to overcome these challenges. By embracing renewable energy, investing in climate-smart agriculture, and building resilient infrastructure, the region can position itself as a key player in the global economy.”
As Nigeria and the world move toward a low-carbon future, the North-East region stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today will shape not only the region’s future but also its role in addressing global climate challenges.
Rep Onuigbo Calls for Climate Plans to Tackle North East’s Environmental , Security Challenges
Entertainment
Nigerian gospel artist, Oluseyi Solagbade storms London in August

Nigerian gospel artist, Oluseyi Solagbade storms London in August
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian gospel artist, Oluseyi Solagbade is expected to perform in London, on 15 August 2025.
The show is scheduled for Concord House, 23-27 Kemp Road, Dagenham, United Kingdom.
The praise concert which is organised by Bdot Music Empire and supported by Toxhann Concepts and events is Solagbade’s first outing in the UK.
The popular Sio cronny, is well known mostly among members of the Celestial Church of Christ and other denominations.
Apart from Sio, the legendary Celestial gospel artist has done other songs which include: Jehoval Alagbara, Ibamasepe and
idemija, among others.
Bdot Music Empire boss, Mr. Abidemi Adetunji said though it’s a gospel concert, it is however targeted at second and third generation Nigerians in the UK.
Adetunji said the essence is to ensure they are in touch with home even if they have not been to Nigeria before.
He said praising God in Nigeria tongue is something special in the UK.
This would be Solagbade’s first show in the UK and he is hoping that it would be the beginning of more to come.
He said: “ We would like Nigerians in the United Kingdom to know that Oluseyi Solagbade would be coming to the UK for his first ever UK edition of Oluseyi’s Christ Cafe.
He would be lighting the show alongside some other guests artist like Sammypee, Tiwalola shitu, Israel Ekundayo, Ebenezer Opalemo, Damilola (Dee’Reign), Tunde Stainless, MoShoba, Tosin Adisa and Danny Jazz.”
Adetunji pointed out that the idea behind the music concert is to celebrate the divine gift of music within the Celestial Church of Christ and to bring together believers for an evening of live music, worship, and spiritual reflection.”
Adetunji further said that the concert goes along with the Nigeria first agenda of President Bola Tinubu as Nigeria will be showcased all through.
“It is also part of promoting the culture. Praying and worshiping God in mother tongue,” he added.
Nigerian gospel artist, Oluseyi Solagbade storms London in August
News
Airstrike Hits ISWAP Enclave in Tumbuma Baba, scores Nutrialised

Airstrike Hits ISWAP Enclave in Tumbuma Baba, scores Nutrialised
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), conducted a successful Air Interdiction (AI) mission at a terrorists’ hideout in the Southern Tumbuns general area in the Lake Chad of Borno, killing scores of the terrorists.
Intelligent sources told Zagazola Makama that the precision air strike, which took place at about 2100 hours on 5 May 2025, targeted a major terrorists’ concentration camp located in the Tumbuma Baba axis of Lake Chad.
The sources said that the offensive was in continuation of a decisive Operation KALACHEN WUTA II, aimed at denying terrorists the freedom to execute large-scale attacks during the Eid el-Kabir period.
The sources said that Intelligence and Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) reports confirmed that several terrorists were neutralised during the strike, and key logistics under heavy foliage were destroyed.
The sources said that the strikes followed credible intelligence on planned coordinated attacks by the insurgents before, during, and after the Eid festivities. The mission was meticulously planned and executed to forestall such threats and sustain pressure on terrorist elements operating in the Lake Chad fringes.
“We observed significant secondary explosions, indicating the presence of arms and fuel storage. Multiple terrorists were seen fleeing the area, while several others were eliminated during the strike,” the source said.
The sources said efforts are ongoing to gather further feedback, as well as to assess the operational impact of the interdiction.
He added that preliminary signs suggest a high level of disarray and panic within the terrorists’ ranks, with reports of attempted regrouping under surveillance.
Airstrike Hits ISWAP Enclave in Tumbuma Baba, scores Nutrialised
News
Nigerian Air Force Neutralises Terrorists in Successful Air Interdiction at Maisani

Nigerian Air Force Neutralises Terrorists in Successful Air Interdiction at Maisani
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have executed a coordinated strike on a major terrorist enclave located at Maisani in the Timbuktu Triangle general area of Borno State, killing several ISWAP terrorists.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the air interdiction mission conducted on May 4, 2025, at approximately 1800 hours, was informed by credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, targeted terrorists’ structures cleverly concealed and camouflaged under thick shrubs in the area.
The sources said that using advanced platforms, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted a focused Air Interdiction (AI) mission, resulting in the destruction of the identified enemy hideouts and the neutralisation of an unconfirmed number of insurgent fighters.
According to the sources, Post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) obtained from our Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms confirmed that the airstrike achieved its intended objectives, dealing a significant blow to terrorists.
Nigerian Air Force Neutralises Terrorists in Successful Air Interdiction at Maisani
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