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Reps Summon Environment Minister, DG NEMA

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2 years ago

May 28, 2024

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Environment and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to appear before its Committee on Environment or face sanctions accordingly.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the duo were expected to appear at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Environment to address the devastating issues of gully erosion, perennial flooding, and desertification that plague many communities in Nigeria, but did not honour the invitation nor send a representative.

The hearing was to address the adverse impacts of gully erosion in several communities across six states, namely, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Ondo; as well as the desertification disaster in Kano and the flooding disaster in Bauchi State.

Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Rep. Committee on Environment, Hon Pondi Gbabojor, expressed displeasure over their absence, even as he said it was the second time they were shunning the invitation to appear.

He therefore directed the clerk of the Committee to write to the Minister of Environment and DG NEMA as such attitude would no longer be condoned.

He said: “Clerk do a letter to the Ministry of Environment and NEMA and express the displeasure of the committee because this is the second time they are not showing up and it would not be condoned again”.

Rep. Gbabojor said that the issue to be addressed was of urgent concern to the wellbeing of Nigerians, especially as the concerns were brought to the attention of the House during plenary, following the deliberation of some motions which were accordingly referred for further legislative actions.

He said the environmental crisis resulting from gully erosion is more prevalent in the South-Eastern region, and has reached an alarming stage.

He said the degradation has not only depleted the vast fertile land for agriculture, but has also impacted the infrastructure such as roads, buildings and ultimately displacement of communities.

The Committee Chairman further said over time, perennial flooding had unleashed its devastating consequences in many parts of Nigeria, especially in coastal and riverine areas, particularly Lagos, Delta, and Bayelsa, which has resulted in great human, agricultural, and economic losses.

He added that equally, desertification, particularly in the northern parts, is swiftly encroaching and that this silent but relentless crisis reduces fertile land, threatens food security, and deepens poverty.

Gbabojor said desert encroachment has affected and continues to affect millions of people who depend on agriculture for their survival.

“As the Committee on Environment, alongside other pertinent committees of the House, we recognize the urgent need to address these challenges comprehensively and to chart a course toward sustainable solutions that will protect our environment and provide relief to the affected individuals and communities.

“It is in light of the above, that this Hearing is convened today, to enable us to gather insights from experts, stakeholders, and affected communities, and to deliberate on the multifaceted and severe environmental crises we face as a Nation”, he stated.

He explained that the House following its consideration of the Motions, called on Institutions of Government to amongst others provide immediate relief materials to ameliorate the sufferings of the affected residents and possibly resettle them; visit the affected areas, and carry out a comprehensive review to ascertain the extent of environmental damage caused by these incidents; and expedite the construction of shoreline protection as a matter of urgency to prevent further erosion-related damage and ensure the survival of these communities.

He added that they are also to embark on a mass afforestation program that includes the planting of economic trees, development of shelter belts, woodlots to enhance soil conservation, improve biodiversity and increase fuel wood, while also providing seeds and farm inputs that are resistant to drought; prioritize projects that promote environmental conservation in budgetary allocations; and allocate funds to accommodate the erosion control projects, flood management systems, and desertification prevention programs in the affected communities in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

“We must take proactive measures to forestall natural occurrences that lead to environmental degradation. This includes investing in research and development to better understand and predict environmental changes, by adhering to early warning systems, and developing resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental shocks.

“While I look forward to fruitful discussions and valuable insights that will emerge from this hearing, which will hopefully shape the future of our environment and the well-being of our people. I urge everyone to approach and accord this task the seriousness it demands and the collaborative spirit it requires. Together, we can develop and implement strategies that will protect our environment, provide relief to those affected, and ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Nigerians,” Gbadojor said.

Earlier in his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said the prevalence of climate change had impacted the environment harmfully, resulting in an increased wave of erosion, desertification, flooding, and other forms of natural disasters that have assumed severe and worrisome dimensions in the vulnerable communities across the 36 states of the Federation.

The Speaker who was represented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Rep. Abdullahi Halims, said the ecological threats have specifically caused deaths, displacement of homes, devastation of farmlands and means of livelihood, and destruction of infrastructure, leading to socio-economic challenges in communities across the eight states captured in the public hearing.

“As the People’s Parliament and in line with our Legislative Agenda of embarking on legislative processes and legal frameworks to address environmental challenges, the House resolved to respond urgently to the menace in the communities to stem the ugly tide. On this note, I urge you to feel free to make your contributions in the most resourceful and open manner possible to provoke positive legislative results”, he said.

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Atiku’s camp angry as El-Rufai spends 200 days in prison

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3 hours ago

September 5, 2026

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The camp of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has kicked against the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The former Kaduna governor has spent 200 days in detention since he was taken into the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

A statement by Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, said El-Rufai is entitled to justice, due process and equal treatment under the law.

He described the former governor as a political prisoner, alleging that he is being detained simply because he decided to chart a different political path, as provided for in Nigeria’s Constitution.

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2027: Christian, Muslim youths sign peace accord in Abuja

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3 hours ago

September 5, 2026

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The Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) have signed a peace accord ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The historic signing took place at the National Christian Centre on Friday in Abuja during the 2026 National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving Service, held under the theme: “Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the peace accord aimed at fostering religious tolerance, rejecting political violence, and promoting peaceful coexistence ahead of the 2027 elections.

The three-day summit, brought together security officials, government representatives, Church leaders, and youth delegates from across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five CAN blocs, and six geopolitical zones.

Delivering his welcome address, the National Chairman of YOWICAN, Ven. Evang. Ademola Arowolo, described the peace accord as a “covenant of hope and a declaration of unity” designed to curb electoral violence and interfaith friction from the national level down to the grassroots.

”Today marks a defining moment in the history of youth engagement, faith-based leadership, national security advocacy, and interfaith collaboration in Nigeria.

“This Peace Accord represents more than a document. It is a covenant of hope, a declaration of unity, and a collective commitment by Christian and Muslim youths to work together in promoting peace, justice, dialogue, tolerance, and national development.”

Addressing newsmen during an interview, Arowolo emphasised the sanctity of human life and urged young people to resist political thuggery and vote-buying as the country prepares for the next electoral cycle.

”The key objective of today’s gathering is for the Christian youth of this country to sit down and see that security is very important, because every life whether of a Muslim, a Christian, or any other faith is sacred.

“God Himself does not divide us; it is human beings that divide us in their own mindsets.

“An idle man is the devil’s workshop, but as elections approach, if somebody meets you for any violence, tell them your children should not come. We cannot destroy our own land,” he said.

Corroborating the commitment, the National President of NACOMYO, Sani Sulaiman-Maigoro, stressed that interfaith solidarity remained the most viable tool to defeat security threats and political manipulation.

”First and foremost is for us to accept the reality that we are first Nigerians, and Nigeria is our country. Together we live and prosper, and when we are divided, we all suffer.

“When we work together, we are able to defeat the negative narrative and those few people who choose to be evil and divide us along religious, ethnic, or sectional lines.

“Nigerian Muslim youths are here in solidarity with Christian youths to say we are together towards securing and making Nigeria a better place for all,” he said.

Representing President Bola Tinubu, and First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, cautioned young people against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of destruction.

”We are meeting at a very crucial time in the history of our great nation a period when we are moving towards another election

“It should be a period that none of you will be used as a sacrificial lamb. We don’t want any politician to use you and waste your life.

“The Muslim and the Christian in Nigeria must work together; we are brothers and sisters, and it is only when you have peace that you can talk of progress.”

The President of CAN, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, urged Christian youths to rise as nation-builders and moral exemplars.

Okoh, represented by Rev. Simon Dolly-KIF, the Secretary-General of Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), urged youths to rise beyond the limitations of yesterday.

“The time has come for Nigerian Christian youths to rise beyond the limitations of yesterday and embrace the responsibility of building the Nigeria we desire to see tomorrow.

“Let no Christian youth become an instrument of violence, hatred, manipulation, or destruction.

“We must refuse to be recruited into anything that destroys the lives and future of our fellow Nigerians. Nigeria is bigger than our ethnicity, denomination, and political differences.”

Highlighting the security perspective, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), noted that peace was essential for youth productivity.

Muse, represented by Mr Musa Likita, Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence to the Minister of Defence, recognised the important role of the youth in national development under a whole-of-society approach.

“The youth are full of energy, creativity, and innovation, so they will thrive better when the environment is peaceful.

“Youths are implored to hold values where they will not allow themselves to be exploited by extremist forces or criminal elements.”

(NAN)

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Rep Ugochinyere Takes ‘Operation Light Up Ideato’ to Seven Communities

Published

9 hours ago

September 4, 2026

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

Member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expanded his electricity intervention programme to seven communities with the installation of 500KVA transformers and other power infrastructure.

The latest phase of the Operation Light Up Ideato initiative covers Ogwume, Dikenafai and Akpulu, where transformers, electricity cables and other essential components are being installed to improve power supply.

The intervention cuts across Ideato North and Ideato South, with the latest installations building on earlier projects in Umuopia, Obodoukwu, Abukwa and Umukegwu.

The completion of the transformer installation in Akpulu, alongside ongoing work in Ogwume and Dikenafai, brings the number of communities reached by the initiative to seven.

According to the lawmaker, “the expansion underscored his “commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs at the grassroots and ensuring that communities that have long experienced inadequate electricity infrastructure are not left behind.

“Unlike a one-off intervention, Operation Light Up Ideato is being implemented as a continuing community focused programme, with more transformers expected to be supplied and installed in additional communities identified as being in need.”

The programme is aimed at improving electricity infrastructure in communities that have faced inadequate power supply, while supporting economic and social activities at the grassroots.

Speaking on the continued expansion of the initiative, Ugochinyere, who is also Chairman, House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, reaffirmed his determination to ensure that every community in Ideato requiring electricity infrastructure is eventually covered.

He stressed that the objective was to progressively close the gap in power availability across the federal constituency.

The latest intervention adds to ongoing constituency projects by the lawmaker aimed at addressing basic infrastructure needs across Ideato North and South.