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Budget Defense: Reps Decry Poor Funding for Environment Ministry
…call for action on key projects
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate release of funds to the Ministry of Environment, and described it as a setback to addressing the country’s pressing environmental challenges.
The Chairman House Committee on Environment, Rep. Julius Pondi, who stated this during the Ministry’s 2024 budget defence, highlighted the critical issues of deforestation, pollution, erosion, and the effects of climate change, and said that insufficient funding has hindered meaningful progress in these areas.
He also raised concerns over the removal of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and 13 professional bodies from budgetary allocations effective January 2024. While the other bodies were reinstated, EHCON remains excluded.
Rep. Pondi therefore urged the Minister of Environment to work with the Committee to ensure EHCON’s reinstatement.
“The outcomes of this budget review will set the tone for planning and resource allocation in the 2025 Budget.
“As a Committee, we are disposed to increased budgetary allocations for this critical sector, in as much as we see key projects that are envisioned to strengthen climate resilience, combat pollution, enhance community awareness, and ensure accountability in the Year 2025 Budget Proposal of the Ministry and its Agencies,” ,” Pondi stated.
He reminded the Ministry of its constitutional obligations, referencing Section 80(4) of the Constitution, which mandates that funds must be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund only as prescribed by the National Assembly.
Pondi further stressed the importance of the budget defence session in ensuring transparency and accountability, noting its role in evaluating progress made, addressing challenges, and providing actionable inputs for future budgets.
He emphasized that these environmental issues have deprived thousands, particularly in agrarian regions, of their livelihoods and their ability to contribute to national development.
“You may recall that the House of Representatives, on various occasions at plenary, deliberated motions ranging from erosion, desertification, and flood disasters in many parts of the country, necessitating government intervention through the Ministry of Environment and other Agencies.
“Our primary focus is to evaluate how the financial resources allocated have been utilized to achieve set objectives. This session will enable us to identify progress made in implementing projects and programs across key environmental sectors, address challenges that may have hindered the achievement of goals, and provide actionable input in the year 2025 Budget,” he added.
In response, the Minister called for increased budgetary allocations to enable the Ministry to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“In 2024, the Ministry installed about 2,200 units of solar street lights in various communities and 45 solar-powered boreholes to provide clean water for the people,” Lawal disclosed.
He further noted the installation of 5kV solar power systems in five institutions, including Ekpoma, Edo State; Ife, Osun State; Nsukka, Anambra State; Zaria, Kaduna State; and Abuja.
The Committee pledged to continue its oversight functions and collaborate with the Ministry to address environmental challenges and ensure optimal utilization of allocated resources.
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The second edition of Your Family Lawyer will hit the airwaves tomorrow (Saturday) precisely by 9.am.
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Watch introductory clip below;
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FemyWalsh Limited Makes History: Appoints Chief Julie Coker as Africa’s Oldest Female Journalist (Photos)
In a groundbreaking move that underscores its commitment to inclusivity and excellence, FemyWalsh Limited has proudly announced the appointment of Chief Julie Coker, an 85-year-old trailblazer in African journalism, as part of its esteemed team.
This historic milestone cements FemyWalsh Limited’s position as a leader in championing diversity and recognising the value of experience across generations.
Chief Julie Coker, a celebrated icon in the media world, brings decades of experience, insight, and unparalleled expertise to the organisation. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of African journalism, inspiring generations of journalists with her dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit.
“Chief Julie Coker is not just a journalist; she is a living legend,” said Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, Chief Executive Director of FemyWalsh Limited. “Her contributions to journalism and storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry. By welcoming her to our team, we are reaffirming our belief that greatness knows no age. This appointment is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and celebrating talent in all its forms.”
This is not the first time FemyWalsh Limited has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity. Over a year ago, the organisation made headlines by employing a 74-year-old veteran journalist, setting a precedent for valuing experience and diversity. Chief Julie Coker’s appointment further elevates this legacy, marking a significant achievement not only for FemyWalsh Limited but also for Africa’s media landscape.
Chief Julie Coker will now join FemyWalsh Media, which operates Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM, based in the ancient city of Kano. The addition of Kasuwa Radio reflects FemyWalsh Limited’s commitment to expanding its reach and promoting quality broadcasting across Nigeria.
Speaking on her appointment, Chief Julie Coker expressed her gratitude and excitement:
“I am deeply honoured to join FemyWalsh Limited, a company that values experience and continues to break barriers. I look forward to contributing my wealth of knowledge and being part of an organisation that is paving the way for inclusivity and innovation in the media industry.”
Chief Julie Coker’s role at FemyWalsh Limited will focus on mentoring the next generation of journalists, enhancing storytelling strategies, and promoting initiatives that celebrate Africa’s rich media heritage.
FemyWalsh Media’s growing portfolio of outlets underscores its dedication to reshaping the media landscape in Africa by combining innovation with inclusivity. This historic appointment serves as a beacon of inspiration for organisations worldwide, proving that experience and age are invaluable assets in fostering progress and creativity.
About FemyWalsh Limited
FemyWalsh Limited is a leading media organisation committed to driving inclusivity, innovation, and excellence in the media industry. With ownership of Souq News Television, The Isle 104.9 FM Lagos, and the soon-to-launch Kasuwa Radio 99.7 FM Kano, the company continues to inspire through its groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to diversity.
For media inquiries, please contact:
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Afenifere demands concrete action from S’West governors on banditry
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, called on South West Governors to take the security of their areas more seriously in view of the latest revelation concerning the new influx of bandits into the region.
Afenifere disclosed this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,
PUNCH Online reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde while speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, disclosed that bandits being dislodged from the North-West of Nigeria are infiltrating his state.
The Governor had said, “During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones.
“To underscore the seriousness of the issue, the governor related his own personal experience when he observed his quiet birthday ceremony at Fashola near Oyo Alaafin towards the end of last month.
“During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
Howeve, Afenifere stated that a disclosure of this nature coming from the Chief Security Officer of a state is not something to be treated with levity.
It, therefore, called on all the governors of the South-Western States to “as a matter of urgency, hold a meeting to map out strategies to expel the bandits from the region and to ensure that such elements do not infiltrate Yorubaland at any time again.
“For these objectives to be achieved, there is the need to carry certain groups along. These are the security agencies that will implement whatever security decisions are reached, traditional rulers and heads of local vigilantes known as ‘Ode’.”
Ajayi added that whatever strategies were devised should include functional, up-to-date equipment for those who would be on the fields, attractive incentives and the deployment of modern technologies to assist in identifying the bandits and their hideouts.
While urging security agencies and citizens not to take the issue of security lightly, Ajayi concluded by saying that traditional rulers and community leaders in different parts of Yorubaland should not keep quiet whenever they notice any indication suggestive of security threat.
It added, “For example, until the governor made the revelation on Monday, such grave security danger was unknown to members of the public, yet there are people living in Fashola area where the bandits were reported to have established a camp. It is not unlikely that similar camps could be found in some other parts of the South West, hence the need for urgent and effective action.”
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