News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja In line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), experts in the environment sector have called on State governments to develop green projects in collaboration with development partners for effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change.  This was contained in a communique issued at the just concluded 15th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting in Abuja with theme, "Appraisal of the Emerging Challenges and the Opportunities in the Environment Sector: A Call for Actions towards the Environment of our Dream".  The 21st edition of Conference of the Parties (COP 21) which took place in Paris, December 2015 was a breakthrough for obtaining international commitment in addressing climate change.   It produced the landmark 12-page Paris Agreement that mandated all 195 negotiating countries to limit the global temperature to well below 2°C and make efforts to limit it to 1.5°C pre-industrial lev

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                               Goni Worried by the alarming cases of air pollution, the National Park Service (NPS) has called on relevant authorities at the country's border to end illegal importation of vehicles, suggesting that rickety vehicles should be phased-out so as to reduce emission.  The Conservator-General of NPS, Dr Ibrahim Goni stated this in Abuja on Monday at a one-day capacity building workshop organised by Environment Media Correspondents Association of NIgeria (EMCAN) with the theme, "Healthy Environment: Panacea to Sustainable Livelihood". He quoted a United Nations report as saying that air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental risk to health, saying that seven million people globally die annually due to exposure to poor air quality. Goni added, "Lack of access to clean water and sanitation cause 58 percent  of diarrheal cases in the low and middle-income countries. Inadequate sanitation or insuffi

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  There is an indication that the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated unemployment crisis in the country, a situation that hyped poverty, social and civil unrest, even as factories shut down due to poor turnover.  The pandemic further rejuvenated global crisis, just as the poor, locals, public and civil servants especially in the private sector battled for survival.  Information obtained by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website titled: “Labor Force Statistics: Unemployment and Underemployment Report", revealed that out of 69. 68 million workforce that 23.19 million or 33.3% were unemployed as at fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020.  It was against the 21.77 million or 27.1% unemployment statistics recorded in Q2 2020, a decline that was attributed to the job losses recorded at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.  This is even as the pandemic escalated environmental degradation such as air pollution, deforestation, desertification and indiscrim

        Oluyede A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Oluwole Oluyede has described the rising profile of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (SWAGA), in Ekiti State as a new twist signposting the determination of the people to break away from the dark past to embrace progressive democracy. This is even as he described SWAGA as leading light in the current quest for a new Ekiti State, where the people’s voice will be weighty, their choice sacrosanct and their will unchallengeable. Oluyede, who spoke on the heels of the huge turnout of members of the group in Ado Ekiti on Thursday for the inauguration of its ward and local government officials, as a prelude to mobilising and organising for coming elections, said the time for the political emancipation of the people is now. According to him, the sacrifice and commitment on the part of SWAGA to build a solid foundation for Ekiti politics has been enormous, hence, he urged members to continue to build on the

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L- R: Former Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF), Prof Oladapo Afolabi; Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor; Minister of FCT, Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr Hassan Musa, shortly after the unveiling of electric shuttle bus built by Phoenix, an Abuja-based renewable energy company in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE  In line with the present administration's goals of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030, the Federal Ministry of Environment has created about 74,413 direct and indirect jobs for the youths in the second quarter of 2021.  The jobs were accomplished through the implementation of various people- oriented projects and programmes outlined by the ministry, in collaboration with the private sector.  To this end, about 25, 260 residents classified as rural and poorest of the poor also received various livelihood trainings and support through the Nati

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was re-arraigned on Thursday on the amended seven-count charge brought against him by the Federal Government.  Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor said his client pleaded not guilty to the amended charge. Ejiofor said his client has also challenged the competence of the amended charge and the court’s jurisdiction to try the case, in a fresh application. The defence lawyer said his client was challenging the court’s jurisdiction on the grounds that the alleged offences were committed in the United Kingdom, outside Nigeria. Ejiofor spoke after the court’s proceedings from which journalists were excluded by security operatives deployed to the court by the government. He said the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, later adjourned till November 10 for hearing of Kanu’s application challenging the court’s jurisdiction and the charge’s competence. He was brought to court around 10am by armed operatives of

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended its operations on the Abuja-Kaduna train station today, following the explosion that detonated on the rail track around Rijana and Dutse.  The incident, which took place between Wednesday night and Thursday morning was allegedly caused by terrorists, just as the passengers were said to be traumatised.  A viral video circulating online shows how a section of the track was damaged by explosives. The managing director of NRC, Engr Fidet Okhiria had explained that the explosives damaged the rail tracks somewhere between Dutse and Rijana. He said, “Yes, there was an explosive on our rail track somewhere around Rijana and Dutse last night, and this damaged the tracks". “Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure that the train services along the Kaduna-Abuja route are fully restored",  However, a statement made available via NRC website on Thursday revealed that operations have been suspended till furth

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja        Musa  The federal government has stated that unhealthy and degenerating human activities is responsible for widespread deforestation, global warming, loss of biodiversity, climate change, flooding, plastic and air pollution, and among others.  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr Hassan Musa disclosed this in Abuja yesterday at the 15th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting with the theme, “Appraisal of the Emerging challenges and opportunities in the Environment Sector:  A call for action towards the Environment of our dream”.  He said the challenges placed the topography of the environment on a downward spiral, adding that the theme is apt considering the enormous crisis and opportunities unveiled by the COVID-19 pandemic.  According to him, "The pandemic is also a wake-up call for us to lay out a blueprint for a transformative recovery towards sustainability, greener and more inclusive economy that will advertently

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja       Aregbesola   The federal government has declared Tuesday, October 19, 2021 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration in commemoration of the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday.  He quoted the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as saying that he congratulated all Muslim faithful, both at home and in the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion. The minister admonished all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of Prophet Muhammad, saying that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country. “Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to refrain from violence, lawlessness and other acts of criminality. As the indisputable leader of our race, we must show responsible leadership in Africa".  “While calling for a

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of State Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor (middle) flanked by pupils, students and teachers in commemoration of the Global Handwashing Day at Federal Government Boys College Apo, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY CHIKA OKEKE.  Committed to enforcing safe sanitation and hygiene, the federal government has directed States, Environmental Health Officers (EHO's), development partners and other stakeholders across the country to step-up campaign on handwashing so as to curtail the transmission of diseases.  The Minister of State Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor stated this in Abuja yesterday, in commemoration of the 2021 Global Handwashing Day with the theme, “Our Future is at Hand–Let’s Move Forward Together”. This is even as she emphasised that the Ministry would set up sanitation desks in all the thirty-six states and FCT to commemorate the day and embark on activities aimed at promoting good handwashing practices. The first Global Handwashing Day,

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted sunshine and thunderstorms from Friday to Sunday. NiMet’s weather outlook released yesterday in Abuja predicted sunny skies to prevail over the northern region on Friday with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba during the morning hours. According to the weather agency, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated in Adamawa, Taraba and southern Borno later in the day. “Cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated over the North-Central region with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory during the afternoon and evening hours,” it predicted. “Cloudy skies should prevail over the inland and coastal cities of the South with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over the coastal parts of Ogun and Akwa Ibom states during the morning hours.” "Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms should be expected in parts of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja             Ikeazor As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2021 Global Handwashing Day today, the Minister of State Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor has stated that access to sanitation and hygiene remain the solution to preventing and controlling diseases as well as a fundamental human right that safeguards public health and human dignity. The global handwashing day, which is celebrated on the 15th of October annually was designed for increased awareness on the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases, save lives and help nations in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 6. According to her, "Addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges in the country is a necessary and worthwhile investment for government at all levels. Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians especially those in authority (public or private) to ensure adequate provision of

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   The International Press Centre (IPC) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have extended the deadline for the submission of entries for National Freedom of Information (FOI) essay competition to October 31, 2021. This is even as the eligibility criteria was expanded to accommodate undergraduates of Mass Communication and Journalism in all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including monotechnics, polytechnics and universities. In a statement made available to newsmen by the Executive Director of IPC,  Mr. Lanre Arogundade and the MRA counterpart, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said the extension and expansion of the entries were intended to accommodate more participants.  They disclosed that every eligible student, who submits an entry for the competition would be rewarded with a set of publications by the two organisations even if the entries were not selected for the ultimate prize. As part of activities to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of signing the FOI Bill in

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja As part of efforts to recover Benin bronzes carted away by the colonial masters, the federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Genrman government to repatriate the artefacts by 2022.  This formed part of deliberations today, during the visit of German delegation to Abuja, led by the Director-General for Culture and Communication, German Federal Foreign Office, Dr. Andreas Görgen.  The Director- General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Prof. Abba Isa Tijani signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while Dr. Andreas Görgen endorsed it on behalf of Germany.  Other members of the German delegation are: Director of Museum at the Rothenbaum - Cultures and Arts of the World in Hamburg (MARKK), who is also the spokesperson for the Benin Dialogue Group, Prof. Dr. Barbara Plankensteiner, and  President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger.  German Minister of State for Cultu

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ejezie Emeka Rollas; Actor Chiwetalu Agu and AGN Communication Director, Monalisa Chinda, shortly after the release of Agu from DSS custody yesterday.  The Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), yesterday secured the release of veteran Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu from the detention of the Department of State Services (DSS). This was made known in statement via their official Instagram page titled, ‘Chiwetalu Agu released to Actors Guild Of Nigeria.’ The statement, which was signed by AGN Communication Director, Monalisa Chinda reads, "The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ejezie Emeka Rollas has yet again secured the release of Actor, Chiwetalu Agu from the custody of the DSS ". “On behalf of the Guild, I was at the DSS office with my colleague, the Senior Special Assistant on Military Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations to the President, Steve Eboh to receive Mr. Agu t

        Ganduje  The Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, yesterday handed over the affairs of the state to a 14-year-old schoolgirl, Atika Yan’kaba, for one-hour. This was in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by SUBEB and UNICEF at the government House in Kano. After the takeover, the “ symbolic” governor commenced council meeting, as other schoolgirls acted as the governor’s cabinet members, where  girl-child was given priority. The dramatic executive council meeting held while Ganduje and his cabinet watched. After the symbolic meeting, Ya’nkaba handed over the power back to Ganduje. In his speech, Ganduje told the “former governor’ that  he was impressed. “I’m highly impressed by how you ran your government. I watched your executive council meeting on television and observed how you paid attention to girl-child education". “We will also take the issue of girl-child development more serious,” Ganduje said. Similarly, Dorcas Jo

The Senate on Tuesday resolved that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now free to determine the mode of transmission of results during elections, including the electronic transmission or manual transmission. This represents a reversal of its earlier resolution that INEC can transmit elections results electronically with approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly. The Senate also approved an amendment to the Electoral Act which provides that political parties would henceforth use only the direct mode of primaries to nominate candidates for elections. The Senate had earlier approved a provision in the Electoral Bill which allowed parties to use either direct or indirect mode of primaries in nominating candidates for elections during primaries. Another amendment approved by the Upper Chamber is the provision that empowers INEC to use electronic voting machines during elections. The resolutions of the Upper Chamber

     Whitemoney  Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye winner, Whitemoney, has been hospitalised, leading to a ‘break in transmission’ in his activities. This was made known via his Instagram page on Tuesday, where a video was shared in his Instagram story. In the video, Whitemoney was lying on the bed and his hand was connected to a drip bag, in hospital fashion. Alongside the video, a caption read, “Good morning. Break in transmission. We’ll be back shortly.” Since his epic win two Sundays ago, the Big Brother Naija Shine Ya Eye winner has been actively involved in media rounds, meet and greets, party hosting, amongst other activities. During these few days, Whitemoney had hosted events and parties in Kano and Abuja. Videos and pictures from his Instagram page also suggests that the entertainer has also been busy with filming projects. On the 3rd of October, Whitemoney emerged as the winner of the season six edition of BBNaija, joining the small list of winners of the show. The

El-Rufai Reshuffles Cabinet As EFCC Arrests, Frees KASUPDA Boss         El-Rufai  Hours after officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the Director-General of Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Agency (KASUPDA), Malam Ismail Umaru Dikko, the State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on Monday announced a cabinet reshuffle. Details surrounding the KASUPDA boss arrest remained sketchy at the time of filing this report but it was gathered that he was initially served an invitation by EFCC which he failed to honour until he got whisked away by men working for the anti-graft agency on Monday morning. Sources however said the KASUPDA boss has however regained his freedom. KASUPDA has gained the reputation of Kaduna’s most feared agency due to its demolition of properties across the state. After the incident, Governor El-Rufai assigned new portfolios to some commissioners and senior officials of the Kaduna State government. A statement by Muyiwa A

Ebonyi Journalist Slumps In Police Station, Hospitalised An Ebonyi State-based journalist, Godffery Chikwere, is lying critically ill at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital(AE-FUTHA), Abakaliki after his arrest by the state police command. Chikwere was picked up at the weekend following a petition against him by the state government. He was said to have slumped at the police station on Monday. Chikwere, an On-Air Personality (OAP), was first rushed to the state Police Command headquarters clinic for treatment, but his conditioned worsened, necessitating his transfer to AE-FUTHA. The journalist popularly called Baby Mouth was to be arraigned on Monday for making a publication on his Facebook handle, which the government considered offensive but for his illness. Ebonyi Commissioner for Information had in a petition dated October 8, 2021, and addressed to the Police Command Commissioner Phillip Maku, accused the journalist of spreading fake news, hate speech, making inc

Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu Still In DSS Custody Nollywood actor, Chiwetala Agu, who was arrested on Thursday by men of the Nigerian Army has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS). Spokesperson of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, who confirmed this, did not volunteer more information. Agu was arrested at Upper-Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra State while adorning an outfit that reflected the colours of the Biafran flag. Military spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, had said in a statement that Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which had been proscribed by the Federal Government. BY NATION

NUPENG Suspends Planned Nationwide Strike The National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Sunday said that the planned strike by its affiliate members, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), has been suspended. The strike, which would have kicked off on Monday, was shelved because of the intervention by the federal government. Mr Tayo Aboyeji, the South-West Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to Aboyeji, the suspension is to allow union’s representatives and that of government to address the knotty issues at stake. “The leadership of the union after a brief meeting with representatives of government decided to suspend the strike in the interest of the nation". “The meeting with the government continues during the week with the assurance that the union grievances will be positively addressed,” he said. NAN reports that NUPENG has said on Saturday that the tanker drivers would commence s

NUPENG To Commence Strike On Monday The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) says its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) will commence strike on Monday over the deplorable state of the nation’s highways and other issues. Tayo Aboyeji, the South-west Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos said the union has lost many lives and properties due to bad roads. Mr Aboyeji said that all tanker drivers from the union would withdraw their services nationwide. “This is not the first time that we will signify our intention to go on strike but we have to call it off because it will generally affect majority of Nigerians but now our hands are tied". “We are going on nationwide strike because of the deplorable and shameful state of our highways". “When a truck loads petrol in Lagos, the drivers spend five to six days to get to Abuja because of the shameful state of the roads". “All calls by the executive

Soldiers Arrest Nollywood Actor, Chiwetalu Agu For Wearing Biafra Regalia Some soldiers have arrested veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu for adorning Biafra regalia in Onitsha, Anambra state.  The incident, which took place at the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha on Thursday, drew the attention of motorists and commuters.  In the viral video, 65-year-old Agu is seen around Upper Iweka Bridge donning the Biafra outfit and walking near a green bus when two armed soldiers wrestled him to the ground and dragged him. It was gathered that the actor was in Onitsha on a charity mission where he regularly gifts the less privileged food items when he was arrested by the soldiers. “He was sharing food to some less privileged persons at Upper Iweka when the soldiers approached him and arrested him. He was manhandled and arrested and taken to their barracks,” a source said. Agu, who is a supporter of the Biafra cause, had, in several videos, criticised the regime of President Muhammadu B

Residential Houses Generate 50% Of Nigeria's GhG Emissions- Ikeazor BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja                   Ikeazor The Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor has revealed that residential houses generate over 50 percent of Nigeria’s Greenhouse Gas (GhG) emissions, with a call on Nigerians to adopt cleaner cooking methods.   She stated this in Abuja yesterday at the 2021 Nigeria Clean Cooking Forum with the theme, "Clean Cooking Energy for All in Nigeria – Achieving the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets on Clean Cooking”.  Ikeazor said the use of cleaner, modern cookstoves and fuels could drastically reduce exposure to harmful smoke, thereby improving the health of rural women, creating wealth, providing myriad of economic opportunities for Nigerians, with  important environmental and climate benefits. She stated that by 2030, over 60 percent of households in Nigeria would be cooking with traditional biomass, just as over 70 percent

How Whitemoney Won 6th Edition Of BBNaija's N90m BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The 6th edition of Big Brother Naija reality television show, 'Shine Ya Eye' ended amid fanfare yesterday night as Whitemoney clinched the coveted prize of N90 million, just as Liquorose emerged the first runner-up. At the grand finale which took place in Lagos, the show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the eviction of Emmanuel, followed by Angel and Cross, thereby leaving Whitemoney and Liquorose as the top two contenders.  Born Hazel Onou on July 6, 1992 , the 29-year-old winner was described by Big Brother as the 'Resident Chef' and 'Mazi' during the last diary session yesterday due to his love for cooking and showcasing Igbo tradition while in the house.  Whitemoney, who hails from Enugu State spent a total of 70 days, which culminated into 10 weeks in the house to emerge the winner.  His well-articulated standpoint on issues, skills and composure during the show were par

Nnamdi Kanu: FG Moves Against Terrorism Financiers BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Buhari  The federal government has taken a swipe over terrorism financiers given the recent arrests of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Adeyemo, adding that ongoing investigations revealed that certain high-profile financiers are behind the individuals.  President Muhammadu Buhari stated this yesterday during the nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria's 61st independence anniversary.  He described their ploy as a clear example of abandoning national leadership positions for selfish gains, saying that instead of preaching unity, they are funding and misleading the youths to conduct criminal acts that leads to unfortunate and unnecessary loss of lives and properties.  According to him, "As the so-called leaders run abroad to hide, our innocent youths are misled and left in the streets to fight for their senseless and destructive causes". "Government will continue, with greater level of people

Banditry: PMB Approves Recruitment Of 10, 000 Police Officers Annually  BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate recruitment of 10,000 police officers annually over the next six years in the fight against banditry.  Buhari, who stated this yesterday during the nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria's 61st independence anniversary, said the Nigerian Armed Forces have recruited over 17,000 personnel across all ranks. He stated that most of the Air Force platforms acquired over the past three years are gradually arriving Nigeria, a move that would positively impact the security operations in all parts of the country. The President said, "In line with section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the security and welfare of Nigerians continue to be the prime focus on which programmes and projects of our government revolves". "Therefore, as a government, we are ready to arrest and prosecute all persons inc