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Q2: Ministry Creates 74,413 Jobs For Youths, Empowers 25, 260 Locals

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 National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) that oversees afforestation programme in the North. 

Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor disclosed this in Abuja yesterday at the just concluded 15th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting with theme, "Appraisal of the Emerging Challenges and the Opportunities in the Environment Sector: A Call for Actions towards the Environment of our Dream". 

She said the ministry is accelerating the implementation of the Ogoniland clean-up through the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), adding that 15.3 hectares of polluted land have been remediated into arable land suitable for agriculture. 

Ikeazor added that the ministry is constructing six water scheme that would supply up to 24,000 cubic meters of potable water per day to communities across the four local governments in Ogoniland. 

She urged the 36 Commissioners across the 36 States to join forces with Environment Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDA's) for quick implementation of federal government's programmes.

Declaring the event open, the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammed Musa Bello said that management of municipal solid waste is a huge challenge, though waste to wealth is a reality. 

He commended Barr Ikeazor for ensuring that FCT benefitted from the proceeds of issuance of sovereign Green bond, which provided funds for the construction of access road to Kagini train station. 

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr Hassan Musa informed that NCE's technical committee comprising of delegates from States, directors and chief executives in Environment MDA's, had in the past two days reviewed all the memos received from various stakeholders and made valuable recommendations.  

He said there are emerging opportunities in the sector such as designing and implementing standard operating procedures, providing technical support for environmental remediation projects, designing programmes and process for a cleaner environment, and ensuring sustainable environmental planning and conservation of the natural resources. 

The General Manager of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kolo Kyari stated that the urgent requirement for environmental sustainability is for humanity to act responsibly to protect the ecosystem by maintaining high air quality and providing viable water resources under a habitable climate. 

Kyari, who was represented by Mrs Affiong Akpasubi said that NNPC recognised that emission from energy exploitation is changing the planet, just as he harped on the need for concerted actions to achieve healthy environment. 

In his contribution, Environment Expert, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Regional Office for Nigeria, Mr Yomi Banjo said the agency is currently implementing Nigeria's country programmes that runs from 2018 to 2022.

He stated that UNIDO is strategically positioned to support countries in identifying and addressing emerging environmental issues, just as he drummed support for Nigeria's green and sustainable development agenda. 

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