NEWS
Climate Change Worsening Farmers-Herders Clashes – Abbas
By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, on Wednesday, said that climate change contributed to worsening the farmer-herder clashes in the country.
He said this at a stakeholders’ forum on addressing the impact of climate change on farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria organised by the office of the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment.
The event premiered the documentary, “Behind the Valley”, which is a story of climate change and farmer-herder conflicts in Benue State.
The Speaker said as part of efforts to address the challenge, there is a need to get rid of outdated herding and farming methods and adopt global trends in farming amidst climate change.
He also said the Land Use Act puts limitations on how much the Federal Government and the National Assembly can go to make the changes required to address the situation.
The Speaker was represented by the Member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency of Benue State, Hon Dickson Takighir.
He said the timing could not have been at a better period in efforts at halting the farmer-herder clashes.
“Climate change is a topic that has commanded huge global attention for its many effects on life here on earth. Farmer-Herder clashes have had a similar troubling prominence in our country. The one has exacerbated the challenges of the other.
“As someone from one of the hotspots (Kaduna) of the Farmer-Herder clashes, I am not new to the subject. Indeed, It is true that, in many parts of the country, farming communities have been deserted with terrible repercussions on food security.
“Climate change has worsened the Farmer-Herder challenges. Farmers and herders alike, now compete for fewer resources from which to draw crops and fodder. Distortions in rainfall patterns being the result of climate change, have led to desertification. In search of greener pasture, herders have continued to migrate and into farming communities.
“Given the trend, without regulation, there’s bound to be clashes and crises…..indeed, we are already there.”
He regretted that a plethora of efforts by the Federal and State governments aimed at addressing the problem had achieved little success.
Abbas said recently, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, created the livestock Ministry in an effort to have a federally coordinated approach towards animal husbandry.
This, he said, is a first of many vital steps towards uniformly addressing animal husbandry standards nationwide.
“What do we do and where do we go from here? Firstly, we must be ready to rid ourselves of outdated herding and farming methods!
“Of the countries in the world that are top of the charts in the cattle business, many of them equally hold similar top positions on a variety of farm crops as well. Obviously, these nations hold ready templates for us on how best to engage and excel in these businesses without the sort of crisis we routinely have on our hands here.
“Statistics suggest, ranching has become the way to go. The numbers in cattle and in the profits from countries that ranch cattle, make our continued romance with nomadic husbandry of cattle.
“However, the transition from nomadic herding to ranching, poses challenges in cultural attachment, ignorance, a lack of capital, lack of political will, lack of national legislation etc. There is, therefore, a need to chart a nationally acceptable direction towards international best practices in the cattle industry.
“Similarly, global trends in farming amidst climate change will have to be adopted. This requires a transition that has similar challenges as above. But we must all commit to legislation and purpose; resources and political will, to see to this transition.
“The Land Use Act puts limitations on how much the Federal Government and for that matter, the National Assembly, can go to make these changes. With State Governors holding the aces on land use, the need for collaboration between States and the Federal Government in the face of a crisis worsened by climate change, is strongly advised.
“We must engage in smart Agriculture, across the board. The numbers from other countries compel us to rid ourselves of cultural practices that must now evolve.
“Without doubt, the status quo is outdated and a way forward is urgently needed. We must commit to stakeholder interaction including sharing (on this subject) of educational material such as those by today’s event, in order to further make the case for the transition that must happen in our Agricultural practices,” he said.
The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon Terseer Ugbor, called for collaborative efforts to address the challenge.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his keynote address said the world has awakened to the rude reality of the grave impact of climate change on humanity.
He said the physical changes that have occurred in the composition of the global atmosphere is now obvious and accepted by all to be due to climate change orchestrated by human activities in the last 100 years.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Technical, Prof Bolaji Babatunde, he said the recent acceptance of this threat to human existence by world leaders is a signal that global development and protection policies should be framed around climate change.
This, he said, is because climate change is the major factor undermining the achievement of the SDGs sustainable development goals and a direct threat to the world’s efforts at reducing extreme poverty.
He pointed out that research had shown that desert encroachment is no longer a myth.
These among others, he said, are directly linked to climate change which is shrinking Nigeria’s landmass and dwindling natural resources.
He said this may directly be the underlying factor causing conflicts in the country among communities competing for greener and safer locations all over.
He expressed confidence that collective efforts will result in finding a permanent solution to resolving the farmer-herder conflict.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako, said cooperation between the legislature and the executive arm of government is fundamental to addressing the challenge.
He said the solution to the problem should be multifaceted and collaborative.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the effects of climate change are far reaching.
The Minister, who was represented by a Director, Ngozi Agbowo, called for more proactive measures to be put in place to address the situation.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Ishaya Tanko has confirmed the sad death of 8 students of the University to a road crash involving their Toyota bus with a truck in the metropolitan city of Jos.
He disclosed that one of the students was being prepared for surgery in the early hours of Thursday at the Jos University Teaching Hospital while others were receiving medication at the Bingham Teaching Hospital.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Plateau State Command disclosed that the accident occurred opposite Unity Bank Zaria Road, Jos, at around 2:30 am.
The Plateau State Sector Commander of the Corps, Olajide Mogaji explained that seven people lost their lives on the spot, while another victim died in hospital, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.
According to the Command’s statement, the crash involved a trailer and a bus, which was carrying eleven passengers, all male students of the University of Jos, opposite Unity Bank Zaria Road, Jos, at around 2:30 am.
Mogaji said eyewitness accounts revealed to the corps emergency teams that the bus was speeding and engaged in wrongful overtaking, leading to the loss of control and the crash.
The Sector Commander has appealed to drivers to avoid night trips, excessive speed, and dangerous driving, saying, “The government needs you alive, and wants you to live life to the fullest in this festive season and beyond.”
The FRSC noted that the incident is still under investigation, while urging the public to report crashes or road emergencies to their toll-free emergency number 122 at all times for prompt responses.
The victims were said to have been coming back from a welcome special party for new students when the unfortunate incident occurred with the vehicle carrying the male students while the other vehicle carrying the female students escaped the tragedy.
UNICEF Hails Bayelsa as Champion of Primary Healthcare Devt in Nigeria
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its deliberate efforts at improving primary healthcare delivery, especially in the area of immunization in recent years.
The Country Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, gave the commendation, on Wednesday, when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.
Saeed said what she saw during her visit to some health facilities and her random interactions with some mothers in the state, corroborated the positive reports UNICEF has been receiving about Bayelsa in terms of immunization.
The special UN envoy, who described Bayelsa as champion of healthcare delivery and a shining spot in the country, noted that the state has achieved an impressive performance in its immunization indices from 2021 to date.
She attributed the improvement in the health indicators of the state to purposeful leadership, commitment and accountability being provided by the present administration.
While assuring the Bayelsa of UNICEF’s readiness for collaboration to improve nutrition for children as well as unlock resources for healthcare development in the state, the Country Rep, however, urged the Governor Douye Diri-led administration to sustain its efforts in the health sector.
She said, “We are really impressed with what Bayelsa is doing… Bayelsa State has also committed its financing of immunization campaigns from the state budget, and a special one (immunization) in-between.
“Also there is a monthly allowance and support you have continued to give from GAVI. These are some of the things that have really increased the number of immunized children and improved the performance of the state.
“In 2021, the number of children not immunized in Bayelsa was 71 percent; that means seven out of ten kids were not immunized. But between then and now, there is a big difference due to the leadership, commitment and accountability we are seeing in Bayelsa State.
“You have been a champion of primary healthcare and a champion of immunization. And I really look to have Bayelsa not only a champion of states in Nigeria but in our continent and the globe.”
In a response, Governor Douye Diri represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, reaffirmed the determination of his administration to prioritize investments in the health sector.
He said plans were underway to review the state primary healthcare board law with a view to not only sustaining the extant primary healthcare funding model but also expanding it through effective private sector contributions, especially from corporate organizations operating in the state.
Diri thanked the Country Rep, Ms Wafaa Saeed, for her kind words of encouragement and also acknowledged the support of UNICEF, WHO, Bill Gate, Dangote Foundation and other development partners, noting that Bayelsa could not have recorded its present achievements in the health sector without their collaboration.
His words: “We also want to thank you profusely for supporting our programme. We thank UNICEF, the WHO, Bill Gate Foundation, Dangote Foundation and others for your support. We really appreciate what you have done for our state.
“As a government, we know where we are going. A man who knows where he is going cannot be misled. We are focused and will continue to redouble our efforts in the health sector.
“You talked about sustainability. That is very important to us, and so, we are looking at the principal law, which is the Primary Healthcare Development Board Law. We are looking at some areas of that law to bind the hands of whoever that comes after us.
“That is to ensure that even if the administration after us will not have the motivation and passion to provide leadership for primary healthcare like the present governor is doing, the law will compel them to do so.”
The UNICEF Country Representative was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Field Service, Judith Leville, UNICEF Health Consultant, Dr. Makio Perekeme, the Chief Field Officer, Anselm Audu and a health specialist, Eghe Abe, among others.
Mutfwang Pledges Support for Minister of Defence in Fight against Insecurity
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), assuring him of his total and unwavering support in the collective effort to defeat insecurity in Plateau State and across Nigeria.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere on Thursday disclosed that the Governor has expressed delight over Gen.
Musa’s appointment, describing it as a “strategic and timely decision” in confronting the country’s intricate and evolving security challenges.Mutfwang noted that the Minister’s vast experience and proven professionalism would significantly strengthen ongoing national security interventions.
“We must now focus on finding solutions to the challenges confronting us. Whatever has happened in the past should not deter us. The time has come for all of us to join hands and holistically address our security concerns,” Mutfwang emphasized.
The Governor reiterated his support for the establishment of State Police, acknowledging concerns about possible abuses, but stressing that the nation must collectively develop safeguards and ensure operational efficiency.
Gen. Christopher Musa expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit, assuring him of a robust and productive collaboration in addressing security concerns in Plateau State and the country at large.
He commended Governor Mutfwang for hosting the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, describing it as a unifying initiative.
COAS Urges NMS Students to Uphold Discipline, Excellence, Promises Better Learning Environment
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged students of the Nigerian...
Gov Adeleke Didn’t Join APC Because Osun People Already Hated the Party – Jackson Ojo
Share…Says Defectors to Ruling Party Will Regret By Mike Odiakose, Abuja A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC),...
COAS Charges 3,439 New Army Recruits on Loyalty, Discipline
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu (NAM), has charged 3,439 newly trained...
CBN Revamps Agric Guarantee Scheme, Targets Smallholder Farmers
Share The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has launched a major overhaul of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF),...
Okonjo-Iweala, Others Urge Youths to Drive Reforms, Strengthen Civic Action
ShareNational leaders have challenged youths to lead Nigeria’s renewal, warning that meaningful change now depends on young citizens organizing, demanding...
Eight Students Die, Three Injure in Jos Road Crash
ShareFrom Jude Dangwam, Jos The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Ishaya Tanko has confirmed the sad death...
ShareUNICEF Hails Bayelsa as Champion of Primary Healthcare Devt in Nigeria From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The United Nations Children’s Fund...
EFCC Seeks Stronger Alliance with CSOs, Media in Anti-corruption Fight
ShareThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for deeper collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media...
ShareMutfwang Pledges Support for Minister of Defence in Fight against Insecurity From Jude Dangwam, Jos Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang,...
FRSC Deploys New Sector Commander to Benue
ShareThe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday, announced the deployment of Corps Commander (CC) Kehinde Dahunsi as new commander...