NEWS
Emir of Dutse Urge Governments to Mitigate Climate Change Impact
The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sanusi have urged governments in Nigeria and other African countries to adopt measures towards mitigating the impact of climate change in order to ensure a conducive environment.
Sanusi, who is also the Chancellor, Sokoto State University made the call Tuesday in Abuja.
He spoke at the first anniversary lecture of “NatureNews’’ online environment newspaper and unveiling of “ClimateAfrica” magazine as well as presentation of Hero of Environment Actions for Development (HEAD) award.
The event was organized by management of NatureNews and ClimateAfrica, both published by Alhaji Aliu Akoshile, who is also the Editor -In – Chief.
The Emir who was the Chairman of the occasion lamented the threat posed by climate change on human survival and the environment.
Sanusi blamed the challenge on both human factors and natural disaster.
He advised that any initiative geared towards mitigating impact of climate change should be fully embraced by the Nigerian government and Africa as a whole.
According to the Emir, it is the obligations of leaders and their followers to nurture the environment and make it conducive for living and food production.
Sanusi identified NatureNews newspaper and ClimateAfrica magazine as steps towards addressing the issue of climate change and creation of awareness through the press.
Prof. Mark Mwandosya, Chairman Stanbic Bank, Tanzania Ltd who delivered the anniversary speech on “Climate Africa: Resilience and Adaptation” noted that Africa had been resilient to disasters.
Mwandosya said that every government both international and local should give priority to climate change and global warming .
“This subject requires several considerations. It should be part of SDGs, as mainstreaming climate change in the entire polity is imperative.
“In doing so, there should be equity, efficiency, self reliance, indigenous knowledge, and technological development,’’ he said.
In his own speech, Akoshile identified NatureNews as a foremost newspaper focusing on the environment, climate change and sustainable earth.
The publisher said that it was conceived in 2016 following the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the 17 SDGs with the 13th goal specifically demanding “taking urgent actions to combat climate and its impacts’’.
According to him, NatureNews and ClimateAfrica subscribe to the abiding principles of journalism ethics .
“They are committed to producing contents that are accurate, balanced, truthful and fair as enunciated by the society of professional journalists,” Akoshile said.
He specifically noted that the two publications focused on general space for the environment.
“A lot of coverage has been done on politics, business, and entertainment but there is something that binds us together as human beings and that is the environment.
“Today, from global discussions and conversation, the issue of environment has to be given more tone of voice.
“So, coming up with this magazine, I look at what other space can one make impact so that at the end of the day, this society that we are all in can become more habitable for all of us and also sustainable for other things to thrive.
“This is because if the environment is not conducive, if the environment is not right, you can’t do business, you can’t play politics and you can’t do entertainment if the environment is not right,’’ Akoshile explained.
He frowned at the poor attention given to climate change issues and its impact in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
According to Akoshile, he decided to go into the space to give intense coverage to the issue of environment and also to serve as a basis for every Nigerian to begin to be conversant with climate change impact in the country.
“What we intend to do is to first of all sensitise the people. Everybody must think environment which is the Number One role. If we are thinking environment even in simple disposal of water sachet, someone can just dispose it properly.
“So, if we create this awareness even in schools, children will become more aware to dispose waste properly and gradually we will get to the space where we have to imbibe environment culture in waste disposal,’’ he said. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.A statement on Friday by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said the unit would ensure efficient, transparent and accountable management of external grants mobilised towards the implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Ngelale said SCO-PMU would report to a Steering Committee/Ministerial Oversight Committee chaired by the Minister, including the Minister of State, Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and relevant development partners. “The SCO-PMU will serve as the secretariat and delivery unit for the NHSRII and is to be headed by a national coordinator (NC).“The functions of the SCO-PMU include programme management, monitoring and evaluation, engagement and supervision of Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) for NHSRII programmes and fiduciary management, among others.“Consequently, the President has approved the appointment of Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq as the National Coordinator of SCO-PMU,” he said.Report says that Sadiq has over 17 years of experience in public health, impact investing, investment banking, energy, and climate financing across the health, finance, climate and energy sectors.He had served as Head of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria.He also served as Head of the Nigeria Energy Transition Office and Private Sector Engagement Adviser at the World Bank. (NAN)
The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently projected in the media.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Friday.
Report says that there was a report that the ministry, through the Federal Scholarship Board, announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria among others.
The slash in scholars’ allowances under the federal government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA) was attributed to the economic crises.Mamman said that there was no slash in scholars` allowances but rather an adjustment due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations (FOREX).“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said.(NAN)
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, has urged Nigerians to calm and patient with Federal Government and should give the the government more time to address these pressing concerns.In a statement issued by CAN and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh ,President, CAN and made available to journalists in Abuja.
CAN also urged all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. He however said CAN stands in solidarity with the citizens of nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. The statement reads in part, “As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.”We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.” In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.”We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.”Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.”We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.”In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.”We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times”.
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