Connect with us

NEWS

Environmental Experts Call for Accountability through Climate Litigations

Published

on

Share

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Environmental activists and legal practitioners are calling for unity in the pursuit of environmental accountability in Nigeria and want Nigerians to utilize the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise to demand for a review of the environmental laws in the country.

They reject a system that puts absolute power over Nigeria’s natural resources in the hands of the federal government, abandoning the victims of oil and gas pollution in local communities.
This was their position at a one-day hybrid programme organized by Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), in collaboration with the Nigeria Chambers of the International Law Association and the Chima Williams and Associates at EDEN Head office in Benin City, Edo State.
The program explored the negative impacts of climate change on local communities, the role of polluting corporations and how the Nigerian constitution has aided pollution, derailing environmental accountability.Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams who spoke on The Drive Towards Climate Justice And Environmental Accountability highlighted parts of the Nigerian constitution that places utmost power on the federal government, inhibiting the state and regulatory agencies and citizens’ right to demand environmental accountability from polluting corporations.Expanding on issues concerning Community Organizing for Climate Resilience, Deputy Executive Director, Alagoa Morris highlighted the increasing impact of climate change in the Niger Delta, manifested in increased rainfall and severe flooding such as was experienced in 2022.He explained that rural communities are struggling to adapt to climate change, with farmers replanting quickly between floods to avoid food insecurity. He revealed that the pollution crisis in the Niger Delta is further compounded by the actions of the military and NNPC surveillance contractors, who burst containers of illegally acquired crude oil and refined products, flooding the environment with toxic hydrocarbon contents.He noted that while lawyers are often ready to support communities in seeking environmental justice, the scientific community is not providing sufficient backing through research, limiting the ability of communities to hold polluters accountable, and allowing companies to escape liability despite visible evidence of pollution on the ground.EDEN’s Director of Programmes, Philip Jakpor spoke on the place of the Media in the Nigerian Climate Change Narrative, pointing out that the role of the media is to document and shape public perception and the understanding of climate change, serving as a bridge between complex research findings and policymakers as well as the general public.Speaking on Maximizing Global Climate Movements to Combat Climate Crisis, EDEN’s Director of Climate and Energy Justice, Maimoni Ubrei-Joe said the essence of climate justice movements is to keep individuals, governments, and industries accountable while redirecting the world toward climate action.He explained that there are several global movements that have been instrumental in mass mobilization, protests during COPs, bilateral engagements, policy advocacy, and legal actions.On his part, Associate Professor of International and Environmental Law from the University of Derby, UK, Dr. Eghosa Ekhator pointed out that climate laws are not effective in Nigeria. He stressed that the impact of climate change weighs more on the vulnerable people in society.He charged civil society organizations and environmental activists to start developing the capacity of local communities for climate litigation, and build their knowledge to realize that they can seek for environmental justice and accountability through the court.Other speakers at the event included Eric Omare Esq, a legal practitioner who highlighted the role of the Petroleum Industry Act and how local communities can apply it in litigation processes. Professor of Environmental law, University of Benin, Prof. Ngozi Stewart pointed out the need to move from law to impact by strengthening climate litigations and environmental governance. Senior lecturer of the Faculty of Law, Delta State University, Dr. Brown Umukoro exposed the potential of children and youth focused climate litigations that maximizes the impact of climate change on the younger generation.The program which was both in-person and virtual was attended by civil society organizations, women led groups, environmental activists, legal practitioners and the media.

NEWS

Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

Published

on

Share

By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.

In condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.”Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.
His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.”I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself , the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates. He prayed the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Continue Reading

NEWS

Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

Published

on

Share

By David Torough, Abuja

Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.

In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.

Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.

The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.

The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.

Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.

Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.

In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”

He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.

Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.

The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.

Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.

Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.

USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.

The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.

The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.

In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.

The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.

Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.

As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”

Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.

Continue Reading

Foreign News

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

Published

on

Share

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine – days after nationwide protests broke out over changes curbing their independence.

Kyiv’s Western partners had also expressed serious concerns over the legislation.

On Thursday, Zelensky seemed to backtrack, saying the new bill was intended to safeguard the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap), and to protect them from Russian influence.

He said the text of the bill was “balanced”, but did not provide any details.

The law passed earlier this week brought Nabu and Sap under the control of the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.

At the time Zelensky justified his decision to curtail the bodies’ powers by citing Russian influence. The day before, Ukraine’s security services had carried out searches and arrests targeting alleged Russian spies at the agency.

The passing of the legislation instantly sparked the largest protests since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 in several cities across Ukraine, with many worrying the law would severely undermine the Nabu and Sap’s authority and effectiveness.

Thousands of people gathered in streets and squares across Ukraine, holding placards calling for the legislation to be vetoed.

Several commentators accused Zelensky of democratic backsliding. Their concerns were further exacerbated when Ukraine’s Western partners signalled their displeasure with the bill.

Ukraine has official EU candidate status and a spokesman for European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen previously warned Kyiv that the rule of law and the fight against corruption were “core elements” of membership to the bloc.

On Thursday, the Commission said it “welcomed” the Ukrainian government’s decision to take action against the bill.

“We are working [with the Ukrainian government] to make sure that our concerns… are indeed taken into account,” the spokesman said.

Nabu and Sap were created in 2014-15 as one of the requirements set by the European Commission and International Monetary Fund to move towards a relaxation of visa restrictions between Ukraine and the EU.

Writing on Facebook, opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko noted Zelensky said that “the independence of anti-corruption institutions must be guaranteed.”

“First we take it away, and then we say that it must be guaranteed. So why was all this necessary?”

In his message on social media on Thursday, Zelensky did not acknowledge the protests or the backlash but said it was “important that we respect the position of all Ukrainians and are grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.”

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

NEWS2 hours ago

Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

ShareBy Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe,...

NEWS20 hours ago

Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make...

Foreign News1 day ago

Zelensky Announces New Draft Law on Anti-corruption Bodies after Protests

ShareUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has approved the text of a draft law guaranteeing the freedom of two anti-corruption...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture1 day ago

Spotify Spotlights Fola, Thakzin as Africa’s Next Music Icons

ShareSpotify has announced Nigerian Afrobeats talent, Fola and South African Afro House DJ and producer, Thakzin, as part of its...

NEWS1 day ago

Why I Quit Banking for Music – CDQ

ShareNigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that he left a stable banking job to pursue his true passion, music. In an...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture1 day ago

Popular Chinese Singer Executed by Firing Squad over Murder of Girlfriend

SharePopular Chinese actor and singer, Zhang Yiyang has been executed for the murder of his underage girlfriend. Zhang Yiyang became...

NEWS1 day ago

Aba state: Stop Attacking Ikonne’s Patriotic Call, Analyst Warns Gov Otti

Share… Says EX-NALDA Boss Means Well, Patriotic By Mike Odiakose, Abuja A researcher and political analyst based in Abia state,...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture1 day ago

Why Igbo Men Struggle in Politics – Pete Edochie

ShareVeteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, has stirred controversy with a bold statement about Igbo politicians, claiming they are not adept...

NEWS1 day ago

TRANSCORP Hotels PLC Reports Strong Performance ,Delivers N1.024BN Interim Dividend

ShareTranscorp Hotels Plc (“Transcorp Hotels” or the “Company”) (NGX: TRANSCOHOT), the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp Group”), has...

Entertainment/Arts/Culture1 day ago

Wizkid Becomes First African Artiste to Hit Nine Billion Streams on Spotify

ShareNigerian singer, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid, has surpassed nine billion streams across all credits on Spotify. He became the first...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc