Environment
Tinubu Promises to Tackle Flooding, Donates N100 Million to Victims in Kogi
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Senator Bola Tinubu has promised to tackle flooding menace in Nigeria if given the mandate.
He also sympathized with flood victims in Kogi state with a donation of N100 million to them to cushion the effect of devastation.
He described the loss of lives and properties as unfortunate.
Tinubu’s address which was delivered on his behalf by Governor Yahaya Bello stated “Let me assure you that one of the very first things we will tackle is the perennial flooding in Kogi State.
Flooding is a big problem in Kogi perhaps because of its strategic location as the confluence between Rivers Niger and Benue.”Gov. Bello, who had mobilized over 20,000 Kogites to receive the APC presidential candidate at Mohammad Buhari Square, noted that efforts to bring a lasting solution to the perennial flooding will be carried out if he becomes the President.
While appreciating the tumultuous crowd that trooped into Lokoja, from all over Kogi State to demonstrate support and solidarity for him and the presidential running-mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Tinubu promised that the voice and demands of Kogi people would be heard, not only in the Campaign Council but also in the incoming APC administration.
He promised to work assiduously to confront security, revamp the economy, target double-digit GDP, increase megawatts of electricity to power the industries, businesses and homes, and empower the people through the creation of jobs, affordable loans and mortgages respectively.
“Let me assure you that Kogi State will occupy a right of place in our administration. As a Confluence State, You are important to us in the APC and the country.”
“Apart from the presence of your Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the Presidential Campaign Council, one of your sons, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke is also the Secretary of our Campaign Council. So you are ably and adequately represented.”
“I want to tell you today that flooding will be a thing of the past when we get to the office. We will work with the Kogi State Government to devise a permanent solution to this problem. The blessings of God exemplified in torrential rain should not be a curse on us.”
The crowd, led by Governor Bello, closed the solidarity walk at the Kogi State APC Campaign Secretariat.
Environment
Erosion Control Project: Gombe SEC Approves N389m Compensation for Residents
The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC) has approved payment of N389 million as compensation for residents that would be affected by the gully erosion control project at Federal College of Education (FCE) Technical and its surrounding communities.
The Commissioner for Finance, Gombe State, Malam Mohammed Magaji, stated this at the end of the SEC meeting on Friday in Gombe.
Magaji said the payment, which would commence immediately, would be for individuals and organisations along the gully erosion site.
He said almost 1000 persons were expected to benefit from the gesture.
According to him, the compensation is part of the requirements of the World Bank, which specifies that such payments be made to property owners.
Magaji said the payment would also be made to ensure seamless resettlement of affected persons.
“The beneficiaries are in hundreds, almost a 1,000 people; there is compensation for houses, and also for business premises.
“There is also stipends for the elderly living around that area so that they are able to have good livelihood,” he said.
The commissioner for Education, Hajiya Aishatu Maigari, also said the SEC approved upgrade of the five mega senior secondary schools in the state to sustain improvement in the education sector.
Maigari said the upgrade would be carried out based on the needs of each of the schools.
She stated that infrastructure in some of the schools were already being upgraded to global standards.
“We have seen construction of toilets, installation of solar-powered light, construction of roads, school clinics, boreholes and many more,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had on Nov. 23 signed a N12 billion contract with Triacta Nigeria Ltd. for a 21-kilometre gully erosion control work in six communities within Gombe metropolis.
The project is under ACRESAL project, a World Bank-assisted project to address the challenges of land degradation and climate change in northern Nigeria. (NAN)
Environment
Fire Razes Household Properties Estimated at Millions of Naira
The Ebonyi Fire Service, on Tuesday confirmed that a fire incident destroyed properties estimated at millions of naira at the residence of Mr Chris Uchaji, a former commissioner in the state.
Mr Raphael Ibiam, the Chief Fire Officer of the agency, said that the inferno was suspected to have been caused by an electrical spark within the building.
He explained that the fire razed valuable household properties in three rooms of the storey building.
He said no life was lost in the incident as his men responded promptly and was later assisted by the Federal Fire Service.
“At about 0800 hours, there was a fire outbreak at 13 Lawrence Ónór street, off Nna street.
“It destroyed properties in a storey building belonging to Mr Chris Uchaji, a Former State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development,” Ibiam said.
Uchaji told newsmen shortly after the incident, that he was at the stadium with his wife for morning exercise when he received a distress call from his security man that his family house was on fire.
“We quickly rushed to the scene, only to see many people on a rescue mission as the whole house had been engulfed.
“I suspected it was due to an electrical spark and it started in my wife’s room, where my six-year-old daughter was sleeping.
“The intensity of the fire was high and it spread to other rooms, causing massive damage, but thank God no life was lost.
“I thank God for people’s goodwill and the fire service. Though the state fire service came here, their water finished early, but with the intervention of federal firefighters, they were able to control the fire.” Uchaji said.(NAN)
Environment
Nigeria’s NGO Takes Plights of Local Communities to COP28
Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development, a Nigeria-based NGO, has called for the involvement of local communities in decision-making on climate solutions in order to build a sense of responsibility and unity.
Mr Israel Orekha, Executive Director of the NGO, made the call on Monday in his address at a side event organised at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai.
“The event is themed “Putting Local Community First in Climate Agenda.
’’Orekha advocated policy changes that incentivised and prioritised sustainable practices at the local and national levels
According to him, empowering communities through participation will ensure that solutions align with local needs.
He also called for inclusive policies that addressed both environmental and social aspects of clean energy transitions.
The executive director particularly canvassed for the consideration of local community in the clean energy transition plan.
The local community, he said, needed clean energy transition parks and not false solutions.
“Clean energy transition parks not only combat climate change but also strengthen community resilience.
“Local involvement in these parks is key to addressing pressing environmental challenges.
“Beyond jobs, clean energy engagement enhances community knowledge about sustainable practices.
“Involving communities in clean energy decisions fosters responsibility and unity.
“Local job opportunities and skill development can result from participation in the renewable energy sector.”
Orekha also underscored the importance of transparency in decision-making processes so as to discern genuine solutions from greenwashing.
“False solutions can perpetuate environmental injustice, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.
“False solutions, like greenwashing, hinder genuine progress.
“Thorough research and community input are essential for sustainable solutions,’’ he said.
Reports says that clean energy parks are separate areas used and planned for the purpose of clean energy development, like wind and solar generation facilities.(NAN)