NEWS
World Environment Day: EDEN Charges Govt to Hold Plastic Producing Brands Accountable for Waste

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
As the world celebrates World Environment Day with this year’s theme, “Putting An End To Plastic Pollution”, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) has called on governments at all levels to focus on laws and policies that control plastic production, as a way of curbing its danger to environmental and human health.
Executive Director of EDEN, Chima Williams while speaking on this year’s theme stated that the uncontrolled production of single-use plastics and the uncontrolled release of plastic debris onto the land and marine ecosystems are facilitating widespread plastic pollution. According to him, Single-use plastics are dangerous to the environment due to their massive number in the ecosystem, which has found its way to our rivers, water ways, rivulets and drainages, destroying natural habitats and causing flooding across the country.A statement issued and sent to our correspondent via email said, “Scientifically, it takes at least 400 years for a single-use plastic to decompose. It can only break down into micro plastics, polluting water and food sources. Also, the plastic production and disposal processes release greenhouse gases which are also a major contributor to climate change”.”Plastic waste contaminates soil and water sources, posing a threat to food production and human health. In rural areas, plastic pollution disrupts farming activities, as plastic waste impedes farming and contaminates farmlands. Furthermore, plastic waste in water bodies threatens aquatic lives, as marine animals ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injury and death.”Williams pointed out that plastic waste will continue to be a hot environmental issue in Nigeria because production and distribution rates are not checked or regulated. Saying plastic pollution is bound to worsen in the country, due to the ever increasing population that also drives consumption rates.While proffering solutions on curbing plastic pollution in Nigeria, Williams called for laws and policies that hold producers accountable for every plastic waste they produce.“Due to the wide use of plastic in society, an outright ban on plastic may not be achievable immediately. However, the government can place restrictions on plastic production rates, and also hold companies who use plastics as their source of packaging responsible for the plastic waste they produce.Beverage companies and other producing brands can adopt a plastic recall system or engage waste pickers to collect their plastic waste from the environment.”Williams also called on the government to promote effective waste management systems, encourage zero-waste policies and invest in recycling and repurposing plants that convert waste to other reusable materials. He also charged CSOs and environmental groups to engage in more awareness campaigns on environmental protection and healthy waste management practices while also encouraging adoption of nature based solutions as nature has provided effective alternatives to single use plastics.NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.