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Govt unveils school programme to teach young Nigerians about sustainability

Michael Simire
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Govt unveils school programme to teach young Nigerians about sustainability

As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness among young Nigerians and build their capacity on how to live sustainably, the Federal Government has launched the Eco-schools initiative, targeting schoolchildren in Abuja, the country’s capital.

Eco-Schools
Participants at the Eco-Schools project launch in Abuja

This programme, which is being implemented by the Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, was unveiled on Thursday, January 16, 2025, during a two-day climate change awareness workshop organised by the department in Abuja. Additionally, a handbook was provided to the students to serve as a guide and promote knowledge sharing.

Environmental education is a critical solution to the global climate crisis; hence its integration into the school system cannot be overstated. This is why a number of organisations, most notably the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), are working to provide technical help to Nigeria’s government and to assist states in developing climate-responsive education sector strategies.

Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the director overseeing the DCC, said it is extremely imperative to empower the next generation with the required skills to help them come up with innovative solutions that address the climate crisis and foster environmental stewardship.

The director, who was represented by Dr. Aliyu Musa Yanure, added that the launch of the scheme represents the government’s commitment to improving climate literacy among students and other citizens across the nation.

“We will empower our students to become champions in their communities, driving initiatives that have a positive impact in their lives,” Dr. Abiola-Awe stated.

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Secretary for Health and Environment for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed his satisfaction that his organisation was included in the process due to its connection with the FCT development plan.

According to him, the FCT administration has identified tree planting as a way to promote sustainable environmental management and raise awareness among Nigerians and corporate entities. He noted that secondary schools under the FCT are enlisted as the pivotal drivers of this noble campaign.

“We currently have green champions drawn from 40 schools and hope to expand it further to other schools in the FCT,” Dr. Fasawe said.

This Eco-Schools initiative is being supported by the European Union, UNICEF, Save the Children International, and the FCT secretariat. It is an intervention tool that the DCC aims to cascade not only in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) but also to all the area councils in FCT, namely Kwali, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, and Abaji.

Students engaged in an interactive session where they learnt about the handbook’s contents, played the Play, Learn, and Act Now (PLAN) game, and asked questions on climate change.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Concern as Police fails to present environmental activist, Odey Oyama, in court

Michael Simire
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Concern as Police fails to present environmental activist, Odey Oyama, in court

The Cross River State Police Command has failed to arraign the environmental activist, Odey Oyama, in court.

Odey Oyama
Odey Oyama

Odey, the Director of Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), was to appear in Magistrate Court 1 Moore Road in Calabar on Monday, January 20, 2025, by 12 noon but, up until 4pm, there was no information of whether the court was still going to sit.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the environmental activist and six others were arrested by Police officers from the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command.

He had been in Police custody before being speedily charged to court, he was arraigned on January 16, 2025, but his bail was denied. It was gathered that he is being charged for promoting communal strife.

When contacted on phone on why the accused was not presented in court by the Police, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, simply said, “it could be that the papers were not ready, I am going to check.”

It will be recalled that, in recent times, Oyama has been engaged in a fierce campaign against Chinese business concerns working with indigenous collaborators who are logging the Effi Rainforest, a trend that has resulted in massive deforestation, dissipation of wildlife and loss of biodiversity.

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have however called for the immediate release of Oyama, saying his arrest and detention by the Nigerian Police signifies a rising trend of abuse and repression.

The Executive Director of PADIC, formally known as Development Concerns (DEVCON), Dr. Martins Egot,  and  Director of PeacePoint Development Foundation (PPDF), Mr. Umo Isuaiko, described his arrest and detention as deliberate to keep him incommunicado.

In a statement by the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Comrade NnimmoBassey, Egot of DEVCON, Isuaiko of PPDF, Executive Director of We the People (WTP), Mr. Ken Henshaw, and 28 others said it was against the law for Odey to be detained beyond 24 hours without trial and “the action of the Nigeria Police has once again demonstrated flagrant disregard for due process and their role in stifling dissenting voices, especially when vested business interests are at stake”.

They said: “This instance, Odey Oyama a conscientious objector to the destruction of the environment, rather than enjoy the protection of the government, is being systematically persecuted.”

HYPREP to restore bloody cockles in Ogoni creeks

Michael Simire
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HYPREP to restore bloody cockles in Ogoni creeks

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says it will restore bloody cockles in Ogoni creeks as measures to alleviate the plight of the people of the area.

HYPREP
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP Project Coordinator, visits Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area

Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, the HYPREP Project Coordinator, announced this in a statement on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Abuja.

The development is a follow up to Zabbey’s visit to the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government Area, where the project is funding a research to carry out the culturing of the bloody cockles.

Bloody cockles (Senilla senilis) are bivalve molluscs commonly found in muddy areas in the intertidal zone and are vital for sustaining the economy and livelihood of people living around coastal communities.

“Bloody cockle has a high nutritional value as it is a complete source of protein and contains high levels of essential amino acids of about (85 per cent to 95 per cent).

“Due to the spills in Ogoni and other human factors, cockles have become critically endangered and have been completely wiped out in most of its shoreline areas.’’

According to him, HYPREP aims to restore bloody cockles by artificially propagating them in the lab and reintroducing them to the Ogoni shoreline.

“Understanding the species’ reproductive biology is essential to determining the renewal capacity of natural stocks,’’ he said.

Zabbey said the initiative was in line with HYPREP’s mandate to restore the environment, including keystone species like the bloody cockle, oyster and other seafood in Ogoni creeks.

He said that the species of seafood had supported the livelihood of the people for centuries, particularly women and children.

The projector coordinator said that the adoption of culturing the bloody cockle at the moment was more sustainable given certain environmental conditions that could affect natural reproduction in large numbers as envisaged.

He expressed optimism that the effort would benefit both Ogoni and other coastal communities in the Niger Delta and beyond.

Zabbey expressed satisfaction over the early successes recorded in the research and said the visit was to encourage the team sustain the efforts to restock the bloody cockle.

He donated microscope and other items to enhance research at the centre and commended the Institute for the initial laboratory cultures which were successful.

By Abigael Joshua

EU Commission to present plan of complete abandonment of Russian energy

Michael Simire
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EU Commission to present plan of complete abandonment of Russian energy

The European Commission will soon present a plan for the EU’s complete abandonment of Russian fossil energy resources, spokesperson for climate action and energy, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, said on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Anna-Kaisa Itkonen
European Commission spokesperson for climate action and energy, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen

“The roadmap to wean the European Union off Russian fossil fuels is being crafted.

“It was announced as something that the Energy Commissioner will present within the first hundred days.

“There is still presence of Russian gas in the EU market, and this is something that we rather not see, and this is one of the issues that will be addressed in this roadmap.

“Roadmap framework for moving away from Russian fossil fuels that it will be presented in the coming weeks,’’ Itkonen told reporters.

NOA campaigns against harmful chemicals in food preservation

Michael Simire
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NOA campaigns against harmful chemicals in food preservation

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ebonyi has launched a campaign against the use of harmful chemicals in food preservation, urging foodstuff dealers in the state to avoid this dangerous practice.

NOA
NOA, food stuff dealers during the awareness campaign

Mr. Theophilus Nwokpor, the State Director of the Agency, made the remark on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Abakaliki during an awareness campaign on the use of toxic chemicals for food preservation.

Nwokpor emphasised the serious health risks associated with these chemicals, warning food dealers to refrain from using them.

He pointed out that while the harmful effects of such chemicals may not be immediately apparent, continuous consumption of food preserved with them could lead to serious health issues in the future, including terminal ailments.

He encouraged traders and grain dealers to stop using chemicals to preserve and store grains and instead adopt traditional, safer methods of food preservation.

“We are sensitising traders to the dangers of preserving foods with harmful chemicals. As grain dealers, especially wholesalers who supply markets within and outside the state, you must be cautious.

“The effects of these chemicals are detrimental to health. We cannot compromise human health for material gain.

“Our responsibility is to provide food that nourishes and sustains life, not one that endangers it,” Nwokpor said.

Mr Emeka Orajaka, the State Coordinator of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also warned against the use of such chemicals.

Represented by Mr Obinna Okonkwo, Principal Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC, Orajaka stated that offenders would face legal action.

He also highlighted that innocent consumers have lost their lives due to food preservation with dangerous chemicals.

Mr Francis Nworie, Secretary of the Foodstuffs Dealers Association, called on the government to reduce the price of special storage bags, known as “Purdue Improved Crop Storage Bags,” from N3,000 to N500 to encourage compliance with safer practices.

In support, Mr Chidi Oduma, Chairman of the Association, emphasised that reducing the price of these bags would encourage food safety and help control harmful food preservation practices.

Oduma also commended the organisers of the programme for addressing this critical issue.

The event included an interactive session with traders and an inspection of food storage practices by officials.

By Uchenna Ugwu

Kwara orders temporary closure of forests for regeneration

Michael Simire
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Kwara orders temporary closure of forests for regeneration

Kwara State Government has directed the temporary closure of forests in the state in order to facilitate the natural regeneration of the forests which had been severely impacted by human interference.

Hajia Nafisat Buge
Kwara State Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge

This is contained in a statement signed by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Shakirat Muritala, on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Ilorin, the state capital.

The directive was issued after a top management meeting of the Ministry of Environment, Chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Buge.

The Commissioner said that the temporary closure was a necessary step to protect the environment and public health.

“Apart from illegal tree-falling for charcoal production, the saw millers also cause distortion by cutting various kinds of trees without regard for regeneration process thereby disrupting the ecosystem.

“The closure will also ensure implementation of laid down procedures for reforestation.

“The Forestry Directorate will partner with stakeholders for various levels of engagements to restore normalcy and ensure that forests were not depleted without regard,” she said.

Buge implored members of the public who deal in forestry related products to cooperate with the Ministry and entrench compliance with laws of the state and restrictions during the period of closure.

She warned that anyone who contravened the directive would face penalties in accordance with the law.

By Afusat Agunbiade-Oladipo

Shell, NOSDRA urged to address borehole facility oil spill in Bayelsa community

Michael Simire
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Shell, NOSDRA urged to address borehole facility oil spill in Bayelsa community

The Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has called on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the National Oil Spill Detection and Remediation Agency (NOSDRA) and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate action on a reported strange chemical leakage from a domestic borehole facility in Agudama Community in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, which is in close proximity to an SPDC owned facility in the area.

EDEN
Deputy Executive Director of EDEN, Alagoa Morris (left), with the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben Ololo (middle), accompanied by members of the State sanitation Authority on an investigative visit to see the strange spilling chemical

Following a distress call from a resident of the community, Beatrice Mieye, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, about a strange liquid which looks like crude oil obtained from her borehole, the EDEN field monitoring team led by the Deputy Executive Director of EDEN, Alagoa Morris, visited the site on the same day to investigate the complaint.

Speaking to the EDEN team, Mieye revealed that she had been using water from the borehole for about six years without experiencing such chemicals. She, however, stated that due to some careless handling of the submersible pump, the pump could not be accessed and had been lying fallow for about six to seven months until she acquired a new surface pump and tried to get water on that same Sunday when the strange liquid was seen inside the water.

Morris reported the issue to the Commissioner for Environment in Bayelsa State, Ebi Ben Ololo, which prompted another visit of the site by Morris, the Commissioner for Environment and the State Sanitation Authority on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

While Ololo has expressed the determination of the Ministry of Environment to follow up on the matter, EDEN on its part is seeking a swift intervention by SPDC and all related government agencies, to detect the cause and source of the spill for prompt resolution.

Meanwhile, EDEN has applauded the Bayelsa State Government and the state Ministry of Environment on its move against indiscriminate logging, implementing a forest closure in the state and meeting timber dealers in the state. 

“We commend the Bayelsa State Government for such environmentally friendly move, as the forest closure will protect the biodiversity of the environment,” said the group.

Chinese firm expresses support for $20b Ogidigben gas project

Michael Simire
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Chinese firm expresses support for $20b Ogidigben gas project

China National Chemical Engineering International Corporation Ltd (CNCEC) has expressed its readiness to support the development of the Federal Government’s $20 billion Ogidigben gas project in Delta State.

Joseph Tegbe
Joseph Tegbe, Director-General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP)

The CNCEC President, Li Zhenyi, stated this in Beijing when he received a delegation of Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), led by the Director-General, Joseph Tegbe.

A statement made on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Abuja by the NCSP media team, said Zhenyi expressed the company’s desire to support the project.

He said that the support would be through partnership with other Nigerian stakeholders in a restructured funding partnership.

Zhenyi expressed CNCEC’s commitment to contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth through construction and industrialisation.

He also reiterated his support to President Bola Tinubu on the ongoing development projects across the country to fast track his administration’s move toward industrialisation.

The NCSP delegation is currently in China for strategic engagement with key Chinese stakeholders.

The visit aims to deepen the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria, as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) projects coordination and investment drive.

The statement said that the visit would also ensure a review of priority FOCAC projects, explore innovative funding options and attract major Chinese investments into Nigeria.

Tegbe said that his delegation had also met with representatives from China Exim Bank and China Development Bank to discuss accelerated delivery of priority projects.

He said that the delegation also visited the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) headquarters, where they toured a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm.

Tegbe said that his delegation also held strategic sessions with renowned economist and former World Bank Director, Prof. Justin Yifu, where he (Yifu) pledged support for NCSP in areas of policy implementation, reforms and attraction of Chinese investments.

The director-general further stated that the NCSP team visited TBEA, a leading electricity corporation in China and leading power transmission enterprise, located at Xinjiang.

He said that during the visit, the delegation discussed the status of TBEA project and explored investment options and opportunities in mini and micro-grid solutions to enhance Nigeria’s power sector.

Tegbe said that the delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Nigerian consulate in Shanghai, engaging in productive discussions about trade and investment opportunities in the region.

The conversations, according to him, focused on facilitating growth in key areas and exploring ways of enhancing cooperation between the consulate’s trade mission and his office.

The delegation, he said, thereafter visited Yangshan Deep-Water Port, also known as Shanghai Port.

“This massive port, which is currently the largest in the world, was constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company, which also constructed the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria.

During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity of crossing the 35-kilometer bridge, specifically designed for the evacuation of men and materials from the port.

“This bridge is a testament to China’s impressive engineering capabilities,” he said.

Before leaving China, the delegation is expected to engage key players in Chinese economy in Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

This, according to the statement, is to facilitate and fast-track FOCAC project implementation through familiarisation and feedback sessions with the relevant participating companies.

“This visit is part of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation between the two countries.

“This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, technology transfer and job creation,” Tegbe said.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Soldiers dismantle 23 illegal refineries in major raids in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers

Michael Simire
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Soldiers dismantle 23 illegal refineries in major raids in Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers

Troops of the Nigerian Army have destroyed 23 illegal artisanal refineries and apprehended 25 suspected operators during an anti-bunkering operation conducted in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.

Illegal refinery
An illegal refinery

Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, disclosed this development in a statement issued on Monday, January 20, 2025.

He revealed that soldiers also seized 14 boats used for transporting petroleum products and confiscated 45,000 litres of various adulterated petroleum products during the raids.

“The operations were conducted between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19 in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states,” he stated.

Danjuma reported that the operation began in Rivers, where troops intercepted a truck carrying over 15,000 litres of fake petroleum products.

“The tanker truck was impounded along the Eneka-Tank stretch of the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.

“On the same day, troops deactivated seven illegal refining sites, seized four fibre boats, and recovered 12,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Karakarma area of Degema LGA.

“Additionally, soldiers conducting anti-illegal bunkering operations in Bille, Degema LGA, destroyed two illegal refineries, three receivers, and three large metallic cooking pots filled with over 2,400 litres of products,” he said.

The division spokesman added that troops proceeded to Imo Riverside where they dismantled 13 illegal refining sites, 25 cooking drum pots, 24 receivers, and six metallic containers were destroyed with 7,000 litres of products recovered.

Other items seized included 7,000 litres of stolen products, several empty gallons, four hollow pipes, an unspecified number of motorcycles, and a boat used in the criminal enterprise.

According to Danjuma, troops impounded four boats and over 2,700 litres of stolen products in Oga-Ama, Buguma LGA, while a tugboat and a barge were seized around the Finima area of Bonny LGA.

“In Oshimili, Delta State, a sting operation was carried out, which resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) involved in the illegal bunkering of petroleum products.

“The suspects were caught conveying stolen products around the Abor community junction to Kwale in Ndokwa West LGA,” Danjuma added.

He further said that acting on intelligence, soldiers dismantled five dugout pits filled with an unspecified quantity of stolen petroleum products along the Yokri River in Burutu LGA.

According to him, troops also confiscated two Toyota Avalon vehicles carrying an unspecified quantity of illegally refined diesel along Okarki-Otuasega Road in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa.

“The vehicles and petroleum products have been handled in accordance with our operational mandate,” Danjuma said.

By Desmond Ejibas

Groups urge Police to release detained environmental activist, Odey Oyama

Michael Simire
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Groups urge Police to release detained environmental activist, Odey Oyama

A group comprising no fewer than 27 civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the Nigeria Police to release detained environmental activist, Odey Oyama, and his six associates and cease all further hostile acts against their persons and legitimate campaigns.

Odey Oyama
Odey Oyama

In a statement made available to EnviroNews on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the group, coordinated by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), submitted that it “shall go to all legitimate lengths to enforce the right of Odey Oyama and his associates to advocate peacefully without any let or hindrance”.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, environmental activist and director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), Mr. Odey Oyama, and six others were arrested by Police officers from the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command. He was reportedly taken from his Okuni home and driven to Calabar where he was kept incommunicado, without legal representation and without formal charges for at least 24 hours.

The were reportedly protesting the exploitation of Olulumo Effi rainforest in Cross River State. The arrests reportedly followed their “peaceful resistance” to deforestation activities by Chinese and local collaborators in the forest.

Odey Oyama is described as a resolute campaigner for the protection of the rainforest and biodiversity in Cross River State, a cause that has brought him in constant confrontation with illegal loggers who plunder the rich forest ecosystem of Cross River State.

In recent times, Odey Oyama has been engaged in a fierce campaign against Chinese business concerns working with indigenous collaborators who are logging the Effi Rainforest, a trend that has resulted in massive deforestation, dissipation of wildlife and loss of biodiversity.

According to the group, Oyama has up till now not been formerly charged with any wrongdoing.

The activists criticised the Nigeria Police, saying that it has once again demonstrated flagrant disregard for due process and their role in stifling dissenting voices, especially when vested business interests are at stake. In this instance, Odey Oyama a conscientious objector to the destruction of the environment, rather than enjoy the protection of the government, is being systematically persecuted, added the campaigners.

They added: “As civil society organisations and activists in Nigeria, we are familiar with the selfless campaigns of Odey Oyama that have earned him national and international recognition and have helped to preserve the ecological heritage of Cross River State. We are therefore alarmed that rather than support the efforts of Oyama and other campaigners like him to check the illegal destruction of the Cross River forests, the Police is complicit in weakening his resolve and repressing him. It is even more alarming that he was arrested and detained without formal charges against all extant Nigeria and international laws.

“We are also concerned that this latest arrest is symbolic of the growing intolerance of the government towards the legitimate activities of civil society organisations. In Cross River State in particular, we have witnessed a pattern of arrest and detention of journalists and activists with the flimsiest excuses, but covertly to stifle democratic dissent. We are worried that the civic space is shrinking at an accelerated rate in the state, and the Police is highly complicit in this deteriorating trend.”

In another statement, Missang Oyama, a family member, described the activist’s detention as an act against his efforts to “defend the sanctity of our land against the greed of Chinese invaders and their despicable and mindless local collaborators”.

“Their only crime was standing up for the Olulumo forest, a treasure that should be preserved for generations yet unborn,” the statement reads.

“We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Prince Odey Oyama and all others unlawfully detained.”

In April 2024, Odey Oyama raised alarms over alleged deforestation and illegal exploitation by unidentified Chinese nationals, purportedly working in collaboration with locals.

He described the rainforest as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a vital resource for local communities, now under threat from indiscriminate deforestation.

“The exploitation of the Effi Pristine Rainforest by these entities is resulting in wanton destruction, indiscriminate deforestation, and irreversible damage to the delicate ecosystem. Immediate action is imperative to prevent further devastation,” the activist wrote.

“RRDC condemns the complicity of community elites and the silence surrounding this ecological plunder. We urge community leaders to break their silence and join efforts to protect our shared heritage.

“Efforts to uncover the truth behind these nefarious activities have been met with resistance and secrecy, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention.

“We therefore call upon the local government, the Cross River state government, and the federal government of Nigeria to invoke the necessary measures to halt the destruction of Effi Pristine Rainforest and hold perpetrators accountable.

“It is imperative that immediate action is taken to restore and preserve the Effi Pristine Rainforest for future generations, reaffirming our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

“We implore government authorities to act swiftly to avert this ecological crisis and safeguard the Effi Pristine Rainforest for the benefit of present and future generations.”

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