Environment
FG Wants Aggressive Approach To Tackle Desert Enchroachment
The Federal Government has tasked Nigerians to rise up to the challenges of desert encroachment through aggressive approach to stem the menace.
Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha, gave the advice at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) 2019 Tree Planting Campaign held at the main campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Mustapha, who was represented by Dr Habiba Lawal, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, said the call became imperative in view of the rate at which desert was encroaching into the country.
The SGF lauded the efforts of ABU for sustaining the annual tree planting campaign and ensuring green environment in the university.
“I urge the university to sustain this event as it contributes to ameliorating climate change conditions,” he said.
In his speech, the ABU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibrahim Garba said the event was to mark the World Environment Day which focused on Air Pollution.
He noted that the management of air pollution was far more difficult than plastic wastes.
“While some plastic wastes are mainly in situations, polluted air is on transit and its origins are often not the vulnerable locations at risk.
“This signifies why global concerns on health hazard and risks of climate change are linked to the presence of particulates and gaseous emission that pollute ambient and indoor air,” he said.
The VC said the university had for 40 years adapted domesticated strategies for the non corruption of air in line with Clean Air Act of 1950s, to reduce pollution from source.
This, according to him, was to protect and enhance the quality of ambient air over all the campuses.
He assured that the the university had intensified efforts at creating awareness and educating the university community on the risks associated with air pollution.
Garba said the efforts of the university towards preventing air pollution include; the use of incinerators, ban on burning wastes in open spaces or backyards except designated dump sites, criminalising setting ablaze of university parks and gardens.
He added that the university had also erected Green Wall and parks as buffers against extreme winds and transfer of pollutants from neigbouring communities.
The occasion featured foundation laying of ecological projects to be executed by the federal government in the university.
The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.
The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.
He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.
NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.
He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
“The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterway.
A cleaner environment begins with collective responsibility. That commitment was evident across Umuahia on Saturday as thousands of residents turned out to participate in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, with officials describing the compliance level as one of the most encouraging in recent months.
The impressive turnout has renewed hope that Abia’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment is steadily becoming a culture rather than a routine exercise.
The July monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia recorded about 80% compliance.
The Abia State Ministry of Environment described the turnout as a strong indication that residents are embracing Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment, while calling for the establishment of Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups to sustain the momentum.
The Abia State Government has commended residents of Umuahia for their impressive participation in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing the turnout as a strong indication that citizens are embracing the state’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise across major parts of the Umuahia metropolis, the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and urged residents to sustain the momentum.
According to him, the success recorded during the exercise reflects growing public support for the environmental agenda of the Labour Party-led administration.
“I think, so far, so good. At this point, what we need to do is sustain the momentum. We should move forward with establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch so that residents can monitor compliance and ensure the initiative is sustained,” he said.
Mr. Oriuwa further applauded both residents and the organisers for the success of the exercise.
“Well, I must say I am very impressed. I appreciate the organisers for putting this programme together. It has been highly impressive, and I believe participants have learnt a great deal. From what I have observed so far, everything has been well organised, and I think they are doing an excellent job. I encourage them to keep up the good work because programmes like this are beneficial to everyone,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that environmental sanitation should become a daily culture rather than an activity observed only on designated sanitation days.
Drawing from an Igbo proverb, he explained why communities must collectively protect their environment.
“An Igbo proverb says that a goat owned by the public often goes hungry. That is why establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch is important. It will encourage residents to take collective responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that sanitation efforts are sustained.”
He also urged government agencies to strengthen enforcement by deploying environmental health officers to carry out routine inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation laws.
