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FG Begins Aquatic Weeds Clearing In 25 States
The Integrated Management of Invasive Aquatic Weeds Project of Federal Ministry of Environment says that it has started the removal of invasive aquatic weeds in 25 states.
The Coordinator of the Project, Mr Simon Ighodaro, said this while speaking with the journalists in Abuja.
He said that the project, which involved the removal of aquatic weeds from the country’s waters, had begun in Lagos, Ogun , Kwara, Ondo, Imo, Abia, Bayelsa and Benue states, among others.
Ighodaro said that the states were chosen because of the peculiar challenge they were facing in dealing with the menace of invasive aquatic weeds.
He said that the project would remove aquatic weeds from the water surfaces and convert them into organic manure that would be used to boost agricultural production in the country.
The coordinator said that about 50 communities in different states had been empowered with tools like cutlasses and other equipment, while they were also educated on how to control aquatic weeds.
Ighodaro also said that the five-year project would come to an end in December this year, adding that the empowered communities were, nonetheless, expected to carry on with the weeds’ clearing after the end of the project.
He described aquatic weeds as water pollutants which reduced the level of the oxygen in the water, thereby causing the death of fish, among other harmful effects.
He said that the weeds also hindered the free flow of water.
In a related development, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Robert Enogha says the ministry is working to procure water weeds harvesters to make the state’s waterways and creeks navigable.
Enogha told newsmen in Yenagoa recently that the clearing of the waterways and creeks would make them navigable all through and promote the economic growth of the state as it would boost agricultural activities and tourism.
He said the ministry had the exclusive responsibility to maintain the waterways and ensure the clearing of water hyacinths and other weeds in the rivers and creeks within the state to ease marine transportation and other voyages.
The commissioner said that the government was in the process of procuring a water weed harvester to remove the menace from the water front, including the Ogbia waterways, when the equipment arrived.
According to Enogha, the menace of water hyacinths hinders navigation on the rivers and creeks in the state, especially during the flood season in August, September and October, when the tide is usually high.
He also said that in some communities in the interior of Southern-Ijaw, Ekeremor and Ogbia Local Government Areas, the river remained the major source of potable water for the people.
Enogha expressed concern that even the river had been polluted through the activities of multi-national
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene