News
Ogoni Clean-Up, Tool For Political Patronage, Group Alleges …Scores Buhari Low On Environmental Protection
The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has expressed regrets that contracts for the clean-up of Ogoniland in Rivers State have been converted as tools for political patronage.
The group alleged that some self-seeking politicians may be using the clean-up to enrich themselves at the detriment of the negatively-impacted victims of crude oil spills and gas pollution.
They also noted that the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has become a rubber stamp in the hands of politicians to scuttle the clean-up of Ogoni, thereby neglecting its core mandate.
The Executive Director of ERA, Dr. Godwin Ojo, said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, in the past four years, scored near zero for its poor environmental protection record, stressing that there was lack of acceptable key performance indicators for the clean-up.
Ojo, who stated this in Port Harcourt, during an environmental parliament to mark the World Environment Day (WED), however, urged the Federal Government to demonstrate seriousness on environmental protection by establishing a clean-up and remediation fund of $100 billion for the clean-up of the entire Niger Delta to restore the environment and sustain rural livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) has called for stringent efforts and organised plan to end gas flaring in Nigeria.
The Head, Environment and Conservation of CEHRD, Dr. Kabari Sam, made the call in a statement issued in Port Harcourt to mark this year’s World Environmental Day and obtained by The Tide.
Sam said, “Not much has been done in developed and developing countries like Nigeria to address issues related to air pollution as most economies remain fossil-fuels dependent”.
He, therefore, said that any effort to end gas flaring ‘should be accompanied by a detailed plan of action to develop infrastructure required to harness Nigeria’s wasting associated gas resources for sustainable public use.
“In addition, government should develop target programmes and incentives to end artisanal oil refining activities and develop appropriate mechanisms towards reducing carbon-dioxide emissions from vehicles and other anthropogenic sources.
“The much-awaited commissioning of modular refineries could reduce the activities of artisanal refining in the Niger Delta region, if inclusive participation and environmental sustainability is embedded in the venture.
“We should not only focus on policy changes and development but change our everyday lifestyles (for example, eat plant-based diets) to reduce air pollution, phase out fossil fuels and reduce impacts on natural places, wildlife and our health,” he stated.
Dennis Naku
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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