As the world marks this year’s World Environment Day, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management, Rivers State University, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, has urged the three tiers of government to initiate, strengthen, and sustain enlightenment campaigns against indiscriminate disposal of plastic wastes

Dr. Ogolo made the call while chatting with newsmen to mark this year’s World Environment Day in Port Harcourt.

She noted that the bane of policy implementations over the years has been the lack of adequate enlightenment to enable citizens to do the needful.

She noted that if government deploys the necessary tools using their various platforms, most of the challenges associated with indiscriminate and improper waste disposal habits would be reduced to the barest minimum

Drawing from the theme of this year’s celebration, which is “Beat Plastic Pollution,”  aimed at raising global awareness about the harmful impacts of plastic wastes on ecosystems, wildlife and human health, Ogolo said governments at all levels in the country have no reason to lack behind on this campaign.

She noted that plastic wastes are very hazardous, especially those from industry or medical sources, which often contain toxic chemicals that are carcinogenic.

She also observed that additives from the plastics released into the environment contaminate the ecosystem and harm wildlife.

The Research Fellow further lamented that the hazardous nature of plastic wastes can lead to breast, ovarian, liver, lung and other hormonal cancers, hence the need for urgent and sustained enlightenment campaigns on what citizens should do about plastic wastes with the aim of reducing those diseases in the society.

She said it was regrettable that in spite of the fact that the issue of global plastic pollution has been on the radar of scientists for roughly 50 years since it was first noticed in the ocean, nothing much has been done to protect the rivers, creeks and riverlets from the harmful invasion of plastic wastes.

Ogolo, therefore, urged governments at all levels not to see the world environment day celebrated every June 5 as a mere ritual but should develop a framework to ensure that these campaigns are sustained to ensure better livelihood for the people.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have thwarted terrorist attacks on Buratai and Mallam Fatori in Borno State, killing scores of insurgents.

Disclosing details of the operation in a statement, yesterday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations OPHK, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, said the troops during the operation demonstrated superior fighting power against the criminals, obliterating and inflicting casualties on scores of terrorists.

He noted that the attacks, which occurred yesterday, June 5, 2025, were repelled by the combined efforts of ground forces and the OPHK air Component.

“In yet another coordinated effort by the ground forces and Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), scores of terrorists have been neutralised, with assorted arms and ammunition recovered, in a foiled attack on troops in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area and Mallam Fatori,  Abadam Local Government Areas of Borno State,” the statement read.

He explained further that in Buratai, terrorists attempted to infiltrate troops’ locations, but were swiftly engaged with heavy gunfire and close air support.

He said, “The failed attack on Buratai occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, 2025, when the terrorists attempted to deceitfully infiltrate troops location from all  approaches.

“The troops, however, swiftly engaged the terrorists with heavy gunfire, while the Air Component provided close Air support to the gallant troops.”

According to him, several lifeless bodies of terrorists were discovered, and a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.

He, however, noted that troops pursued the retreating terrorists in a demonstration of force and superiority, eliminating scores and recovering several AK-47 rifles, General Purpose Machine Guns, Rocket Propelled Guns, and other terrorist equipment.

“The coordinated efforts of the ground forces and Air Component demonstrate the military’s commitment to denying terrorists freedom of action,” he said

He noted that the operation is ongoing, with troops exploiting the general area and providing air support.

A former Minister of Petroleum, Prof Jibrin Aminu, has passed away at the age of 85.

Aminu died yesterday in his residence in Abuja.

Announcing his demise, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, expressed his condolences, describing the late Aminu as “a towering figure in Nigeria’s intellectual and political landscape.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonousikou, the governor said that the loss was monumental, not only for Adamawa State, but for the entire nation, which greatly benefited from the deceased’s wisdom, scholarship, and decades of patriotic service.

He said, “Aminu served Nigeria with rare distinction in a range of national assignments, including as Minister of Education and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.

He was the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States and Senator representing Adamawa Central.

“In each of these capacities, he embodied dignity, insight, and an unwavering commitment to national development.

“Nigeria has lost one of its finest minds, a devoted public servant and a distinguished son of Adamawa, Professor Jibrin Aminu was a rare breed of patriot and a silent reformer whose legacy spans education, diplomacy, and politics.

“His life’s work is an enduring gift to the nation, and his humility and wisdom will be sorely missed.”

He prayed that Almighty God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all Nigerians who were touched by Aminu’s extraordinary life.

“Though his passing leaves a void, his legacy remains a guiding light for generations to come.

“May his soul find peace in the mercy of Allah,” Fintiri concluded.