Patrick Osadebamwen
Kaduna State Governor, Architect Namadi Sambo has said his administration expends N80 million in its efforts to rid the city of it generated waste.
Over 30 companies have been contracted by the state government for cleaning the city for which the sum of N80 million is expended monthly. The cumulative cost of cleaning the city on annual basis translates to N.960billion.
The govenor gave this hint in Abuja while commmending the federal government over its move to site some of its waste management projects in the state.
His words: “We have decided to outsource garbage collection and in Kaduna metropolis alone we have over 30 companies that are collecting garbage at the cost of over N80 million on monthly bases.
It was in view of this huge cost implication for cleaning the city that the state has expressed its readiness to partner with the Ministry of Environment on the establishment of three waste mangement projects.
Namadis sambo said the planned waste management projects would assist the state reduce the burden of this huge cost on waste management.
According to him “the garbage processing plant being supported by this minstry is going to save us this problem by bringing in a public private partnership in this direction such that the company would take that responsibility away by processing the waste to produce electricity, fertilizer and other important imputs while creating jobs.”
Namadi said the establishment of a metal procesessing plant in the state was apt as it was came at a time the state government was seeking ways to remove all accident vehicles and other forms of garbage form the environment.
Friday, November 13, 2009
KADUNA GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LAND FOR FG PROJECT
Patrick Osadebamwen
Kaduna state government has promised to provide land to the federal government for the construction of the proposed Plastic processing plant in the state.
Governor Namadi Sambo said this when he paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Environment Mr. John Odey at his office in Abuja.
Sambo said his administration has mainstream environmental into his governance policy to the extent that a ministry for environment has been created.
He maintained that the states efforts to support the initiative of the federal government informed its decision to allocate the ministry of environment an area in the light industrial zone of the state for the construction of the plant
The governor expressed the gratitute of his state to the federal government for its choice of Kaduna state for the establishment of three projects which spiral effects would create employment for the skilled and unskilled youths in the state.
According to him the company will create important input into the state and create jobs for the people of the state”
Odey noted that the contracts for the processing plants have been awarded and commended the state government for its kind gestures for land provision.
He also called on the governor to make his state a center for awareness on the importance of the environment to the people as well as adequately inform and educate the people on the issues of climate change and its effects on all spheres of human endeavour.
Odey said the federal government was quite elated by the briefs from the state governor on his reception of the three environmental projects in the state.
The three projects proposed by the federal government to be established in Kaduna state are: installation of metal scrap recycling plant; intergrated waste mangement scheme project which is on going and the plastic recycling plant.
It was gathered that the plastic recycling plant contract has been awarded while the MOU for the Integrated Waste Management Scheme is being fine-tuned.
Kaduna state government has promised to provide land to the federal government for the construction of the proposed Plastic processing plant in the state.
Governor Namadi Sambo said this when he paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Environment Mr. John Odey at his office in Abuja.
Sambo said his administration has mainstream environmental into his governance policy to the extent that a ministry for environment has been created.
He maintained that the states efforts to support the initiative of the federal government informed its decision to allocate the ministry of environment an area in the light industrial zone of the state for the construction of the plant
The governor expressed the gratitute of his state to the federal government for its choice of Kaduna state for the establishment of three projects which spiral effects would create employment for the skilled and unskilled youths in the state.
According to him the company will create important input into the state and create jobs for the people of the state”
Odey noted that the contracts for the processing plants have been awarded and commended the state government for its kind gestures for land provision.
He also called on the governor to make his state a center for awareness on the importance of the environment to the people as well as adequately inform and educate the people on the issues of climate change and its effects on all spheres of human endeavour.
Odey said the federal government was quite elated by the briefs from the state governor on his reception of the three environmental projects in the state.
The three projects proposed by the federal government to be established in Kaduna state are: installation of metal scrap recycling plant; intergrated waste mangement scheme project which is on going and the plastic recycling plant.
It was gathered that the plastic recycling plant contract has been awarded while the MOU for the Integrated Waste Management Scheme is being fine-tuned.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
JIGAWA SEEK FG ASSISTANCE ON ENVIRONMENT
Osadebamwen Patrick
Jigawa state government has said it would dedicate a substantial part of its 2010 budget to address the perenial problem of the environment in the state.
Governor Sule Lamido who said this in Abuja while soliciting the assistance of the federal government to complement its effort at addressing the environmental challenge in the state added that the environemnt “remains a very critical aspect of our lives.”
Lamido said Jigawa state suffers serious environmental problems comprising gully erosion, ravaging desert encroachment which has eaten up the vegetation and exposed the soil surface of the land to other harsh climatic elements which harms the natural species.
Governor Lamido also pointed out that the poorly developed planning of the Tiga Dam in Kano state has increased pressure on the Hadeja River with a consequence of flooding that resulted in annual destruction of houses sacking many home owners in Hadeja town.
He said: “We also have problems with Rivers that have not been properly controlled in terms of the planning arising from the Tiga Dam in Kano state. There is no certain control in terms of the way the water is being released and because of the pattern of its release it has this rampaging effect on a number of towns along the valley of Hadeja in Jigawa state.
“The effect is felt more especially in Hadeja town which is an important town in Jigawa state. If you go by the bank of the River and see the kind of hazards that it has created you will pity the people. Every year their houses are washed away and they carry out an annual ritual of rebuilding their houses and lives the flooding on the roads have also made them terrible.”
Lamido said his administration was interested in securing the Hadeja region from further degradation. This informed the need for the state to seek assistance for the federal government to intervene for remediation of the land.
He said that Jigawa state has already taken a bold step in the areas of afforestation with the planting of over 8million trees amongst which 5 million have survived to provide shield to the environment and help check the rampaging move of desertification.
His words: “I think our efforts in terms of tree planting in Jigawa state we have raised at least 10 million plants for our nursery in the last two years. We have planted eight million trees and about five million survived.”
The governor explained that these trees adorn the roads connecting villages and towns in the state offering a green environment.
Responding to the call of the governor, Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has said the federal government has been working with the states staff and hope that the visit would give more impetus to the collaborative efforts of both
Odey commended the state for its tree planting efforts which is stratic to assuage the challenge of desertification as it compliments the presidential afforestation programme. He said the FG would continue to collaborate with the state and sought the governor’s willingness to become the driving force on promoting awareness on climate change in the frontline states in the north.
Jigawa state government has said it would dedicate a substantial part of its 2010 budget to address the perenial problem of the environment in the state.
Governor Sule Lamido who said this in Abuja while soliciting the assistance of the federal government to complement its effort at addressing the environmental challenge in the state added that the environemnt “remains a very critical aspect of our lives.”
Lamido said Jigawa state suffers serious environmental problems comprising gully erosion, ravaging desert encroachment which has eaten up the vegetation and exposed the soil surface of the land to other harsh climatic elements which harms the natural species.
Governor Lamido also pointed out that the poorly developed planning of the Tiga Dam in Kano state has increased pressure on the Hadeja River with a consequence of flooding that resulted in annual destruction of houses sacking many home owners in Hadeja town.
He said: “We also have problems with Rivers that have not been properly controlled in terms of the planning arising from the Tiga Dam in Kano state. There is no certain control in terms of the way the water is being released and because of the pattern of its release it has this rampaging effect on a number of towns along the valley of Hadeja in Jigawa state.
“The effect is felt more especially in Hadeja town which is an important town in Jigawa state. If you go by the bank of the River and see the kind of hazards that it has created you will pity the people. Every year their houses are washed away and they carry out an annual ritual of rebuilding their houses and lives the flooding on the roads have also made them terrible.”
Lamido said his administration was interested in securing the Hadeja region from further degradation. This informed the need for the state to seek assistance for the federal government to intervene for remediation of the land.
He said that Jigawa state has already taken a bold step in the areas of afforestation with the planting of over 8million trees amongst which 5 million have survived to provide shield to the environment and help check the rampaging move of desertification.
His words: “I think our efforts in terms of tree planting in Jigawa state we have raised at least 10 million plants for our nursery in the last two years. We have planted eight million trees and about five million survived.”
The governor explained that these trees adorn the roads connecting villages and towns in the state offering a green environment.
Responding to the call of the governor, Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has said the federal government has been working with the states staff and hope that the visit would give more impetus to the collaborative efforts of both
Odey commended the state for its tree planting efforts which is stratic to assuage the challenge of desertification as it compliments the presidential afforestation programme. He said the FG would continue to collaborate with the state and sought the governor’s willingness to become the driving force on promoting awareness on climate change in the frontline states in the north.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
SOLVING THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGE
SOLVING THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGE
Patrick Osadebamwen
Nigeria as a country has enormous reserve of human and natural resources. Nature, favours the country’s climatic condition and geography. Unfortuantely, the nation has been crippled by lack of focused leadership. The sixth world largest producer of oil is plagued by poverty. Inspite of her abundance, poverty has taken a strong grip of Nigeria’s population. Her men and women have employed various guise to beg on the streets of it capitals to make enough for food. It will be totally wrong to conclude that all these able bodied youths who besiege us daily on the streets for assistance are lazy. Some may be, but a significant number of them are not; they are frustrated law abiding members who wouldnot submit themselves to the abhorable act of crimes. They prefer to suffer the humiliation of being seen as begger than to be criminals.
The consequence of this situation is replete across the country with waves of violence that have dominated the landscape in recent times. Angry youth, who cannot withstand the pressure of lack in the midst of plenty have unleashed various degrees of violence on the nation as a means to draw the attention of government to the inherent deprivation which we all suffer. Militant acivities in the Niger Delta region rage, while religious fanaticism in the north takes a new turn rejecting western education. These actions have caused untold hardship to victims taken unawares in the imbroglio. For the angry youths it vents their level of frustrations suffered in the hands of the system that ordinarily would minister to their needs through job creation and other social welfare services. Many of those caught in between these fightings are innocent citizens, who bare the same brunt of the hardship but choose to be law abiding. Their offence at such unpredictable moment of unleashed aggression was that they were out on their respective legitimate business activities.
Experts and public commentators have connected the gamut of these problems to the impact of poverty and the consequence of hunger. One can easily be swayed to this line of argument. Hunger thrives in the land of plenty. Admittedly, Nigeria is not the only country with the challenge of poverty, as poverty is not peculiar to Nigeria. It occurs in many countries of the world. However, it must be noted that Nigeria’s earning from oil offers her citizenry great economic advantage. Yet, dearth dominates the struggle of the masses, whose wealth has been cornered by a privileged few atop the social ladder. This development bred an army of poor people, rightly or wrongly statistcally represented at 70 percent of the population. It makes her share a place in the world of the poorest of the poor nations. Concerns, over the need to cater for the needs of the poor population of the world dominated world summits and conferences in the 1990s.
Sequel to this, the world came together in September 2000 to combat the scorge of extreme poverty as part of the various faces of development challenge that faced the globe. Nigeria was among 147 countries of the world that signed the document that is generally refered to as the Millenium Development Goal, MDGs, to be achieved by 2015.
The eigtht line of action was led by the need to Eradicate Extreme Poverty and hunger. The others are to Achieve universal primary education; Promote gender equality and empower women; Improve maternal health; Reduce child mortality; Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; Ensure environmental sustainability and Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
As popular as the MDGs has become in the lips of government officials, the effect is yet to be felt in the lives of Nigerians at the grassroot for whom global partnership was initiated by the United Nation. Five years ahead of the 2015 target for attainment of the target, Nigeria can still make an impact, if it focuses on the two critical sectors that would trigger successful achievement of the Goal one of the MDG with positive impact on the entire goals with significant impact on goals 2, 5, 6 and 7.
No one contest the importance of the power sector in a modern economy where Nigeria hopes to play an active role. Adequate power generation and stability would trigger the growth of many businesses that depend on power supply. Producers and manufactures would reduce their production cost especially those incured by hours of powering generators to have electicity to produce or manufacture their products. Labour for these various business outfits would be needed thus creating employment. Our streets would be free of social menace because idle minds and hands are tasked to work to earn a legitimate income and proudly earn a living.
With the power question being answered agriculture too should be developed along side power. While the nation is has electricity to power its factories agriculture would provide food and raw materials for the manufacturing sector of the economy. Excess food production which has characterized farm produce annually would attract business men to set up factories that would add value to the various farm produce that have been produced to waste due to excess production without processing machines to add value to them. Agriculture has proved to be the major source of raw materials for industrial production. The fact that agriculture does not require much skill like other fields it would easily absorbed the army of unskilled youths, who would readily find a place in this area. Commercial farming would service the various factories with raw materials for production and expand the employment opportunity for the youths.
The federal government would benefit from this development. Tax opporunity would expand when new factories are built to respond to various products and service demand in the economy. This will expand the tax revenue for the Federal Inland Revenue Service. More revenue would translate to more economic boom for the federal government to attend to social services, in the areas of health public utilities and Infrastructures. This may not be acheve in one swoop. All that is needed is some level of commitment from the leadership to commence the project. Any genuine execution of this plan would undoubtedly yield some visible results. It will show the path to development. Nigerians would be inspired by any such moves that points at tru development. There will be no need for media campaing for mobilisation to join hands on the new initiative of growth. The desire for development will originate a sense of patriotism which would move action. Nigeria subscribes to the content of the MDGs. What the people have read about the MDG and it planned target of 2015 may be unrealistic here in our clime. There seem a wide gap between media publicity and project design and implementation. At least am an unemployed adult seeking just enough to eat. This, demonstrate failure of my government to adequately address goal one of the MDG; eradication of extreme poverty. How difficult is it for the PDP and government of President Umaru Yar’adua to achieve this?
Patrick Osadebamwen
Nigeria as a country has enormous reserve of human and natural resources. Nature, favours the country’s climatic condition and geography. Unfortuantely, the nation has been crippled by lack of focused leadership. The sixth world largest producer of oil is plagued by poverty. Inspite of her abundance, poverty has taken a strong grip of Nigeria’s population. Her men and women have employed various guise to beg on the streets of it capitals to make enough for food. It will be totally wrong to conclude that all these able bodied youths who besiege us daily on the streets for assistance are lazy. Some may be, but a significant number of them are not; they are frustrated law abiding members who wouldnot submit themselves to the abhorable act of crimes. They prefer to suffer the humiliation of being seen as begger than to be criminals.
The consequence of this situation is replete across the country with waves of violence that have dominated the landscape in recent times. Angry youth, who cannot withstand the pressure of lack in the midst of plenty have unleashed various degrees of violence on the nation as a means to draw the attention of government to the inherent deprivation which we all suffer. Militant acivities in the Niger Delta region rage, while religious fanaticism in the north takes a new turn rejecting western education. These actions have caused untold hardship to victims taken unawares in the imbroglio. For the angry youths it vents their level of frustrations suffered in the hands of the system that ordinarily would minister to their needs through job creation and other social welfare services. Many of those caught in between these fightings are innocent citizens, who bare the same brunt of the hardship but choose to be law abiding. Their offence at such unpredictable moment of unleashed aggression was that they were out on their respective legitimate business activities.
Experts and public commentators have connected the gamut of these problems to the impact of poverty and the consequence of hunger. One can easily be swayed to this line of argument. Hunger thrives in the land of plenty. Admittedly, Nigeria is not the only country with the challenge of poverty, as poverty is not peculiar to Nigeria. It occurs in many countries of the world. However, it must be noted that Nigeria’s earning from oil offers her citizenry great economic advantage. Yet, dearth dominates the struggle of the masses, whose wealth has been cornered by a privileged few atop the social ladder. This development bred an army of poor people, rightly or wrongly statistcally represented at 70 percent of the population. It makes her share a place in the world of the poorest of the poor nations. Concerns, over the need to cater for the needs of the poor population of the world dominated world summits and conferences in the 1990s.
Sequel to this, the world came together in September 2000 to combat the scorge of extreme poverty as part of the various faces of development challenge that faced the globe. Nigeria was among 147 countries of the world that signed the document that is generally refered to as the Millenium Development Goal, MDGs, to be achieved by 2015.
The eigtht line of action was led by the need to Eradicate Extreme Poverty and hunger. The others are to Achieve universal primary education; Promote gender equality and empower women; Improve maternal health; Reduce child mortality; Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; Ensure environmental sustainability and Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
As popular as the MDGs has become in the lips of government officials, the effect is yet to be felt in the lives of Nigerians at the grassroot for whom global partnership was initiated by the United Nation. Five years ahead of the 2015 target for attainment of the target, Nigeria can still make an impact, if it focuses on the two critical sectors that would trigger successful achievement of the Goal one of the MDG with positive impact on the entire goals with significant impact on goals 2, 5, 6 and 7.
No one contest the importance of the power sector in a modern economy where Nigeria hopes to play an active role. Adequate power generation and stability would trigger the growth of many businesses that depend on power supply. Producers and manufactures would reduce their production cost especially those incured by hours of powering generators to have electicity to produce or manufacture their products. Labour for these various business outfits would be needed thus creating employment. Our streets would be free of social menace because idle minds and hands are tasked to work to earn a legitimate income and proudly earn a living.
With the power question being answered agriculture too should be developed along side power. While the nation is has electricity to power its factories agriculture would provide food and raw materials for the manufacturing sector of the economy. Excess food production which has characterized farm produce annually would attract business men to set up factories that would add value to the various farm produce that have been produced to waste due to excess production without processing machines to add value to them. Agriculture has proved to be the major source of raw materials for industrial production. The fact that agriculture does not require much skill like other fields it would easily absorbed the army of unskilled youths, who would readily find a place in this area. Commercial farming would service the various factories with raw materials for production and expand the employment opportunity for the youths.
The federal government would benefit from this development. Tax opporunity would expand when new factories are built to respond to various products and service demand in the economy. This will expand the tax revenue for the Federal Inland Revenue Service. More revenue would translate to more economic boom for the federal government to attend to social services, in the areas of health public utilities and Infrastructures. This may not be acheve in one swoop. All that is needed is some level of commitment from the leadership to commence the project. Any genuine execution of this plan would undoubtedly yield some visible results. It will show the path to development. Nigerians would be inspired by any such moves that points at tru development. There will be no need for media campaing for mobilisation to join hands on the new initiative of growth. The desire for development will originate a sense of patriotism which would move action. Nigeria subscribes to the content of the MDGs. What the people have read about the MDG and it planned target of 2015 may be unrealistic here in our clime. There seem a wide gap between media publicity and project design and implementation. At least am an unemployed adult seeking just enough to eat. This, demonstrate failure of my government to adequately address goal one of the MDG; eradication of extreme poverty. How difficult is it for the PDP and government of President Umaru Yar’adua to achieve this?
MINISTER LAMENTS GIRL-CHILD DISCRIMINATION
MINISTER LAMENTS GIRL-CHILD DISCRIMINATION
Patrick Osadebamwen
Girl child has been described as the most vulnerable in the Nigerian society inspite of the various laws that seek to protect the children, including the girl child from all forms of discrimination.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Salamt suleiman who was represented by Mrs Christiana Oliko said this at a book launch in Abuja. She added that the vulnerability of the girl child was predicated on various discrimnatory practices from birth through childhood and adulthood.
She said that available statistics indicated that “male child preference syndrome, early marriage, poverty traditional, religious and cultural barriers have contributed to low female enrolment and high drop out rates for girls in Nigeria”
The ministers position was supported by the book entitled: “Promoting the Girl Child” as it blames women lack of proportional representation at the level of decision making in the country to illiteracy, financial constriants, domestic burden and men domination.
Mrs. Suleiman commended the Author Engr. Waheed Odetoro whonm she said directed his great talent at providing the Nigerians with educative and resource materials pointed out that the time was now for Nigerians to redouble their efforts to address the various challenges militating against the development of the girl child.
She noted that this was important if the country must meet the gender parity in education by the 2015 as well as attaining the Universal Basic Education target.
The author of the book, Engineer Waheed Odetoro said Promoting the Girl Child is a book intended to strenghten the girl child to have access to information and they should not keep quite over things tha affects them.
He said that the book adds a voice to the challenge of women and provide data on gender deprivation abuse, date-rape, family rape which he said was the most unfortunate situation where a daughter is abused by a family member.
Patrick Osadebamwen
Girl child has been described as the most vulnerable in the Nigerian society inspite of the various laws that seek to protect the children, including the girl child from all forms of discrimination.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Salamt suleiman who was represented by Mrs Christiana Oliko said this at a book launch in Abuja. She added that the vulnerability of the girl child was predicated on various discrimnatory practices from birth through childhood and adulthood.
She said that available statistics indicated that “male child preference syndrome, early marriage, poverty traditional, religious and cultural barriers have contributed to low female enrolment and high drop out rates for girls in Nigeria”
The ministers position was supported by the book entitled: “Promoting the Girl Child” as it blames women lack of proportional representation at the level of decision making in the country to illiteracy, financial constriants, domestic burden and men domination.
Mrs. Suleiman commended the Author Engr. Waheed Odetoro whonm she said directed his great talent at providing the Nigerians with educative and resource materials pointed out that the time was now for Nigerians to redouble their efforts to address the various challenges militating against the development of the girl child.
She noted that this was important if the country must meet the gender parity in education by the 2015 as well as attaining the Universal Basic Education target.
The author of the book, Engineer Waheed Odetoro said Promoting the Girl Child is a book intended to strenghten the girl child to have access to information and they should not keep quite over things tha affects them.
He said that the book adds a voice to the challenge of women and provide data on gender deprivation abuse, date-rape, family rape which he said was the most unfortunate situation where a daughter is abused by a family member.
GAINS OF DEMOLITION IN THE FCT
GAINS OF DEMOLITION IN THE FCT
Patrick Osadebamwen
Prior to the appointment of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the city which was patterned after the best cities of the world was dotted with unpleasant sights of uncompleted building. When he moved against these structural eyesore victims cried out, today the impact proves to be a good cleansing.
Asokoro and Maitama are undoubtedly the choicest parts of town in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. The lure to these parts of town is premised on the availability of infrstructure that supports a befitting neighbourhood. Life in these areas reflects that of a people with appealing taste. It is obviously being sustained by their earnings. These highbrow areas are quiet and pleasing. A similitude of this reality extends to some parts of Wuse and Garki. Utako, another district also shares these attractions.
The beauty of these parts in the FCT was dotted with some bad spots. These spots resulted from the inability of their respective owners to complete their buildings for occupation. They constituted some issues: the manner in which they sprouted at various strategic parts to incompletion all over FCT defaced the aesthetics of the city. Also, it raised security concern to both the residents of these areas and the FCT administration.
Besides the spoilage of FCT’s aesthetics, it became a ready habitation that bred miscreants and other social misfits who found ready hideouts for themselves. Many of them took advantge of the situation and unleashed their vices on the immediate environment and its neigbouring areas. Thefts and prostitution thrived. Although there were other law abiding citizens whom the economy forced to take temporal refuge in this uncompleted buildings, before they could recover and relaunch themselves. The activites of these miscreants made their stay in these places intolerabe both to the residents and themselves.
This situation prevailed, Inspite of the problems these uncompleted building constituted to the residents, it was clear that successive administration lacked the will to correct the anomaly. At that point, it appeared the situation had come to stay all to the displeasure of residents whom at any excuse pointed accusing fingers to these illegal city-squartters as culprit of percieved or criminal activities in these areas.
Upon his appointment as the minister of the FCT administration Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, declared his mission was simply to restore the master plan. Although recent revelation on probes by the house of representative revealed some high handedness by the dimunitive-former-minister of the FCT, these parts of town which were littered with uncompleted buildings for whatever reasons were visited by the demolishing squad of the FCDA to correct the structural abnormality.
El-Rufai brought down all structures considered to be an illegal construction in the FCT. The same fate befell those that had been developed halfway and abandoned for a long time. These abandoned projects, owned by individuals and orgnisations provided alternative abode for displaced or homeless residents in the FCT. Since the demolition for which the erstwhile minister earned the sobriqunet “Mr. Demolition” that lasted during the exercise many residents of the FCT have admitted the painful exercise has yielded very positive impact in many areas of the city.
Although that administration remains guilty of not being able to deliver structural development in the FCT but maintained notoriety for demolishing structures that were deemed to have been in default of the master plan. The positive impacts of demolishing the various uncompleted structures are visible. “We see less of suspicious persons around here”, Achibong udoh a resident at the Minsters’, Hill area of Maitama district of FCT told the African Herald Express.
His view was upheld by Anita Komolafe who said “I have lived here for five years now. We do not see strange faces coming out of that (pointing to a large expanse of land at the Panama Junction on IBB Boulevard at Maitama.) place where there was this large uncompleted building. Before the demolition of that uncompleted structure each morning, you see young men and ladies who obviously have no source of earnings coming out of that place. All we noticed here is that the ladies will dress at dusk to go out every day. ” Mrs Komolafe said they are obvously prostituting to survive. And such lifestyle comes with its social risks to the neighbourhood as different kinds of men come here to meet with them.
Some of these men could be robbers who used their visits as decoy for spying the area. So they can get use to the vicinity. This would aid their escape when they come to perpetrate their neferious act, she noted.
Why would any sane person take refuge in an uncompleted building? This can be appreciated when one accepted the fact that Abuja the federal Capital Territory, holds very strong attraction to all Nigerians. The lure in the words of Hamze Abdullahi, a trader at the Utako market is ‘oportunity’. It is common to hear non visitors to the city in different parts of the country expressing interest in being in the Federal Capital Territory as residents. There is nothing wrong with this dream. However, one major obstacle stands in the way of many who seek to actualize this dream. That obstacle is accommodation.
Accommodation remains pivotal to the stay of any resident in the city. Although accommodation is same for johny just come in any city. Abuja poses a great challenge to the new comer. The rate for a normal apartment in other states of the federation is not same in Abuja. It is often over 200% higher on the average. This is subject to the area where you find somewhere to live.
Inspite of this, adventurous persons spare no opportunity to visit the FCT. This attraction rests strongly on the conviction that the FCT offers limitless opportunity to increased value to any hardworking person materially or otherwise. The lure has attracted all shades of persons to the city: The skilled and unskilled, each, seeks the connection of the Federal Capital Territory to his path for a better destiny.
As the challenge for accommodation proves very difficult for many, in the short term, they seek shelter from willling friends and relations. Those who are not so lucky take refuge in many uncompleted building in the federal capital territory. This set of people attracted the silent disapproval of many residents of such areas.
African Herald investigations revealed that most security men employed by the owners of these uncompleted buildings became the facilitators of these illegal occupants. Shehu Haliru said while he was the watchman in an uncompleted building to his former boss at Asokoro, his landlord travelled abroad leaving him without money for about three months. When a stranded visitor to town approached him “I obliged him a place to stay since I had nothing to lose”. He accepted to let him spend the night there, gradually the fellow whom he called Bayo made his visit regular and later lived there for six months with him. This time at an agreed fee which he refused to disclosed.
According to Haliru, Bayo moved in with his friends and latter other persons joined them and “our place became a barracks of some sort. The problem we had was toilet. But the dam behind us served as a toilet.
Yesufu a taxi driver admitted that when he first came to town from Oyo state in 2003 he lived in an uncompleted building. Although he never paid a dime to any body, he said his friend intoduce him to the apartment at Maitama district. Yesufu’s decision was predicated on the fact that his car which he depended on to sleep for a start until he would be able to raise the money for rent in the suburb became unbearable during the heat. According to him he stayed for barely three months before he found a place.
Presently, there are still pockets of such places in the FCT. They are no longer a common feature of the FCT; given the manner El-Rufai stemmed the trend in the FCT during his time. Although the name still evokes unpleasant memories to many residents of the FCT, the removal of this feature in the FCT remains a plus on his administration that gave no physical structural development to the city. Only recently, the present minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Adamu Aliero, has declared that his administration will not tolerate the development of illegal structure in the FCT. The minister vowed to pursue the dream of the founding fathers for the FCT. This translates to pulling down illegal structures in the FCT. This is a clear demonstration of upholding the El-Rufai’s demolition exercise.
Patrick Osadebamwen
Prior to the appointment of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, the city which was patterned after the best cities of the world was dotted with unpleasant sights of uncompleted building. When he moved against these structural eyesore victims cried out, today the impact proves to be a good cleansing.
Asokoro and Maitama are undoubtedly the choicest parts of town in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. The lure to these parts of town is premised on the availability of infrstructure that supports a befitting neighbourhood. Life in these areas reflects that of a people with appealing taste. It is obviously being sustained by their earnings. These highbrow areas are quiet and pleasing. A similitude of this reality extends to some parts of Wuse and Garki. Utako, another district also shares these attractions.
The beauty of these parts in the FCT was dotted with some bad spots. These spots resulted from the inability of their respective owners to complete their buildings for occupation. They constituted some issues: the manner in which they sprouted at various strategic parts to incompletion all over FCT defaced the aesthetics of the city. Also, it raised security concern to both the residents of these areas and the FCT administration.
Besides the spoilage of FCT’s aesthetics, it became a ready habitation that bred miscreants and other social misfits who found ready hideouts for themselves. Many of them took advantge of the situation and unleashed their vices on the immediate environment and its neigbouring areas. Thefts and prostitution thrived. Although there were other law abiding citizens whom the economy forced to take temporal refuge in this uncompleted buildings, before they could recover and relaunch themselves. The activites of these miscreants made their stay in these places intolerabe both to the residents and themselves.
This situation prevailed, Inspite of the problems these uncompleted building constituted to the residents, it was clear that successive administration lacked the will to correct the anomaly. At that point, it appeared the situation had come to stay all to the displeasure of residents whom at any excuse pointed accusing fingers to these illegal city-squartters as culprit of percieved or criminal activities in these areas.
Upon his appointment as the minister of the FCT administration Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, declared his mission was simply to restore the master plan. Although recent revelation on probes by the house of representative revealed some high handedness by the dimunitive-former-minister of the FCT, these parts of town which were littered with uncompleted buildings for whatever reasons were visited by the demolishing squad of the FCDA to correct the structural abnormality.
El-Rufai brought down all structures considered to be an illegal construction in the FCT. The same fate befell those that had been developed halfway and abandoned for a long time. These abandoned projects, owned by individuals and orgnisations provided alternative abode for displaced or homeless residents in the FCT. Since the demolition for which the erstwhile minister earned the sobriqunet “Mr. Demolition” that lasted during the exercise many residents of the FCT have admitted the painful exercise has yielded very positive impact in many areas of the city.
Although that administration remains guilty of not being able to deliver structural development in the FCT but maintained notoriety for demolishing structures that were deemed to have been in default of the master plan. The positive impacts of demolishing the various uncompleted structures are visible. “We see less of suspicious persons around here”, Achibong udoh a resident at the Minsters’, Hill area of Maitama district of FCT told the African Herald Express.
His view was upheld by Anita Komolafe who said “I have lived here for five years now. We do not see strange faces coming out of that (pointing to a large expanse of land at the Panama Junction on IBB Boulevard at Maitama.) place where there was this large uncompleted building. Before the demolition of that uncompleted structure each morning, you see young men and ladies who obviously have no source of earnings coming out of that place. All we noticed here is that the ladies will dress at dusk to go out every day. ” Mrs Komolafe said they are obvously prostituting to survive. And such lifestyle comes with its social risks to the neighbourhood as different kinds of men come here to meet with them.
Some of these men could be robbers who used their visits as decoy for spying the area. So they can get use to the vicinity. This would aid their escape when they come to perpetrate their neferious act, she noted.
Why would any sane person take refuge in an uncompleted building? This can be appreciated when one accepted the fact that Abuja the federal Capital Territory, holds very strong attraction to all Nigerians. The lure in the words of Hamze Abdullahi, a trader at the Utako market is ‘oportunity’. It is common to hear non visitors to the city in different parts of the country expressing interest in being in the Federal Capital Territory as residents. There is nothing wrong with this dream. However, one major obstacle stands in the way of many who seek to actualize this dream. That obstacle is accommodation.
Accommodation remains pivotal to the stay of any resident in the city. Although accommodation is same for johny just come in any city. Abuja poses a great challenge to the new comer. The rate for a normal apartment in other states of the federation is not same in Abuja. It is often over 200% higher on the average. This is subject to the area where you find somewhere to live.
Inspite of this, adventurous persons spare no opportunity to visit the FCT. This attraction rests strongly on the conviction that the FCT offers limitless opportunity to increased value to any hardworking person materially or otherwise. The lure has attracted all shades of persons to the city: The skilled and unskilled, each, seeks the connection of the Federal Capital Territory to his path for a better destiny.
As the challenge for accommodation proves very difficult for many, in the short term, they seek shelter from willling friends and relations. Those who are not so lucky take refuge in many uncompleted building in the federal capital territory. This set of people attracted the silent disapproval of many residents of such areas.
African Herald investigations revealed that most security men employed by the owners of these uncompleted buildings became the facilitators of these illegal occupants. Shehu Haliru said while he was the watchman in an uncompleted building to his former boss at Asokoro, his landlord travelled abroad leaving him without money for about three months. When a stranded visitor to town approached him “I obliged him a place to stay since I had nothing to lose”. He accepted to let him spend the night there, gradually the fellow whom he called Bayo made his visit regular and later lived there for six months with him. This time at an agreed fee which he refused to disclosed.
According to Haliru, Bayo moved in with his friends and latter other persons joined them and “our place became a barracks of some sort. The problem we had was toilet. But the dam behind us served as a toilet.
Yesufu a taxi driver admitted that when he first came to town from Oyo state in 2003 he lived in an uncompleted building. Although he never paid a dime to any body, he said his friend intoduce him to the apartment at Maitama district. Yesufu’s decision was predicated on the fact that his car which he depended on to sleep for a start until he would be able to raise the money for rent in the suburb became unbearable during the heat. According to him he stayed for barely three months before he found a place.
Presently, there are still pockets of such places in the FCT. They are no longer a common feature of the FCT; given the manner El-Rufai stemmed the trend in the FCT during his time. Although the name still evokes unpleasant memories to many residents of the FCT, the removal of this feature in the FCT remains a plus on his administration that gave no physical structural development to the city. Only recently, the present minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Adamu Aliero, has declared that his administration will not tolerate the development of illegal structure in the FCT. The minister vowed to pursue the dream of the founding fathers for the FCT. This translates to pulling down illegal structures in the FCT. This is a clear demonstration of upholding the El-Rufai’s demolition exercise.
FG CLEAN UP HARZARDOUS CHEMICALS
FG CLEAN UP HARZARDOUS CHEMICALS
Patrick Osadebamwen
As a measure to prevent and control the negetive impact of obsolete pesticides scattered across the nation, the Federal government has engaged Croplife International to withdraw and dispose all obsolete pesticides from public places.
The move has become imperative in view of the obvious danger obsolete pesticides could cause to public health and the environment when handled by untrained persons during disposals.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey said this in Abuja while signing an agreement for the commencement of inventory and disposal of obsolete pesticides in the public sector.
Odey said though the expired chemicals have lost their efficacy for proper use, they could become corrosive and become dangerous to human beings and the environment. This informed the decision to take stock, analyse them and come up with the best sustainable way in order to dispose them.
Odey enthused that the action will reduce this risk of obsolete pesticides to public health and the envrironment in our country.
The minister tasked the team to ensure that the public are properly informed and educated on how to handle these pesticides to avert any negetive consequence from wrong usage.
Jerry Wrigth, country representative of the Croplife Nigeria who represented Mr. Micheal Hensen, President, Croplife International said the recruitment of Croplife as the Technical Adviser on Disposal TAD, was a critical appointment.
The agreement entails an inventory of the amount of obsolete chemicals and the coordination of professional disposal of these obsolete pesticides currently held in the public sector.
Patrick Osadebamwen
As a measure to prevent and control the negetive impact of obsolete pesticides scattered across the nation, the Federal government has engaged Croplife International to withdraw and dispose all obsolete pesticides from public places.
The move has become imperative in view of the obvious danger obsolete pesticides could cause to public health and the environment when handled by untrained persons during disposals.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey said this in Abuja while signing an agreement for the commencement of inventory and disposal of obsolete pesticides in the public sector.
Odey said though the expired chemicals have lost their efficacy for proper use, they could become corrosive and become dangerous to human beings and the environment. This informed the decision to take stock, analyse them and come up with the best sustainable way in order to dispose them.
Odey enthused that the action will reduce this risk of obsolete pesticides to public health and the envrironment in our country.
The minister tasked the team to ensure that the public are properly informed and educated on how to handle these pesticides to avert any negetive consequence from wrong usage.
Jerry Wrigth, country representative of the Croplife Nigeria who represented Mr. Micheal Hensen, President, Croplife International said the recruitment of Croplife as the Technical Adviser on Disposal TAD, was a critical appointment.
The agreement entails an inventory of the amount of obsolete chemicals and the coordination of professional disposal of these obsolete pesticides currently held in the public sector.
FG ADVOCATES SOUND CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT.
FG ADVOCATES SOUND CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT.
Patrick Osadebamwen
Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has said that Sound Chemical Management by all users was essential to achieve sustainable development including the eradication of poverty.
He said the focal point of the federal government 7 – point agenda which seek to improve human health, sustainable envrionment and the elevation of the standard of living for Nigerians would also be better advance through adherence to the sound chemical management administration.
Odey said this while declaring Open the National Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, SAICM, Draft policy on Chemicals Management for adoption by relevant stake holders in Abuja
The minister who was represented by the permanent Secretary, Hajiya Safiya Mohammed noted that chemical usage has become common in economic activities and the domestic lives of Nigerians.
He pointed out that though chemicals have their importances in human lives and its environment it could pose serious threats to its users and the environment of its application, when they are not properly administered causing severe consequences either or both.
According to him, “We are all aware that the use of chemical has become widespread in economic activities and in domestic life. However, when chemicals are not properly managed, they put the ecosystem, human health and national economies at risk. Environmental and health impacts from the mismanagement of chemical and could manifest in increased disease burdens and health costs, reduced productivity, damaged to fisheries and watersheds as well as reduced agricultural outputs”.
He said chemical management was a global challenge which has attracted global response through a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management SAICM as a global policy framework with a goal to ensure that by 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that significantly minimize adverse effects on the environment and human health.
The minister pointed out that following the endorsement of SAICM by the United Nations World Summit it recognized the imperative for a Quick Start Programme (QSP) Trust Fund to be established by the UNEP for the success of its implementation in developing countries.
Odey said Nigeria’s leadership role and its contribution to the progress at the regional and global level was recognized by the international community leading to its selection as one of the pilot countries for capacity building in chemical harzards communication through the implementation of the Globally Harmonised System for Classification & labeling GHS between 2005 and 2007.
He also noted that the country was also chosen as one of the few counries to receive funding for national project under SAICM Quick Start Programme Trust Fund in the first round of applications in 2006.
Odey said the objectives of the Nigerian project are to establish a stong institutional framework for SAICM implementation and strenghten national capacities and capabilities in both public and private sectors for sound management of chemicals.
In a twist of event, the adoption of the national policy on chemical management and signing of the memorandum os understanding for integrated management of Chemical was postponed as stake holders noted that further consultation was necessary before it would be adopted for regulation of chemical handling and utiliztion in the country.
Patrick Osadebamwen
Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has said that Sound Chemical Management by all users was essential to achieve sustainable development including the eradication of poverty.
He said the focal point of the federal government 7 – point agenda which seek to improve human health, sustainable envrionment and the elevation of the standard of living for Nigerians would also be better advance through adherence to the sound chemical management administration.
Odey said this while declaring Open the National Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, SAICM, Draft policy on Chemicals Management for adoption by relevant stake holders in Abuja
The minister who was represented by the permanent Secretary, Hajiya Safiya Mohammed noted that chemical usage has become common in economic activities and the domestic lives of Nigerians.
He pointed out that though chemicals have their importances in human lives and its environment it could pose serious threats to its users and the environment of its application, when they are not properly administered causing severe consequences either or both.
According to him, “We are all aware that the use of chemical has become widespread in economic activities and in domestic life. However, when chemicals are not properly managed, they put the ecosystem, human health and national economies at risk. Environmental and health impacts from the mismanagement of chemical and could manifest in increased disease burdens and health costs, reduced productivity, damaged to fisheries and watersheds as well as reduced agricultural outputs”.
He said chemical management was a global challenge which has attracted global response through a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management SAICM as a global policy framework with a goal to ensure that by 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that significantly minimize adverse effects on the environment and human health.
The minister pointed out that following the endorsement of SAICM by the United Nations World Summit it recognized the imperative for a Quick Start Programme (QSP) Trust Fund to be established by the UNEP for the success of its implementation in developing countries.
Odey said Nigeria’s leadership role and its contribution to the progress at the regional and global level was recognized by the international community leading to its selection as one of the pilot countries for capacity building in chemical harzards communication through the implementation of the Globally Harmonised System for Classification & labeling GHS between 2005 and 2007.
He also noted that the country was also chosen as one of the few counries to receive funding for national project under SAICM Quick Start Programme Trust Fund in the first round of applications in 2006.
Odey said the objectives of the Nigerian project are to establish a stong institutional framework for SAICM implementation and strenghten national capacities and capabilities in both public and private sectors for sound management of chemicals.
In a twist of event, the adoption of the national policy on chemical management and signing of the memorandum os understanding for integrated management of Chemical was postponed as stake holders noted that further consultation was necessary before it would be adopted for regulation of chemical handling and utiliztion in the country.
FG GUARANTEES EQUITY-FUNDING OF ENVIRONMENT PROJECT
Patrick Osadebamwen
Minister of Environment Mr. John Odey has said the Federal Government would pursue its resolve on equity funding of environmental projects across the states of the federation.
Odey who reiterated this position said although climate change impact was on the increase therefore it becomes imperative for effective collaboration between all stakeholders to guarantee a sustainable environment.
The Minister said this while receiving His Excellency, Mr. Olusegun Mimiko his office in Abuja. Mimiko was in the ministry to intimate the minister on ecological problems that affects the state.
Odey said the ministry was open to collaboration with all the states of the federation to be able to deliver on efforts that would mitigate environmental problems for sustainability.
The Governor said Ondo state suffers visible impact of climate change which have manifested in various forms across the state. He pointed out that the twin problems of erosion and construction of channels in the state was severe.
Mimiko said his state was prepared to provide the counterpart funding needed to execute all such project when the Federal Government honours its request for ecological problems in ths state.
He hailed the new regime of equity funding of environment project in the country: “I am particularly excited that you mention the issue of equity on what ever is available is in a very objective way would determine the extent the to which one is going to access the assistance.
“I assure that in terms of counterpart contribution we are ready so that we in Ondo state can leverage on such fund to address some of the very serious problem that confronts us on daily basis in our state.”
Patrick Osadebamwen
Minister of Environment Mr. John Odey has said the Federal Government would pursue its resolve on equity funding of environmental projects across the states of the federation.
Odey who reiterated this position said although climate change impact was on the increase therefore it becomes imperative for effective collaboration between all stakeholders to guarantee a sustainable environment.
The Minister said this while receiving His Excellency, Mr. Olusegun Mimiko his office in Abuja. Mimiko was in the ministry to intimate the minister on ecological problems that affects the state.
Odey said the ministry was open to collaboration with all the states of the federation to be able to deliver on efforts that would mitigate environmental problems for sustainability.
The Governor said Ondo state suffers visible impact of climate change which have manifested in various forms across the state. He pointed out that the twin problems of erosion and construction of channels in the state was severe.
Mimiko said his state was prepared to provide the counterpart funding needed to execute all such project when the Federal Government honours its request for ecological problems in ths state.
He hailed the new regime of equity funding of environment project in the country: “I am particularly excited that you mention the issue of equity on what ever is available is in a very objective way would determine the extent the to which one is going to access the assistance.
“I assure that in terms of counterpart contribution we are ready so that we in Ondo state can leverage on such fund to address some of the very serious problem that confronts us on daily basis in our state.”
FG INTRODUCE NEW GUIDELINE ON ECOLOGICAL FUND MGT
FG INTRODUCE NEW GUIDELINE ON ECOLOGICAL FUND MGT
Patrick Osadebamwen
President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua has appproved a new guideline for the administration of Ecological Fund disbursement and implementation to mitigate the various negetive consequences of the environment in the country.
The Minister of Environment John Odey gave this hint in Abuja while chairing a meeting of the National Committee of Ecological Problem, a Presidential initiative designed to tackle Ecological challenges.
Based on the new guidline, the credit balance in the 1.4% FGN share of derivation and Ecology account wil be allocated to the main ecological sectors with Drought and Desertification Control taking 60% of the fund, Soil Erosion and Flood/Gully Control takes 25% Pollution Control earns 5% while the balance 10% would be used for the administration of Ecological Fund Office and National Committee of Ecological Problems and other emergencies at the discretion of the President.
Odey reiterated the concern of government at the continued state of deplorable environment arising from the desertification, flooding, erosion pollution etc. and pledged that the federal government was committed to reverse the situation for the good of the country.
He pointed out that desertification is currently moving at a disturbing rate thus increaasing the need for southward migration and said the development that calls for concern of all stakeholders requiring the attention of all to tone down.
The minister admitted that the volume of environmental damage across the country cannot be corrected within a short time and called on Nigerians to inculcate good habit in relation to their respective environment.
Odey said most of the environmental challenges in our clime are man made, citing a common example of blocked drainages which ends up redirecting water from its path to other routes, thus creating erosion and floods to the environment causing various degrees of damage.
He asssured Nigerians that government will not be distracted from other ecological challenges while it focuses on these priority areas as the new guide line would make the government proactive in its respond to these problems.
Patrick Osadebamwen
President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua has appproved a new guideline for the administration of Ecological Fund disbursement and implementation to mitigate the various negetive consequences of the environment in the country.
The Minister of Environment John Odey gave this hint in Abuja while chairing a meeting of the National Committee of Ecological Problem, a Presidential initiative designed to tackle Ecological challenges.
Based on the new guidline, the credit balance in the 1.4% FGN share of derivation and Ecology account wil be allocated to the main ecological sectors with Drought and Desertification Control taking 60% of the fund, Soil Erosion and Flood/Gully Control takes 25% Pollution Control earns 5% while the balance 10% would be used for the administration of Ecological Fund Office and National Committee of Ecological Problems and other emergencies at the discretion of the President.
Odey reiterated the concern of government at the continued state of deplorable environment arising from the desertification, flooding, erosion pollution etc. and pledged that the federal government was committed to reverse the situation for the good of the country.
He pointed out that desertification is currently moving at a disturbing rate thus increaasing the need for southward migration and said the development that calls for concern of all stakeholders requiring the attention of all to tone down.
The minister admitted that the volume of environmental damage across the country cannot be corrected within a short time and called on Nigerians to inculcate good habit in relation to their respective environment.
Odey said most of the environmental challenges in our clime are man made, citing a common example of blocked drainages which ends up redirecting water from its path to other routes, thus creating erosion and floods to the environment causing various degrees of damage.
He asssured Nigerians that government will not be distracted from other ecological challenges while it focuses on these priority areas as the new guide line would make the government proactive in its respond to these problems.
FG Clean up harzardous chemicals
FG Clean up harzardous chemicals
Patrick Osadebamwen
As a measure to prevent and control the negetive impact of obsolete pesticides scattered across the nation, the Federal government has engaged Croplife International to withdraw and dispose all obsolete pesticides from public places.
The move has become imperative in view of the obvious danger obsolete pesticides could cause to public health and the environment when handled by untrained persons during disposals.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey said this in Abuja while signing an agreement for the commencement of inventory and disposal of obsolete pesticides in the public sector.
Odey said though the expired chemicals have lost their efficacy for proper use, they could become corrosive and become dangerous to human beings and the environment. This informed the decision to take stock, analyse them and come up with the best sustainable way in order to dispose them.
Odey enthused that the action will reduce this risk of obsolete pesticides to public health and the envrironment in our country.
The minister tasked the team to ensure that the public are properly informed and educated on how to handle these pesticides to avert any negetive consequence from wrong usage.
Jerry Wrigth, country representative of the Croplife Nigeria who represented Mr. Micheal Hensen, President, Croplife International said the recruitment of Croplife as the Technical Adviser on Disposal TAD, was a critical appointment.
The agreement entails an inventory of the amount of obsolete chemicals and the coordination of professional disposal of these obsolete pesticides currently held in the public sector.
Patrick Osadebamwen
As a measure to prevent and control the negetive impact of obsolete pesticides scattered across the nation, the Federal government has engaged Croplife International to withdraw and dispose all obsolete pesticides from public places.
The move has become imperative in view of the obvious danger obsolete pesticides could cause to public health and the environment when handled by untrained persons during disposals.
The Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey said this in Abuja while signing an agreement for the commencement of inventory and disposal of obsolete pesticides in the public sector.
Odey said though the expired chemicals have lost their efficacy for proper use, they could become corrosive and become dangerous to human beings and the environment. This informed the decision to take stock, analyse them and come up with the best sustainable way in order to dispose them.
Odey enthused that the action will reduce this risk of obsolete pesticides to public health and the envrironment in our country.
The minister tasked the team to ensure that the public are properly informed and educated on how to handle these pesticides to avert any negetive consequence from wrong usage.
Jerry Wrigth, country representative of the Croplife Nigeria who represented Mr. Micheal Hensen, President, Croplife International said the recruitment of Croplife as the Technical Adviser on Disposal TAD, was a critical appointment.
The agreement entails an inventory of the amount of obsolete chemicals and the coordination of professional disposal of these obsolete pesticides currently held in the public sector.
ODEY RE-AFFIRMS FG STAND ON SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
ODEY RE-AFFIRMS FG STAND ON SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
Patrick Osadebamwen
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has assured the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation of the ministry’s support on its pursuit to ensure a secure environment in Nigerian in the course of their works.
Odey who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Safiya Muhammad, said the ministry was prepared to offer its support in the areas of protecting the forestry, endangered species on land and fresh waters of the country.
Odey noted that such partnership would benefit the country in the areas of capacity building and improved the ministry’s personnel expertise. This advantage he siod was important to sustain Global Environment fund’s intervention.
Dr. Stephen Donkor, regional co-ordinator who led the United Nations team to the ministry stated earlier that his mission was to strenghten intimate the minister on the reorgnization of his operations and introduction of the next phase of GEF project which would explore the percieved and real effect on climate change in its activities.
Dr. Donkor said that 40% protein intake of the 16 countries of West Africa are derived from fisheries in the fresh waters of the ocean. ocean lives have been threatened so much that need for action to rescue the environment from danger
Patrick Osadebamwen
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey has assured the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation of the ministry’s support on its pursuit to ensure a secure environment in Nigerian in the course of their works.
Odey who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Safiya Muhammad, said the ministry was prepared to offer its support in the areas of protecting the forestry, endangered species on land and fresh waters of the country.
Odey noted that such partnership would benefit the country in the areas of capacity building and improved the ministry’s personnel expertise. This advantage he siod was important to sustain Global Environment fund’s intervention.
Dr. Stephen Donkor, regional co-ordinator who led the United Nations team to the ministry stated earlier that his mission was to strenghten intimate the minister on the reorgnization of his operations and introduction of the next phase of GEF project which would explore the percieved and real effect on climate change in its activities.
Dr. Donkor said that 40% protein intake of the 16 countries of West Africa are derived from fisheries in the fresh waters of the ocean. ocean lives have been threatened so much that need for action to rescue the environment from danger
NVRI COUNSEL FARMERS TO UTILIZE RESEARCH FINDINGS
NVRI COUNSEL FARMERS TO UTILIZE RESEARCH FINDINGS
Patrick Osadebamwen
The Director General of National Veterinary Research Institute, NVRI, Vom, Dr. Lami Lombi has called on commercial farmers in Nigerian to take advantage of various research findings by the research institutes in the country.
Lombi who said this in an interview Abuja with our correspondent stated that gainful commercial farming can only be realized when farmers utilize new breakthrough results aimed at improving the agricultural products.
The Yar’adua administration promotes food security through commercial agriculture as part of her seven point agenda, the success of this Lombi noted is anchored on the pivotal role research findings can play on the improvement of livestock and crops.
She maintained that there are researchs that address some agricultural problems in the market which can be of immense benefit to the farmers and the country when the food producers visit reasearch insititutes to learn improved ways of farming and handling their crops.
According to her, findings that can improve food security in the country and promote prosperity are available in the insititution waiting to be adopted and maximally utilize by commercial farmers.
Lombi said that farmers who go into livestock must face the fact that management of livestock diseases play crucial role in the succesful operation of such business. This fact should ordinarily make them visit the NVRI for assistance for optimum production. This also applied to farmers of food crops of all kinds.
“If you are going to livestock farming, you need to know that effective management of diseases are very crucial to production and managing a livestock farm. You don’t have to invest money and later discover that all the livestock are dying where they are kept, you will need to visit the National Veterinary Research Institute NVRI, Vom”, she advised.
She also said “I believe that the government or the farmers would be able to benefit from the research institutes. I will want them to take a cue and believe in the fact that these research institutes are there for them.”
Lombi’s confidence can be traced to the elevation of the NVRI as the regional center for West and Central Africa on diseases diagnosis. Any disease of livestock and animals occuring in the West Africa sub region or in the Central Africa sub-region must have had the accreditation of VOM to announce that it has such a disease.
Patrick Osadebamwen
The Director General of National Veterinary Research Institute, NVRI, Vom, Dr. Lami Lombi has called on commercial farmers in Nigerian to take advantage of various research findings by the research institutes in the country.
Lombi who said this in an interview Abuja with our correspondent stated that gainful commercial farming can only be realized when farmers utilize new breakthrough results aimed at improving the agricultural products.
The Yar’adua administration promotes food security through commercial agriculture as part of her seven point agenda, the success of this Lombi noted is anchored on the pivotal role research findings can play on the improvement of livestock and crops.
She maintained that there are researchs that address some agricultural problems in the market which can be of immense benefit to the farmers and the country when the food producers visit reasearch insititutes to learn improved ways of farming and handling their crops.
According to her, findings that can improve food security in the country and promote prosperity are available in the insititution waiting to be adopted and maximally utilize by commercial farmers.
Lombi said that farmers who go into livestock must face the fact that management of livestock diseases play crucial role in the succesful operation of such business. This fact should ordinarily make them visit the NVRI for assistance for optimum production. This also applied to farmers of food crops of all kinds.
“If you are going to livestock farming, you need to know that effective management of diseases are very crucial to production and managing a livestock farm. You don’t have to invest money and later discover that all the livestock are dying where they are kept, you will need to visit the National Veterinary Research Institute NVRI, Vom”, she advised.
She also said “I believe that the government or the farmers would be able to benefit from the research institutes. I will want them to take a cue and believe in the fact that these research institutes are there for them.”
Lombi’s confidence can be traced to the elevation of the NVRI as the regional center for West and Central Africa on diseases diagnosis. Any disease of livestock and animals occuring in the West Africa sub region or in the Central Africa sub-region must have had the accreditation of VOM to announce that it has such a disease.
EAA SEEKS FG PARTNERHIP ON ENVIRONMENT
EAA SEEKS FG PARTNERHIP ON ENVIRONMENT
Osadebamwen Patrick
Minister of Environment Mr. John Odey has described education and awareness as a key component for the development of a sustainable environment in the country.
Odey said this while receiving Mr, Lee Kwang the President of Environment Action Association, EAA, who was in the country from Korea to establish a branch of the EAA and seek partnership with the ministry to promote its actvities in the country.
The minister assured Mr. Kwang that the ministry was open to collaborate with all stake-holder of the environment to make it sustainable for human habitation.
Odey said working with the EAA would be a good platform from which the ministry would benefit giving its wide experience in the area of the environment.
He said such collaboration makes the task of the ministry easier when professional environmental organisations and other stakeholders demonstrate interest for collaboration with the ministry who is willing to collaborate with both local and international pertners to improve the environmental condition of the country.
Mr Kwang said the 21st centry is a centrury for the envorinment and the worl must focus on the environemt from which we all derive benefits for our livelihood.
Mrs Maureen Tarkafateh, Nigerian co-president said the group would be training youth to imbibe a good environment habit. She said that the Nigerian environmental issues are such that can be corrected especially as the country has opportunity to learn from developed countries.
The EAA is a non-governmental environment with its Headquarters in South Korea building partnership for a sustainable environment across the world, with special focus on water sanitation, affrestation and desertification.
Osadebamwen Patrick
Minister of Environment Mr. John Odey has described education and awareness as a key component for the development of a sustainable environment in the country.
Odey said this while receiving Mr, Lee Kwang the President of Environment Action Association, EAA, who was in the country from Korea to establish a branch of the EAA and seek partnership with the ministry to promote its actvities in the country.
The minister assured Mr. Kwang that the ministry was open to collaborate with all stake-holder of the environment to make it sustainable for human habitation.
Odey said working with the EAA would be a good platform from which the ministry would benefit giving its wide experience in the area of the environment.
He said such collaboration makes the task of the ministry easier when professional environmental organisations and other stakeholders demonstrate interest for collaboration with the ministry who is willing to collaborate with both local and international pertners to improve the environmental condition of the country.
Mr Kwang said the 21st centry is a centrury for the envorinment and the worl must focus on the environemt from which we all derive benefits for our livelihood.
Mrs Maureen Tarkafateh, Nigerian co-president said the group would be training youth to imbibe a good environment habit. She said that the Nigerian environmental issues are such that can be corrected especially as the country has opportunity to learn from developed countries.
The EAA is a non-governmental environment with its Headquarters in South Korea building partnership for a sustainable environment across the world, with special focus on water sanitation, affrestation and desertification.
FCT DECISION TO IMPLEMENT PARKS REGULATIONS STIR CONTROVERSY
FCT DECISION TO IMPLEMENT PARKS REGULATIONS STIR CONTROVERSY
Neigbourhood parks in the FCT designed for relaxation and fun-seeking residents of the FCT have been turned into a rendezvous of anti-cultural and ignoble activities; move by the administration to check the excesses has been received with mixed feelings.As residence laud the move Park users opine otherwise
PATRICK OSADEBAMWEN
Hadize Abdulkadir had a health problem and consulted the experts for medication. Part of her physician’s advice was a cummulative-500-meters-walk per week. Hadiza a mother of four often goes out on the walk each evening in company of any of her four children. During one such walk, she was thirsty and tired. “This is normal”, she noted. At that point “I had need of something to drink, water or any soft drink”. Being within the premises of a neigbourhood park, Hadiza and her eldest daughter, Amina, a 16 year old girl stepped into the park. I thought we could just sit over some bottles of coke and water with Amina to quech my thirst and get refreshed”.
Upon entry, they were welcomed by a lady who immediately ushered them to a seat. But before they could sit down, the same lady reeled out the drinks available to her customers – Hadiza and Amina. “She said ‘we have Gulder, Star, Stout, Gordon Spark. What would yo want? She asked me. I was embarrassed.” Hadiza lamented. “Don’t you sell water and soft drinks?” she retorted. But her hostess response was to provide her a reason to run out of the park almost immediately. “The lady apologized and said ‘sorry madam, we have Coke and Fanta but look around the demand for beer is more.’ when she did looked around the park which at that time was yet to pick up. The view was distressing. People of all ages were smoking and drinking. More depressing was the scene of a table where young girls of her daughter’s age sat smoking and drinking alchohol beverage. The environment was not conducive for me to be with my daughter. My culture abhors the consumption of alcohols. I will be the last to expose my children to such environment.” The mother of four lamented.
Hadiza was distressed for the whole of the week. Her task as a mother has been further challenged. The challenge to ensure that the children grew up with strong attachment to cultural values will be difficult for her as the park was just a walk away from her home. The situation worsened with the fact that the park is by the road leading to the shop where the kids are often sent on errand for some immediate home needs. Such spot on the way her children take to run errands for her and the neighbours expose them unduly to the wild characters that have turned a recreational place for assortment of social ills.
She wondered why the FCT administration should encourage places for such anti moral and anti-cultural activities without the slightest adherence to age limit. “What I saw there that evening made me afraid for my children. I have three daughters! And the neighbourhood park is just by my house! She exclaimed. Where are we going with this kind of lifestyle when our female teenagers smoke in the open without any rebuke from even the men old enough to be their fathers? It is a shame!
Evelyn Adoba who sales in one of the parks argued that no body is compelled to come into the parks. They do so of their own volition. We are her to render services to them by selling the pepper soup, roasted fish, meat, and assorted drinks in return we earn money. “Those who need our services come here. We do not compel people to come in here and drink.” She insisted that all those who come to the park in the evenings are adult who have the ability to make choices. “They know what they want and they come for it,” Evelyn maintained.
Another resident of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who is displeased with the activities of park operators is Lawrence Garba, a data analyst. He lives in the Wuse Zone 2. Few meters away from his home is a neighbourhood park. As a data analyst working with an NGO, his work schedule is very tight. After work, like any other worker who loves his family, he retires home to have some pleasant moment with them. He feels excited when he is going home into the warm embrace of his family. This desire is thwarted by these park operators, Garba quarried. The park serves as a rendezvous for many who seek to relax, escape boredom and have fun. Garba said “the activities of the park owners have been stretched too far. I cannot have a good evening with my family without the blaring noise they call music from the garden near my house. All they do every night is to disturb the quite me and my family deserve in our home.” Visibly raged, Garba said, “I paid heavily for that accommodation, yet I cannot experience a quite night. If the FCT wants to make money out of people in the name of privatizing parks, this is not the way to go about it, Garba quarried. He pointed out that in other parts of the world parks are melting point for cross cultural activities.
Isa Mohammed Shuaibu, Director General of Parks and Recreation Department agrees with Garba. He said in advance country the parks are truly the melting point of various people from diverse cultural background without clash on cultural values. All this has been over turned by the operational direction the parks operators have towed. They have turned recreational facilities into beer palours.
He advanced that a neighbourhood park is a place where little child of eight can walk into and buy ice cream or some other thing and if necessary play, then return home without any risk. However the present development cannot guarantee this. Park operators sell beer, play music with very loud speakers, constituting noise pollution to the neighbours. In some other cases there have been reports about drug peddling in the parks. These are anti cultural and undermine value for the people.
As a responsible government, the FCT administration has received many complaints from the diplomatic community and other residents on the abnormal use of the various neighbourhood parks. Sequel to this the administration has decided to revisit the true intent for which the parks were established and restore the right modus operandi. He reasoned that the government decision was in the best interest of the public for whose sake the parks were created by the government.
Neigbourhood parks in the FCT designed for relaxation and fun-seeking residents of the FCT have been turned into a rendezvous of anti-cultural and ignoble activities; move by the administration to check the excesses has been received with mixed feelings.As residence laud the move Park users opine otherwise
PATRICK OSADEBAMWEN
Hadize Abdulkadir had a health problem and consulted the experts for medication. Part of her physician’s advice was a cummulative-500-meters-walk per week. Hadiza a mother of four often goes out on the walk each evening in company of any of her four children. During one such walk, she was thirsty and tired. “This is normal”, she noted. At that point “I had need of something to drink, water or any soft drink”. Being within the premises of a neigbourhood park, Hadiza and her eldest daughter, Amina, a 16 year old girl stepped into the park. I thought we could just sit over some bottles of coke and water with Amina to quech my thirst and get refreshed”.
Upon entry, they were welcomed by a lady who immediately ushered them to a seat. But before they could sit down, the same lady reeled out the drinks available to her customers – Hadiza and Amina. “She said ‘we have Gulder, Star, Stout, Gordon Spark. What would yo want? She asked me. I was embarrassed.” Hadiza lamented. “Don’t you sell water and soft drinks?” she retorted. But her hostess response was to provide her a reason to run out of the park almost immediately. “The lady apologized and said ‘sorry madam, we have Coke and Fanta but look around the demand for beer is more.’ when she did looked around the park which at that time was yet to pick up. The view was distressing. People of all ages were smoking and drinking. More depressing was the scene of a table where young girls of her daughter’s age sat smoking and drinking alchohol beverage. The environment was not conducive for me to be with my daughter. My culture abhors the consumption of alcohols. I will be the last to expose my children to such environment.” The mother of four lamented.
Hadiza was distressed for the whole of the week. Her task as a mother has been further challenged. The challenge to ensure that the children grew up with strong attachment to cultural values will be difficult for her as the park was just a walk away from her home. The situation worsened with the fact that the park is by the road leading to the shop where the kids are often sent on errand for some immediate home needs. Such spot on the way her children take to run errands for her and the neighbours expose them unduly to the wild characters that have turned a recreational place for assortment of social ills.
She wondered why the FCT administration should encourage places for such anti moral and anti-cultural activities without the slightest adherence to age limit. “What I saw there that evening made me afraid for my children. I have three daughters! And the neighbourhood park is just by my house! She exclaimed. Where are we going with this kind of lifestyle when our female teenagers smoke in the open without any rebuke from even the men old enough to be their fathers? It is a shame!
Evelyn Adoba who sales in one of the parks argued that no body is compelled to come into the parks. They do so of their own volition. We are her to render services to them by selling the pepper soup, roasted fish, meat, and assorted drinks in return we earn money. “Those who need our services come here. We do not compel people to come in here and drink.” She insisted that all those who come to the park in the evenings are adult who have the ability to make choices. “They know what they want and they come for it,” Evelyn maintained.
Another resident of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who is displeased with the activities of park operators is Lawrence Garba, a data analyst. He lives in the Wuse Zone 2. Few meters away from his home is a neighbourhood park. As a data analyst working with an NGO, his work schedule is very tight. After work, like any other worker who loves his family, he retires home to have some pleasant moment with them. He feels excited when he is going home into the warm embrace of his family. This desire is thwarted by these park operators, Garba quarried. The park serves as a rendezvous for many who seek to relax, escape boredom and have fun. Garba said “the activities of the park owners have been stretched too far. I cannot have a good evening with my family without the blaring noise they call music from the garden near my house. All they do every night is to disturb the quite me and my family deserve in our home.” Visibly raged, Garba said, “I paid heavily for that accommodation, yet I cannot experience a quite night. If the FCT wants to make money out of people in the name of privatizing parks, this is not the way to go about it, Garba quarried. He pointed out that in other parts of the world parks are melting point for cross cultural activities.
Isa Mohammed Shuaibu, Director General of Parks and Recreation Department agrees with Garba. He said in advance country the parks are truly the melting point of various people from diverse cultural background without clash on cultural values. All this has been over turned by the operational direction the parks operators have towed. They have turned recreational facilities into beer palours.
He advanced that a neighbourhood park is a place where little child of eight can walk into and buy ice cream or some other thing and if necessary play, then return home without any risk. However the present development cannot guarantee this. Park operators sell beer, play music with very loud speakers, constituting noise pollution to the neighbours. In some other cases there have been reports about drug peddling in the parks. These are anti cultural and undermine value for the people.
As a responsible government, the FCT administration has received many complaints from the diplomatic community and other residents on the abnormal use of the various neighbourhood parks. Sequel to this the administration has decided to revisit the true intent for which the parks were established and restore the right modus operandi. He reasoned that the government decision was in the best interest of the public for whose sake the parks were created by the government.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ministers
Come here for reports on the Nigerian environment let us start from the names of ministers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)