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World Water Day: Expert calls for restoration of degraded water bodies, wetlands
Environmental activist Dr. Nnimmo Bassey has advocated for the restoration of degraded water bodies and wetlands not only in Nigeria but also across Africa and the globe.
This call was made in a statement released by his Media and Communications Lead, Kome Odhomor, on Friday to mark World Water Day, which had the theme “Water for Peace.” The aim was to raise awareness about the urgent need to address the worldwide water crises.
Bassey, who also serves as the Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, expressed concern over the extensive damage inflicted on water bodies by activities such as mining, oil and gas exploration, dredging, and the development of infrastructure in vital freshwater ecosystems.
He lamented the commodification of water, an essential common resource, by profit-driven capitalists. Bassey highlighted that only 3% of the Earth’s total water is freshwater, with just half of this accessible to humans through rivers, lakes, and groundwater, while the rest is stored in forms like ice and glaciers.
Asserting that water should not be privatized, Bassey emphasized its crucial role in sustaining life and asserted that access to clean water is a fundamental human right. He stressed the importance of treating rivers, creeks, lagoons, and oceans with care and not as dumping grounds for waste.
The statement called for global collective action to preserve freshwater and its ecosystems, emphasizing the need to secure potable water sources and safeguard aquatic environments to support cultural practices and livelihoods, particularly those of fishermen.
Furthermore, Bassey advocated for governments to take responsibility for cleaning up and restoring polluted waters and damaged environments. He urged stringent sanctions against polluters, highlighting the dangers posed by plastics and toxins entering the food chain through fish consumption.
Stephen Oduware, Coordinator of Fishnet Alliance, underscored the intrinsic value of water as the foundation of life on Earth. He attributed the current water crises, including droughts and pollution, to direct human interference such as waste dumping and chemical release from industries, including the petroleum sector.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.
The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.
Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.
Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.
“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.
“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.
She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.
A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.
According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.
He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.
Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”
The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.
He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.
Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.
He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.
The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.
“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.
The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.
Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.
The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.
This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.
The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000
Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway
FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon
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