Battle Against Deforestation: Gov Adeleke Plans One Million Trees In Osun

October 17, 2024

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has designed a plan for a one million trees to be planted as a measure to control deforestation in the state.
The governor, who spoke in his office yesterday, October 16, said that the programme would be kick-started with the planting of 100,000 trees in the first phase. The Governor was honoured by his guests, leaders of the Forestry Council of Nigeria with the title of “Climate Change Ambassador.”
Governor Adeleke said at the meeting with the leaders that the first phase of the tree planting session would be followed by a wider programme targeting one million tree planting agenda.
He said that approval had also been given for the planting of the seedlings raised to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change that is ravaging the globe, assuring that his government is on top of the situation.
“I must state that what your association stands for as presented by the leadership is in agreement with my policy thrust on climate change
“This administration is not paying lip service to the issue of afforestation, hence my approval to raise one million seedlings of exotic and indigenous trees, which we will start with one hundred thousand in the first phase.
“It will interest you to know that approval has equally been given to the planting of the seedlings raised to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change which is ravaging the globe, but here in Osun State, I make bold to say we are on top of the situation.
“Since the activities of your association complement the functionality of the Climate Change Agenda of this administration, you can be sure of my total support of your dream and the success of your annual conference which will be memorable and positively impactful.”
Earlier, Dr Tajudeen Abiodun Afolabi, President, Forestry Council of Nigeria acknowledged Governor Adeleke’s passion for Climate Change, which was why the association is bringing its next conference to Osun.
“When I came in here I saw that you have done very well in protecting the environment. You have done very well in environmental sustainability of the state and by extension in Nigeria in general.
“Your passion for Climate Change made us decide to come and host our event in Osun.
“We will bring experts and professionals in Nigeria and beyond to come and celebrate you, celebrate your passion for Climate Change.
“We will be happy to work with you. We will be happy to project you to the world that this is an ambassador of Climate Change in Osun state and in Nigeria in general.”

Don’t Divert Funds, Kogi Gov, Ododo, Warns Contractors As He Flags Off 20 Km Rural Road

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2024

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has made it clear that he would not take it kindly with contractors handling projects in the state who engage in the diversion of funds for whatever excuses.
The warning was sounded today, October 16, when he flagged off the construction of the 20KM Obajana-Uro-Aku rural road linking parts of Lokoja and Adavi local government areas.
The project is part of interventions by the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) supported by the World Bank Group and other stakeholders in the agricultural development value chain. It is the first phase of the over 65KM network of rural roads in the state, intended to create access to farms, farming communities and markets to ensure food security in the state.
Governor Ododo, at the Flag-off ceremony in Apata near Obajana, emphasized the pivotal role of rural roads in the development agenda of his administration.
He said that the rural roads will not only enhance transportation but also serve as catalyst for rural economic growth and food security in the state.
According to him, the roads will provide access and connectivity to farmers and traders as part of his administration’s broader strategy to enhance rural development and bring governance closer to people in local communities.
He called on the benefiting communities to take ownership of the project, warning the contractors handling the project not to divert project funds.
He asked them to demonstrate high level of integrity and professionalism in project delivery.
This was even as the State Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Engineer Abdulmutalib Mohammed said that the project is meant to benefit farmers, by reducing the cost of transportation and accessibility for both farmers and traders in the state.
The National Co-ordinator of RAAMP, Engineer Aminu Bodinga represented by Mrs. Joy Amadi, commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering commitment to rural development which she said would enhance connectivity and access to markets, social services and opportunities that are previously out of reach for rural dwellers.
The State Coordinator of the project, Sheidu Obansa said that the network of rural roads will expose the communities to opportunities and promote agricultural development in the state.
Speaking, the Olu of Oworo, Muhammed Adoga Baiyerohi commended Governor Ododo on the road project, saying that the project will enhance agricultural development and reduce vehicular traffic along Obajana road.
Other traditional rulers who spoke at the occasion, commended Governor Ododo for the initiative to help rural dwellers who are mostly farmers and traders in the state.

Wike Beckons Investors In Various Sectors To Abuja, But Insists On Complying With Laws

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2024

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has invited investors in various sectors, including real estate, agro-economy, tourism, mining and others to move to Abuja, but insisted that investors of any category must follow the laws.
The Minister, who spoke today, October 16, at the maiden edition of the Abuja Business and Investment Summit organized by the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), stressed the importance of the investors exploring the myriad of possibilities in these sectors.
He said that the FCT’s strategic location and growing population have created fertile ground for investments across its various business and investment sectors, adding that the Administration has also undertaken significant measures to create an enabling environment for local and foreign investors to thrive.
According to Wike, there are plans to commence nine major infrastructure projects in the FCT, and that the provision of road infrastructure and transportation networks have also been prioritized to ensure seamless connectivity within the territory.
He said that the Administration has made considerable strides in enhancing security in collaboration with security agencies to ensure a secure environment for businesses to flourish.
He said that processes have been streamlined to make it easier for investors to set up their operations.
“I invite you to explore the various investment opportunities in the FCT. Whether you are interested in real estate development, technology incubation, or agrobusiness, there is a place for you here.”
On request that businesses in the informal sector should be allowed unhindered activities, the minister insisted that development and business activities in the FCT must follow the rules and regulations provided by the law.
“No city can grow without planning. The mere fact that you migrate from the rural area into the city or where you want to have something to do does not mean that we will jettison the rules and regulations.
“So, when you see bulldozers coming, it’s to comply with the rules and regulations. Some of these settlements you are talking about are the shanties. You can’t build houses without development plans. Nobody does that.
“Sometimes, criminals will take advantage and take over this. For our survival, nobody can survive without obeying the law.”
In his keynote address, the executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, commended the FCT Administration for organizing the investment initiative.
He said that the summit was in line with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda and indicated the direction in which the country is headed.
Professor Soludo, however, regretted that the country is “punching below its weight” in attracting foreign direct investments and called for improvement in business facilitation strategies to encourage sustainable investments.
Professor Soludo observed that the flow of investment funds and portfolios is shifting to emerging markets, saying that Nigeria must reposition itself to attract these investment flows.
He added that Nigeria needs to intentionally nurture domestic capital and promote national champions who will drive sustainable economic investments, even as he called for the patronage of locally produced goods.
Professor Soludo emphasized the need for investment in quality education, particularly technical and vocational training, to unleash young people’s potential. He called for strategic interventions to create job opportunities for the teeming populace and derisk investments in the country.
“If we don’t give our youth the tools to participate in tomorrow’s economy, they will become a liability. The rich will not sleep peacefully if the poor are restless.”
Earlier, the GMD, AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, said that the Abuja Business and Investment Summit aimed to promote investments in the FCT and provide a platform for networking among local and international investors.
She expressed confidence that discussions during the summit will inspire participants to think bigger and push the boundaries of what is possible in business and investment.

With Tinubu And Shettima Out Of Nigeria, Presidency Insists There’s No Leadership Vacuum

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2024

The presidency has assuaged the fear expressed in certain quarters over the leadership vacuum created by the absence of both President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from the country.
While President Tinubu is on a two week vacation since October 3 and had traveled out of the country, Vice President Shettima too, left Nigeria for Sweden today , October 16, on an official visit.
Reacting to what he called “enquiries by journalists as to who is in charge of our country as the President and Vice President are out of the country,” the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga said that despite that the two leaders are not in the country, they “are fully engaged with the nation’s affairs.
“There is no leadership vacuum in the country.”
According to Onanuga, the nation’s Constitution does not explicitly require the physical presence of either the president or the vice president in the country at all times to fulfil their duties.
He said that since President Tinubu left the country on 3 October, he has been busy answering phones and issuing directives on matters of state.
“He will soon return to the country before the vacation officially expires.”
He stressed that all state organs are functioning as usual, adding that the Senate President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers and Service Chiefs are all in their respective positions, ensuring the smooth operation of the government.
“We had a similar situation in 2022 when former President Buhari and former Vice President Osinbajo were found to be simultaneously out of the country. President Buhari attended UNGA 77, while Osinbajo participated in the burial of Queen Elizabeth ll.
“We have also experienced it during this administration. Between late April and early May this year, while President Tinubu was in London, after visiting the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, where he attended the World Economic Forum, Vice President Shettima left Nigeria, first of all for Nairobi to attend the International Development Association (IDA21) Heads of State Summit. “After returning, he left for Dallas, Texas, to attend the US-Africa Business Summit organised by the Corporate Council on Africa. President Tinubu returned home on 8 May.”
Onanuga recalled that during such time, the government’s machinery did not halt.

Senate Not Planning To Impeach Its President, Akpabio

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2024

Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has denied media report that it is planning to impeach its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement today, October 16, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described the impeachment story as fake news and a figment of the reporters imagination and ethical deficit.
An online publication, OrderPaper Nigeria, had on Wednesday, authored a story titled: “DSS Takes Over National Assembly Amid Impeachment Speculations Against Senate President Akpabio,” and has been disseminated by other media outlets.
Eseme Eyiboh stressed that the speculation and misinformation circulating about an alleged impeachment plot against the Senate President “is the handiwork of fifth columnists who are perpetual merchants of misinformation and purveyors of mischief.
“As a Head of one of the Arms of the government, the President of the Senate categorically denies these baseless claims and reaffirms his commitment to transformational leadership of the Senate particularly and effectively collaborates with the other arms of government. There is no crack in the Upper Chamber and no Senator or Caucus is plotting any impeachment against the President of the Senate. Every Senator is focused on raising the bar of Legislative Agenda and Nation building.
“The allegations are nothing but a desperate attempt to create division and discord among the esteemed senators. It’s unfortunate that some individuals would resort to spreading falsehoods to promote the invidious reins of their blackmail enterprise.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the implementation of the 10th Senate’s Legislative Agenda and working tirelessly to address the pressing National issues of growth and prosperity.
“The Senate President will not be distracted by these unfounded rumours and wants to assure the public that his commitment to Nigeria’s progress remains unwavering.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard these baseless claims and instead focus on the meaningful work being done by the Senate to improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

Ex Clerk Of National Assembly, Mohammed Ataba, Loses Mother

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2024

Queen, Hajiya Sefinatu Mohammed Sani Omolori, mother of the former Clerk of the National Assembly, Barrister Mohammed Ataba Sani Omolori is dead.
An announcement by Alhaji, Dr. Ahmed Abdulmumeen Okara on behalf of the Family said that the Queen died, aged 85, in the early hours of yesterday, October 15, after a very brief illness
Queen Sefinatu was one of the wives of the late Ohinoyi (first class chief) of Egbiraland in the then Kwara State and now Kogi State, Alhaji Dr. Mohammed Sani Omolori, who reigned for over 40 years.
The Queen, whose remains were buried yesterday in Okene, was survived by many relations and children, including Mohammed Sani Omolori Ataba, who holds the senior traditional title of Ciroma of Egbiraland.
Queen Sefinatu has been described variously as “a rare mother, a very kindhearted Princess, with a sense of forbearance and above all, very accommadative.”
The announcement said that the third day Fidau prayers has been scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024 at the residence of Mohammed Sani Omolori Family on Lafia Street, Okene, Kogi State from 9:00 am.
We at the Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja, wish late Princess peaceful rest in the bosom of the Lord and pray that Allah forgives all her shortcomings and admit her in Aljannatu Firdausi, and grant those she left behind the fortitude to bear the loss.

National Grid Collapses Again, Throws Nigeria Into Darkness

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2024

The Nigeria National grid has recorded another collapse today evening, October 14, throwing the country into darkness.
The Spokesperson of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Emeka Ezeh confirmed the grid collapse in a statement today evening, saying that the general system collapse occurred at 18.48 hours.
The Disco said that the development had led to a loss of power supply across its franchise.
“The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform her esteemed customers of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today, 14th October 2024. This has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across the EEDC network.
“Consequently, due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
“We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo.”
Also, Eko Distribution Company confirmed the grid collapse, saying: “Kindly be informed there was a system collapse at 18:48hrs which has resulted to a loss of power supply across our network.
“We are currently working with our partners as we hope for speedy restoration of the grid. We will keep you updated as soon as power supply is restored.
“Kindly bear with us.”
It was noted that power supply was interrupted at about 6:50 pm today.
In August 2024, the grid recorded partially which resulted in a blackout. The national grid also collapsed in July this year.
Data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria showed that the country’s national grid has collapsed about 227 times in the last 14 years.
This happened even with the hike in electricity tariff in April by 240 percent which has worsened the hardship Nigerians are faceling.

Libyan Football Federation President Resigns Amidst Maltreatment Of Super Eagles

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2024

The President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, has announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly.
According to The Libya Observer, an English and Arabic online newspaper based in Tripoli, Libya, in a post today, October 14, via its website, the decision was made yesterday.
Al-Shalmani’s resignation comes amidst the growing tension over the maltreatment of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles. They were subjected to some challenges during their trip to Libya for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The Super Eagles were reportedly left stranded at the airport for over 14 hours without access to food, Wi-Fi, or proper accommodations, leading to widespread condemnation from Nigerian officials and fans.
The maltreatment of the Nigerian team has drawn sharp criticism and calls for accountability, raising questions about the readiness of Libyan authorities to host international sporting events.
In resigning, Al-Shalmani was quoted to have said:
“I do not want to be part of the failure in Libyan sports.”
Addressing the assembly yesterday, Al-Shalmani reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure.
“We faced difficulties during the previous period. I thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector.”
Despite the circumstances leading to his resignation, Al-Shalmani stood firm on his record of service.
“I have a history in the International, Arab and African Federation, and no one can deny that.”
The resignation came at a turbulent time for Libyan football.

Tinubu Condemns Libya Over Ill-Treatment Of Super Eagles, Happy Players Are Back Home

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has condemned what he called “the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport,” even as he welcomed them back to Nigeria.
“The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday,” the President observed, in a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu insisted that the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations.
Tinubu commended the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of the players.
He also applauded the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
He acknowledged that football has remained the unifying power in bringing nations and people together, viewing the treatment of Nigerian citizens “as unsportsmanlike and inhumane and a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.”
President Tinubu called on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future.

Super Eagles Ordeals In Libya: African Football Ruling Body Wades In

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the African Football ruling body, has waded into the ordeals to which the Nigeria’s senior football team, the Super Eagles are being subjected to at Al Abraq Airport in the remote part of Libya, by the Libya Football Federation (LFF).
The Super Eagles players are in the country ahead of tomorrow’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) return leg match in Benghazi.
Reacting to the situation, CAF said that it viewed the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Super Eagles at an airport in Libya in a very serious light.
A statement from CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt said: “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (Super Eagles) and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities.
“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.”
The Nigerian delegation had been left stranded at Al Abraq Airport in Libya for the past 16 hours.
Source: Prompt News

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