Category: Nigerian Tribune

The FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) has clarified that a viral social media claim linking an alleged diphtheria case in the FCT to sliced watermelon could not be substantiated following a field verification visit.

The claim was contained in a social media post by Ivan Eagle Lawson, which included a photograph purportedly showing a man identified as Mr Simeon Okoh and alleged that he was a victim of diphtheria in Abuja.

A statement by the media aide to the FCT Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Bola Ajao, however, said that field verification by the FCT Public Health Department and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) found no evidence to establish the identity of the person in the photograph, the alleged address or the reported diphtheria case.

The photograph and the details accompanying the post could not be verified as genuine or linked to any confirmed diphtheria case in the FCT.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, made the clarification in a statement issued from her office on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, following concerns raised by the circulating post.

She said a multidisciplinary Rapid Response Team from the FCT Public Health Department and AMAC visited the location described in the post on 28 September 2026 to investigate the claim.

Enquiries with the estate management and the team’s physical observations established that the alleged address was inconsistent with the estate’s road designations. Estate management could not identify a resident matching the details provided and reported no knowledge of the alleged incident.

Dr Fasawe added that checks of the FCT diphtheria line list and records at the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa did not identify a corresponding record. The team did not locate the person described, and the investigation did not establish evidence supporting the alleged diagnosis or its claimed link to watermelon.

She commended the residents’ association for cooperating with the verification team and helping to address community concerns.

The Mandate Secretary emphasised that these findings relate to the specific claim circulating online.

The ongoing diphtheria response in the FCT continues, and residents should remain vigilant and report suspected illness promptly.

She explained that diphtheria is a serious, vaccine-preventable bacterial infection, usually caused by toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

It spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected respiratory secretions or skin lesions. The investigation did not establish that watermelon caused the alleged illness.

Dr Fasawe noted that most cases recorded during the current FCT outbreak have been among children, particularly those aged five to nine years, many of whom were unvaccinated.

She urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive all vaccinations recommended for their age, including the three primary doses of the diphtheria-containing pentavalent vaccine provided through routine childhood immunisation.

Children with missed doses or uncertain vaccination histories should be taken to the nearest primary healthcare facility for assessment and appropriate catch-up vaccination.

Residents experiencing fever, sore throat, neck swelling or difficulty swallowing should seek medical assessment promptly. Difficulty breathing requires urgent medical attention.

Healthcare workers should immediately notify the appropriate Area Council Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer of suspected cases.

The Mandate Secretary urged the public to respect privacy and avoid stigmatising residents, communities or food vendors. She advised against forwarding the unverified post, including names, photographs and alleged addresses, stressing that a photograph alone cannot confirm diphtheria.

She urged anyone with information that may assist in verifying such claims to share it privately with the FCT Public Health Department or AMAC health authorities rather than circulating unverified information online.

Dr Fasawe said the FCT is continuing its surveillance, awareness and community engagement activities, including door-to-door sensitisation, radio jingles and the distribution of information, education and communication materials.

She urged residents to remain calm, follow verified health advice and support the ongoing response.

She also cautioned against sharing unverified social media claims of Ebola outbreaks and advised residents to rely on official updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The Mandate Secretary warned that circulating unverified health claims can heighten anxiety and distract from response activities. She nevertheless encouraged residents to report suspected illness and public health concerns promptly so that they can be assessed.

Residents seeking clarification should contact the FCT Public Health Department or the NCDC. Public health enquiries and alerts may also be directed to the NCDC toll-free line, 6232.

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the recently reconstituted Enugu State Civil Service Commission and the Governing Councils of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, and the Enugu State College of Education Technical (ESCET).

Mbah also inaugurated the newly reconstituted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Board.

At the brief ceremony at Government House, Enugu, the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the rejigging of the leadership of the various Governing Councils, Boards, and Commissions was in line with his administration’s determination to build strong institutions.

He said the administration would count on the new leadership in pursuit of its vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn, noting that such could not be achieved without an effective and efficient civil service and skilled manpower that fit into a 21st-century economy.

‘Again, during the campaign for this office, we promised Ndi Enugu that it would no longer be business as usual. We promised to run the state like an enterprise to maximise efficiency and results.

‘So, you must note that our cardinal principles – transparency, traceability and accountability – are not mere state slogans. They reflect in the actions and decisions of our administration daily. So, you must uphold them,’ he added.

He also charged them to operate on the basis of evidence, meritocracy, innovation, and teamwork.

‘You must be empirical. We also expect you to uphold fairness, equity, and meritocracy.

‘Again, his administration is founded on disruptive innovation. But you cannot disrupt a system without bringing in a different way of thinking and of doing things. Examine existing processes and develop new approaches that would improve efficiency and results.

‘Importantly, you must function as a team. In our administration, we do not compete, we complement and collaborate to bring out the best in every team member and every sector. Working in silos will be detrimental to the entire system.

‘Operating in isolation could create room for corruption and duplication,’ he stressed.

Meanwhile, for the Enugu State Civil Service Commission, Prof. Gabriel Ajah was inaugurated as the Chairman, while Ambrose Nwodo was sworn in as Secretary. Others are: Christian Mbah (Member One), Mrs. Stella Ekweremadu (Member Two), Mrs. Theresa Onyefuzili Ifeanyichukwu (Member Three), and Uzonna Emmanuel Ogarabe (Member Four).

ESUT Governing Council has Barr. Victor Chukwuani as Chairman, and Engr. James Ifeanyichukwu Ajibo, Dr. Eric Oluedo, Dr. Gladys Ngozi Okoro, and Mr. Chukwu Chikaodiri Joy Chukwu as Members.

Hon. Chinedu Onu was inaugurated as Chairman of the IMT Governing Council, and Dr. Barth Nwankwo, Barr. Emeka Ede, Mrs. Rita Chimaobi, and Prince Tony Nwonye as Members.

TVET Board Chairman-designate, Dr. Amaka Ngene, and the Board Members – Bonaventure Onu, Barr. Nnadi Eluke, Kingsley Agwu, and Mrs. Joy Odike – were equally inaugurated.

The newly reconstituted leadership of the Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, was equally inaugurated. They are Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Aniagboso Igwe (Rector), Deaconess Ifeoma Nwobodo (Chairman of Governing Council), as well as Obinna Aleke, Barr. Henry Okeke, and Emeka Abba as Members.

For ESCET, Enugu, Barr. Nwabueze Ugwu was inaugurated as Chairman, while Prince Cletus Ajaegbu, Dr. Chiesonu Isiga Eruchalu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwatu, and Theophilus Onyebeke were inaugurated as Members.

Accepting the new responsibility, Professor Ajah, a seasoned bureaucrat, thanked Governor Mbah, on behalf of his members, for the confidence reposed in him.

He unveiled the ‘P.R.E.S.E.N.T’ philosophy, which he said stood for Professionalism, Responsibility, Excellence, Service to all, Exemplary conduct, Neutrality, and Team spirit, and would guide his Commission.

Hon. Onuh, on his part, pledged to work together with the school management to further uplift the IMT, while the Chairman of the ESUT Governing Council, Chukwuani, assured that the Council would work with the university management to promote the institution’s growth and development. He emphasized that there would be no going back on Mbah’s Experiential Learning model.

Speaking with newsmen, Chairman, Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, Mrs. Nwobodo, recalled that the institution ranked 29th nationally when she was first appointed, noting that with Mbah’s huge investment in education, the institution now ranks 2nd on the table of state polytechnics and 4th on the table of both federal and state polytechnics.

Speaking with newsmen also, the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, and the Chairman of TVET Board, Dr. Ngene, commended Mbah’s investment in education, saying he had provided their respective institutions with the wings to soar higher.

Chairman of ESCET Board, Barr. Ugwu, emphasised the commitment and readiness of his team to enhance productivity and efficiency in the institution.

The ceremony was witnessed by friends and well wishes of the appointees.

The wife of presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, Hajiya Aminat Titi Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday urged women not to allow vote buying ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the inauguration of ADC National Women’s League and the unveiling of ADC Women 1-10 Votes initiative in Abuja, Mrs Atiku said cost of living crisis has forced many children out of school, and women as mothers cannot remain silent.

‘Today, many of our children are out of school because cost of living has become extremely difficult for families. As women and mothers, we cannot continue to remain silent,’ she said.

She appealed to women not to allow anyone to buy their votes.

‘Women, I appeal to you: do not allow anyone to buy your vote,’ she said.

Mrs Atiku urged women to sensitise people, especially in rural communities, on power of their votes, warning against politicians who take advantage of hunger to offer money or food items during elections.

‘During elections, some people go into villages, take advantage of hunger and hardship, and offer people money, food, or other items in exchange for their votes. They may give you N1,000, N2,000, a bag of rice, or even N50,000. But ask yourself: how long will that money or food last? What happens after the election?’ she said.

She noted that there have been situations where people collected money but still voted according to their conscience, describing it as power of free and independent vote.

She called on women to stand up for their rights, their children and generation yet unborn.

‘If we fail to act today, generations coming after us may hold us responsible for decisions we make now. We must leave behind a country where our children can have better opportunities and a better future,’ she said.

Mrs Atiku said women have always demonstrated strength, courage and determination, and can make tremendous difference when they decide to act.

‘Women have always demonstrated strength, courage, and determination. When women decide to do something, they can make a tremendous difference. That is why I believe in our women. Women, this is our turn. This is our right,’ she said.

She urged women to encourage other women, children, friends and eligible voters to go to polling units and exercise civic rights peacefully and responsibly.

‘Nobody should deceive you. Enough of the deception,’ she said.

She quoted Yoruba proverb: ‘Obìnrín kì í j? akara kí ó fi ?w?´ kan un,’ explaining that lesson is that temporary benefits should not distract from bigger picture.

‘Bread today cannot solve problems of tomorrow. So, question we must continue to ask is: when will things truly get better?’ she said.

‘Women, arise and shine. This is an opportunity for us to make our voices heard and participate fully in democratic process. Let us use our votes wisely, peacefully, and according to our conscience. This is our civic right. This is our responsibility. This is our opportunity,’ she added.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will resign from office on January 17, 2027, if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loses the FCT and Rivers State in the presidential election.

Wike made the declaration in Abuja while meeting with leaders and members of the Apo Mechanics and Traders Association, where he said his ability to deliver electoral support for Tinubu in the FCT would determine whether he remained qualified to serve as the territory’s minister.

‘If I lose FCT, I’m not supposed to be FCT Minister. By January 17, 2027, I will announce my resignation as FCT Minister should the President lose in Rivers State and the FCT,’ he added.

The minister’s position comes as he leads efforts to mobilise political support for Tinubu in the FCT ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Wike said a multi-party coalition was being organised in the territory to support candidates across different elective positions, with the presidential contest centred on Tinubu.

‘Let us be clear on direction: for the Presidency, it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu! For the Senate, Philip Aduda is a man of the people, unlike those who only appear on television. The two House of Representatives candidates we are supporting are also here. They are former Area Council chairmen.

‘In the FCT, we are running a unified coalition across parties to deliver results.

‘If I cannot deliver FCT as Minister, then I am not qualified to hold this office. We have a firm agreement, and today is the final affirmation,’ Wike said.

He had earlier stressed that political office must be backed by measurable results, saying his responsibility included ensuring electoral success for the president in the territory where he currently serves.

‘If I cannot deliver where I work, then I’m not worthy to be here,’ Wike said, emphasizing that his political mandate requires concrete electoral success.

The Military High Command on Wednesday said the gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) killed 554 terrorists and criminals, arrested 1,333 suspects and rescued 1,736 kidnapped civilians during military operations across the country in the third quarter of 2026.

The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, who disclosed this in Abuja during the combined monthly and third-quarter media briefing, said the military recorded 367 attacks across various theatres of operation in September 2026.

Gen. Onoja added that the operations, conducted between July and September, also led to the surrender of 333 insurgents, the recovery of 244 arms and 8,160 rounds of ammunition, the destruction of 104 illegal refining sites and the recovery of 1,610,402 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The director pointed out that the figures reflected sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, illegal refining and secessionist activities across the country by the troops.

According to him, troops recorded significant gains in September, neutralising 52 terrorists and criminals, arresting 350 suspects, rescuing 655 kidnapped civilians and receiving the surrender of 75 insurgents.

He further explained that during the month, troops also recovered 52 arms and 2,335 rounds of ammunition, dismantled eight illegal refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of stolen petroleum products.

He pointed out that the military recorded 367 attacks across various theatres of operation during the period under review.

According to him, a breakdown showed that Operation Enduring Peace recorded the highest number of attacks, with 147 incidents, followed by Operation Fansan Yamma with 115 and Operation Whirl Stroke with 55.

‘Operation Hadin Kai recorded 33 attacks, while Operation Savannah Shield recorded 13 and Operation Udo Ka recorded four, while Operation Delta Safe recorded no attacks during the period.’

Gen. Onoja said the troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging the assailants with superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres and successfully countering the attacks.

He added that Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East recorded the neutralisation of 27 terrorist fighters, the arrest of 49 terrorists, the rescue of 103 kidnapped victims and the surrender of 73 insurgents and their family members in September.

He further added that 44 terrorist family members, comprising 13 women and 31 children, were rescued at Konduga in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State on 24 September.

He said the North-East operation recorded a total of 273 terrorists neutralised, 348 arrested, 297 kidnapped victims rescued and 331 insurgents and their families surrendering during the third quarter.

According to him, in the North-West, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised seven terrorists, arrested 26 and rescued 171 kidnapped victims during the month.

‘The operation recorded the rescue of more than 60 kidnapped victims after a Nigerian Air Force jet disrupted the movement of terrorists in the Bazama area of Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.’

He further explained that during the quarter, the operation accounted for 230 terrorists neutralised, 147 arrested and 508 kidnapped victims rescued.

In the North-Central,

According to him, ‘Operation Savannah Shield neutralised five terrorists, arrested two and rescued 27 kidnapped victims in September, while Operation Enduring Peace neutralised nine terrorists, arrested 155 and rescued 28 kidnapped victims.

‘Operation Whirl Stroke, covering Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and Taraba states, also neutralised one terrorist, arrested 57 suspects and rescued 320 kidnapped victims during the month.’

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe arrested 33 criminals, destroyed eight illegal refining sites and recovered more than 304,822 litres of petroleum products during the month.

He further pointed out that the troops discovered about 87,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil at Aworkiri in September and another 182,000 litres at Bethel Creek in Rivers State.

He said the Nigerian Navy, under Operation Delta Sentinel, also discovered and deactivated two illegal refining sites at Ogbogolo in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering about 33,800 litres of petroleum products.

He added that in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka neutralised three criminals, arrested 28 suspects and rescued six kidnapped victims during September, while the troops also dismantled an illegal bunkering site in Imo State and arrested a suspected secessionist Improvised Explosive Device fabrication expert.

He explained that the month-to-month figures reflected fluctuations in the operational environment, adding that troops nevertheless maintained sustained pressure on criminal and terrorist networks.

Gen. Onoja explained that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices, while also appreciating the support of other security agencies, local security groups and communities.

He stated that Gen. Oluyede further urged members of the public, traditional rulers and community leaders to provide timely and credible information to security agencies through the nearest military formation or the toll-free line 193.

He stressed that national security remained a shared responsibility and encouraged Nigerians to uphold the principle, ‘See Something, Say Something.’

According to him, the CDS also commended Zinox Group for partnering with the AFN to establish an online discount store for serving and retired military personnel and their families, describing the initiative as a contribution towards improving personnel welfare and morale.

Bayelsa deputy governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations for development projects and programmes.

Akpe gave the assurance, when officials of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP) paid him a visit at Government House, Yenagoa.

He said the Diri administration remained committed to infrastructural development, particularly road and bridge construction, to improve connectivity across the state.

He said the government has adopted strategic partnerships with development organisations and institutions to execute critical projects, adding that the approach has yielded positive results.

Akpe explained that RAAMP’s intervention in providing access roads to rural communities and improving agricultural activities would complement the government’s ongoing infrastructure development efforts.

He noted that the programme would help connect farms and hinterland communities to the state capital, thereby boosting agriculture, trade and other socio-economic activities.

The deputy governor urged RAAMP and other development partners to consider Bayelsa’s difficult terrain when preparing budgets and project plans to ensure equity and fairness.

He said the state was constructing roads and bridges across rivers, creeks and swamps despite the challenging terrain.

‘Nevertheless, we are building major roads in the creeks to link local government headquarters, and that is opening up our state for agriculture and business,’ he said.

Akpe added that RAAMP’s focus on providing roads to farms would complement the state’s existing infrastructure programme, describing the initiative as one the government was eager to embrace.

Earlier, RAAMP Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mr Chinedu Olisah, said $600 million in donor funds was available for distribution among states that meet the programme’s participation conditions.

Olisah said $500 million of the fund will come from the World Bank, while the Federal Government will provide the remaining $100 million.

He commended Bayelsa for meeting several RAAMP requirements, including the constitution of the boards of the state Rural Access Roads Authority (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF).

Olisah, however, appealed to the government to provide a take-off grant for RARA, consider merging the RARA and SRF offices, and meet its counterpart funding obligation to enable Bayelsa to fully participate in the programme.

A coalition of civil society organisations has petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate alleged 2026 budget flaws by federal government and the execution of projects contained in the Appropriation Act.

The petition, signed by the Convener, Buna Olaitan, and General Secretary, Wyseman Ajayi, was presented to journalists at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

Operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society in Nigeria, the group raised serious concerns over the inclusion of ‘questionable agencies’ in the budget.

It also flagged allocations to projects that fall outside the statutory mandates of the beneficiary government agencies, alongside the alleged unauthorized relocation or substitution of federal projects.

To address these discrepancies, the coalition called for a comprehensive and independent forensic investigation.

This process, they argued, must involve a thorough review of original appropriation documents, legislative committee records, project codes, procurement files, payment tracks, and physical project locations.

A major highlight of the petition is a reported N1.3 billion allocation to the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). According to the coalition, the legal status of the council has already been the subject of a prior ICPC investigation.

The group urged the anti-graft commission to establish how this specific provision slipped into the 2026 Appropriation Act, demanding accountability from the officials involved in proposing, reviewing, and approving the allocation.

Reflecting on the previous ICPC probe into the PFIPC, the coalition noted that investigators had identified severe weaknesses in federal verification and oversight mechanisms.

That earlier inquiry recommended the prosecution of the alleged operator of the purported agency, alongside administrative sanctions for public officers whose actions or negligence facilitated its operations.

The coalition specifically requested the ICPC to invite the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations,

Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, for questioning.

The group argued that as the chairman of the budget appropriation committee, Senator Adeola’s role is critical in the budgetary process.

The group stated that he should therefore be required to provide all relevant documents connected to the disputed appropriations and project locations.

However, the civil society group emphasised that the probe should not be restricted to the lawmaker.

They insisted on a sweeping investigation encompassing all public officers, legislative officials, contractors, consultants, and intermediaries connected to the questionable allocations.

The coalition maintained that its petition is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s federal budgetary framework, urging the ICPC to rely heavily on documentary, administrative, and financial evidence to determine criminal culpability.

Reacting previously to similar petitions concerning budget processes under his watch as the Chairman of the Budget Appropriation Committee, Senator Adeola (popularly known as Yayi) has strongly defended his integrity, challenging the ICPC to investigate and prosecute him if any wrongdoing or fraudulent practice is discovered.

The lawmaker has dismissed the wave of petitions as politically motivated maneuvers ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

Adeola is the Ogun State gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections,

Furthermore, legislative reviews backed by the Senate Press Corps have also vindicated the Appropriations Committee on the PFIPC issue, establishing that the controversial N1.3 billion allocation was entirely external to the budgetary additions introduced by the National Assembly.

According to committee findings, the provision was part of the original framework submitted by the Executive arm, which is currently being contested in court.

AS of the year1800, only about 8 per cent of the global population lived in cities. The figure rose to about 16 per cent by 1900. Prior to that time, the vast majority of people lived in rural areas. The narrative changed in the twentieth century. Industrialization, pull of job and economic opportunity in cities, access to services like healthcare and education drew people from the countryside into rapidly growing urban centres. Globalisation and the concentration of industry in urban hubs accelerate the trend even further in developing nations, such as Nigeria. Today, approximately 55 per cent of the world’s population, more than 4 billion people resides in the urban areas. And the trend is not abating at all. According to the United Nations World Urbanization Prospects, cities could add roughly 2.5 billion more residents by 2050, when around two out of every three people on earth are expected to live in urban settings. Urbanisation has reshaped how we live, work, and consume resources. But while cities drive economic growth and innovation, they also place enormous pressure on the natural environment. From polluted air to shrinking green spaces, loss of habitat, and resource depletion, the environmental costs of rapid urban expansion are significant. Urbanization also leads to deforestation, elimination of natural ecosystems, emissions of gaseous and liquid wastes, overuse of resources and finally poor disposal of wastes.

Nigeria with a population of about 250 million people occupies a total land area of 983, 213 km2 with the activities and the interaction of these millions of people with the environment leaving ineffaceable mark on the landscape. Urbanization in Nigeria is characterized by city slums with serious environmental consequences caused by failure of development measures to keep pace with the rate of population growth, and this is evident in disposal of savage and refuse problems, which of course is quite serious because of the rapid rate of generation of non-biodegradable materials. Due to the rapid growth of the cities and the attendant inability of social services and infrastructure to keep pace with the rate of growth, environmental conditions have and continue to deteriorate at an alarming and worrisome rate. Inadequate storm drains, dumping of refuse in drainage lines and construction of houses close to and even on the natural water channels have been shown to be responsible in that order for the rising cases of flood witnessed recently in Lagos and urban other centers across the country.

The environmental problems are associated with the increasing growth of urban slums, including overcrowding in squalid housing conditions, poor quality or unavailability of basic infrastructures and social services, such as water and sewage facilities, and even lack of access routes. There are evidences everywhere of rapid decline in environmental quality and human living conditions, occasioned by rapid increase in human numbers. In the quest of the people to acquire their seemingly endless need for food, shelter, recreation and infrastructural facilities, changes occur, and unwise use of the land and its resources produce negative impacts on the environment. One thing is certain, urbanization is not going to reverse. In the years ahead, more people will make cities home, but the decisions made today about how those cities grow and function will shape the environment for generations to come. The good news is that cities are also centres of innovation, and many are already coming up with sustainable solutions.

Understanding these impacts and the solutions available is essential for building a sustainable future. Looking ahead, the situation in our country requires more attention and effective coordination among the concerned institutions; federal, state and local governments, non-government organizations, organized private sector, critical stakeholders, professional organizations in the built sector and local communities in reducing, stemming or mitigating the consequences of environmental degradation is highly required. It was not until 1998 that the federal government passed the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) decree (Act) setting up FEPA to work out rules governing the handling of Nigeria’s environment. Effective urban governance requires investing in data collection and geographic information systems to enable the government and professional organizations involved in city planning make informed decisions. It means aligning building codes, land use regulations, and transportation policies with sustainability goals. And it means ensuring that the voices of vulnerable communities – those who bear the greatest environmental burden – are included in planning processes. Environmental protection techniques need to be cultured, home-grown and the framework should be community based.

There is need for investment in awareness created programmes from the grassroots in terms of orientation. Environmental awareness education should be included in the primary and post-primary school curricula. Environmental protection agents at the local government level should be empowered to punish every offender. Also, an appropriate infrastructure investment in terms of construction of unblocked drainage patterns, flood defenses, improved health care and assistance shelters as part of community emergency preparedness programmes, changes in water and land use management policies, appropriate town planning, and provision of facilities to encourage the use of water ways for more higher values such as transportation.

The challenge lies in scaling these solutions fast enough and ensuring that the benefits of sustainable urbanization reach all communities – not just the wealthiest ones. Environmental sustainability and social equity must go hand in hand for cities to thrive in a climate-changed world.

The Secretary to the Zamfara State Government (SSG), Mallam Abubakar Nakwada, has acknowledged the sacrifices of officers and men of conventional security agencies in the state, saying the security challenge is not yet over.

Nakwada made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen on activities marking Zamfara State’s 30th anniversary at his office in the J.B. Yakubu Secretariat, Gusau.

He said Zamfara would mark 30 years since its creation on Thursday, October 1, 2026, describing the anniversary as three decades of history, sacrifice, resilience, institution-building, and the collective aspiration of the people for a peaceful and prosperous state.

He said, ‘Tomorrow, 1st October 2026, Zamfara State will mark 30 years since its creation-three decades of history, sacrifice, resilience, institution-building, and the collective aspiration of our people for a peaceful and prosperous state.’

Nakwada said the state’s 30-year history belonged to successive administrations, institutions, traditional leaders, public servants, and citizens who had contributed to its development since its creation in 1996.

He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on what he described as the accelerated transformation recorded in the last three years under Governor Dauda Lawal.

He said, ‘Our 30-year story belongs to every administration, institution, traditional leader, public servant, and citizen who has contributed to the development of Zamfara since its creation in 1996.

‘This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the accelerated transformation of the last three years under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Executive Governor of Zamfara State, and how this period is contributing a new chapter to 30-year development journey.’

According to the SSG, the present administration recognized that meaningful and sustainable development could not be achieved without security.

He said, ‘For a state that has endured years of banditry, kidnapping, and disruption of rural livelihoods, restoring security remains fundamental to rebuilding communities.’

Nakwada said the state government had continued to provide support to the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other conventional security agencies operating in Zamfara.

He said the government used the anniversary to appreciate security personnel for their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices.

He said, ‘We use the occasion of Zamfara at 30 to particularly appreciate the officers and men of our conventional security agencies for their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices.’

The SSG noted that many security personnel had served under difficult circumstances, while some had lost their lives in the defense of communities.

He said, ‘Many have served under extremely difficult circumstances, while some have paid the ultimate price in defense of our communities. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.’

Nakwada acknowledged that the security situation in the state remained a challenge and assured residents that the government would continue to support security agencies within its capacity.

He said, ‘We recognize that the security challenge is not yet over.

‘Government therefore remains resolute in providing every legitimate support within its capacity until our communities are safer, livelihoods are restored, and our people can pursue their daily activities without fear.’

MEDIA Adviser to former Vice President and presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Paul Ibe, has queried the Federal Government’s framework agreement with United States on Nigeria’s mineral sector.

In post on his verified X handle, on Tuesday, Ibe said agreement which the government estimates to be about $700 billion, needs more clarity.

He claimed that the figure is the estimated value of Nigeria’s mineral resources, not investment by United States.

‘Let us first clear up one misleading impression: this is not a $700 billion investment by the United States.

The $700 billion figure is the estimated value of Nigeria’s mineral resources,’ he said.

Ibe warned that for resources potentially worth hundreds of billions of dollars, Nigerians deserve more than photographs, handshakes, speeches and press releases.

He asked what exactly Nigeria has committed to, which minerals are covered, whether American companies will enjoy preferential access, what geological data Nigeria will provide and who owns data generated from exploration.

He also queried whether there are tax concessions, guarantees or preferential fiscal arrangements, whether minerals must be processed in Nigeria or can leave as raw materials, what binding provisions guarantee Nigerian jobs, local content, technology transfer and value addition, and how disputes will be settled.

Ibe asked whether there are annexes, side letters or implementation agreements not shown to Nigerians.

He raised concern over National Assembly scrutiny, asking whether the Senate and House of Representatives have been furnished with complete document and whether relevant committees on solid minerals, treaties and agreements, finance and appropriations have scrutinised provisions.

‘The National Assembly is not a spectator. Section 12 of the constitution provides that a treaty with another country cannot have the force of law in Nigeria unless enacted by the National Assembly. Sections 88 and 89 also give the legislature important investigative and oversight powers,’ he said.