Day: June 9, 2024

The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Oyo State Chapter, has cautioned Nigerians from buying lands without proper survey plans.

Its Chairman, Waheed Lamidi, issued the caution in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Sunday.

According to Lamidi, a survey plan can prove that a seller has the right to sell and tells the buyer the government is aware of the existence of the land.

He, however, advised Nigerians to always patronise only registered surveyors to avoid rising cases of land scams in the country.

‘There are so many ways people are duping members of the public on land matters. I want to advise our people to always consult a registered surveyor before they pay for any land.

‘This will help them to ascertain the genuineness of the land they want to buy; it reveals whether the land is free from government acquisition and if the land has not been sold to somebody else.

‘It is always advisable to involve professionals before paying for lands to forestall losing large am
ounts of money in the process of avoiding surveyors’ professional fees.

‘If the seller cannot provide the survey plan, it may be because the land has never been surveyed or another person owns the land,’ he said.

The chairman noted that registered surveyors could easily be identified by their unique registration numbers and addresses from NIS.

He urged prospective land buyers to make payments only when they had physically examined such lands.

According to him, this will allow the buyer to ascertain the topography of the land, the kind of neighbourhood, and the level of development on the land.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Members of the Diplomatic Corps have planted trees in the Achimota forest to commemorate the Green Ghana Day instituted by the government to restore lost forest cover.

Speaking ahead of the planting exercise, Nana Akosua Agyeman Prempeh, Board Member Forestry Commission, expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their active participation in the event of the Green Ghana Day since its inception in 2021.

‘You have always graced this event with your presence and you don’t take it for granted,’ she said.

The Green Ghana Day was instituted in 2021 by the President Akufo-Akufo-Addo when he saw the need for a rigorous afforestation drive to help restore the degraded forest landscapes of the country.

The theme of the 2024 edition of Green Ghana is growing for a greener tomorrow, and the set target is to plant 10 million tree segments, as we did last year.

She said the target was maintained to concentrate on nurturing the over 40 million trees that had been planted in the last three editions.

Nana Agyemang Prempe
h encouraged the people to nurture the seedlings planted, adding ‘planting the seedlings does not end the process, but it should be nurtured to maturity.’

She advised the public to plant their seedlings at places, which will be available forever, otherwise the tree may be cut down and it will defeat the purpose of the Green Ghana Day.

She said the Forestry Commission was pursuing one of its objectives of the Green Ghana project to inculcate in the youth the need to plant and nurture trees.

In this direction, the Commission had engaged students of the Burma Camp Cluster of Schools in Accra, youth groups, and students across the country to urge them to be part of the initiative.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Maher Kheir, said Green Ghana Day was very significant as it was not only to plant trees, but also to address the serious environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation and pollution.

‘Our planet is in trouble and Ghana, like all our c
ountries, is feeling the effects. Climate change is changing our weather, affecting our farms and misleading our jobs. Deforestation is destroying our forests, harming wildlife and reducing our natural resources,’ he said.

‘Pollution is making our water, air and soil dirty, which is harmful to our health. But today, it’s not just about recognizing these problems, it’s about committing to solutions and taking action to protect our environment for future generations. On this Green Ghana Day, we need to understand that we all have a role to play,’ he added.

He urged all stakeholders to play their roles to ensure change was achieved.

‘Every person, community and organization can help. Small actions, when done by many, can lead to a big change. To fight climate change, we need to use renewable energy, be more energy efficient and support eco-friendly transportation.

To stop deforestation, we need to plant more trees and protect our forests to keep our land green. Pollution needs our immediate attention. We sho
uld reduce waste, recycle more and use fewer harmful chemicals,’ he said.

Members of the Diplomatic Corps inspected the trees they planted in the past three years at the Ghana Seismological Observatory Center.

They later planted more trees at the Achimota Forest Reserve as part of activities to commemorate this year’s GGD.

Some members of the Executive Management Team, Board Members, staff of the Forestry Commission, financial institutions, civil society organisations and members of the media also joined in the planting in the Forest Reserve.

Seedlings planted by the Diplomatic Corps included Militia, Tree of life, Mansonia, Teak and Mahogany.

His Excellency Maher Kheir unveiled a plaque for Green Ghana Day 2024 at the Achimota Forest Reserve.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that the stolen Benin artifacts recently returned to the state would boost its tourism potential .

‘The artifacts will bring back our status as the tourism hub of the country,’ Obaseki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, the returned artifacts are ‘still within the federal realm, while the state is facilitating the storage infrastructure for the relics’.

He said his administration had invested much in infrastructure development and facilities for storing, research and preservation of the cultural artifacts.

‘Building of the infrastructure will not only help preserve Edo’s cultural heritage, but also provide a safe and proper environment for exhibiting these delicate artifacts.

‘These measures are put in place so that when these artworks eventually come into the state , we will have a safe place where they can be properly stored.

‘As you know, many of them are very old and very fragile and need to be specially handled.

‘That is
why the Edo government has to invest in infrastructure for proper storage of these artworks.

‘We have also collaborated with experts and investors to build the infrastructure so that when the artifacts come, the state can professionally handle them,” he said.

According to the governor, the tourism potentials of the artifacts and relics will strategically position the state as a tourism hub for both local and international visitors.

‘As we speak, part of the strategy for developing Edo is the strategic plan to make the state a tourist hub for Nigerians and foreigners, given its natural beauty and strategic location.

‘Edo, by its nature and location, is a tourist place where you cannot move from the West of the country to the East and the South-South, without passing through.

‘The government is also going to create facilities to showcase the beauty of Edo, its culture, food, arts, and history that will attract visitors and promote economic growth.

‘The world is tilting toward tourism as an income generat
ing sector and Edo is poised to tap on that,’ Obaseki said.

NAN recalls that in December 2022, Germany returned 22 artifacts looted during the 1897 Benin invasion.

Former President Muhammadu Buahri, in his respect for Benin Kingdom, told the German government that the artifacts would be returned to the traditional ruler and not to the Nigerian state, as Germany had expected.

Buhari named the Oba of Benin as the recipient of the items.

The traditional ruler is a descendant of the sovereign chief, who reigned over the Kingdom of Benin, when the Bronzes were looted by the British at the end of the 19th century.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , (NSCDC), has trained no fewer than 300 key officers of the Nigeria Hunter and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), on Operational, Leadership Skills and Organisational Management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the participants of the 4-Days Capacity Workshop were drawn from the ranks of Assistant Commanders, Commanders, Assistant Commanders General, (ACG) and Deputy Commander General (DCG).

The training is being conducted at NSCDC Headquarters in Sauka Abuja.

In his remarks, the Commander General (CG) of NHFSS, Dr Joshua Osatimehin, said the training workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of NHFSS operatives as being rendered in public service.

Osatimehin said the training would be a continuous one, adding that the move would also go a long way in enhancing the productivity of NHFSS personnel towards strengthening the security of lives and property in forests accross the country.

He reiterated the commitment service to training and retrai
ning of its officers and men.

The CG said that the capacity workshop was also to enable the hunters to contribute to the realisation of President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in the area of security.

‘NSCDC has over the years being rendering necessary security training to NHFSS to enable the service be abreast with current strategies on intelligence gathering, security tips, mode of conduct among others in line with the best international security standard.

‘This is feared towards safeguarding the country from crimes and criminality most especially in the ungoverned space which the forests nationwide,’ he said.

Osatimehin advised the participants to take what they have learnt during the four days Capacity Workshop to their State Commands and Structures by replicating the gains of the training on their junior officers most especially in the 774 Local Government Areas towards realising the objectives.

The Deputy Commander General (DCG), Technical Services, Dr John Metchie, said the training was a trai
n the trainer initiative to enable the senior officers pass same to down to the local level.

Metchie said the organisation was determined to make sure that all its officers from the rank of deputy commanders upwards to were properly trained and well equipped on how to handle issues.

‘We want to bring everybody up to standard, to the same level as the civil defense, same level as the police, same level of all our parent bodies in the army and everybody.

‘ It is expected that when they go back to their various commands, everybody will be very professional doing their work.

‘They will go back and train their own commands so that what they have learnt here, they will pass it down to their different state commands,’ he said.

In a paper presentation entitled ‘Security Threats and Risks’ a Commandant at NSCDC, Mr Vincent Ogu, advised the participants to always be alive to their responsibilities in line with the current trend in security business and operation.

He emphasised the need for beneficiaries of the ca
pacity workshop to reciprocate the gesture through efficiency in their various duty posts.

Other lectures and paper presentation during the Workshop included Dress Code, Discipline, Security Tips and Identifying Security Threat and Risk among others.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Electronics Development Institute (ELDI) says it is ready to partner with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in promoting made in Nigeria goods.

Dr Oluwaseyi Ogungbenro, the Overseeing Officer of the institute in Awka, said this during a courtesy visit by the NAN, Anambra Correspondent, Mrs Joy Mbachi.

ELDI is an institute under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), focusing on electronics, software and hardware researches as well as production of prototypes for small and medium enterprises.

He said: ‘I’m appealing to Anambra residents and Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria products because that is the way to go, to come out of the current economic situation.

‘It is not just a patriotic gesture, it is also a way to develop and grow local industries and Nigeria’s economy.

‘I made bold to say that ELDI has made lots of researches and produced prototypes and products that have capacity to solve some problems in our various households and offices.

‘We produce energy
saving bulbs, stabilisers, solar inverter, solar generating sets, automated mower, rechargeable lamps, automatic poultry cage system, electronic medical testing device, among others.

‘These products are very affordable, durable and of high quality. Let us patronise our own locally made products and we will see our economy flourish.’

Ogungbenro called on the Anambra State Government to partner with the research institute, saying that there were lots of services the institute could offer to the government at cheaper cost.

Earlier, Mbachi said the visit was to seek partnership and to ensure effective coverage of the innovations at the institute.

According to Mbachi, publicising the inventions of ELDI in the media will create awareness and attract the attention of Nigerians to their products and services.

Highlight of the visit was a tour of the institute’s electronics workshops.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has commended Tetracore Energy for its investment in a 10-million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) LNG facility.

The investment in the facility is aimed at promoting energy security in Nigeria.

Ekpo made the commendation at the inauguration of Tetracore Energy Group’s 6.1 MMscfd Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) facility and the groundbreaking ceremony for the 10 MMscfd LNG plant at Atakobo, along Benin-Sagamu Expressway, Ogun.

The minister stated that the CNG and LNG facilities, aimed at promoting energy security in Nigeria, and cleaner energy as well as ensuring energy security for the country.

He praised Tetracore Energy Group for its vision and dedication to advancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.

‘The commissioning of your 6.1 MMscfd CNG facility and the groundbreaking ceremony for your 10 MMscfd LNG facility are significant steps towards enhancing our nation’s energy security.

‘These developments are critical components of our
strategy to diversify energy sources, promote cleaner energy, and ensure energy security for our people.

‘Natural gas is a pivotal element in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable energy system,’ said Ekpo.

The minister highlighted that natural gas provides a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and supports the integration of renewable energy sources.

He noted that the LNG facility would play a crucial role in expanding in-country processing capabilities and delivering feedstock to gas-based industries nationwide.

‘This project will drive economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

‘The use of CNG in transportation will reduce reliance on imported fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with our commitment to the Paris Agreement and our national climate goals,’ he added.

Representing the Ogun Government, Dr Ola Aikulola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, expressed gratitude to Tetracore
Energy Group for its milestone achievement.

He stated that Tetracore’s efforts in gas penetration and utilisation aligned perfectly with Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s goals for sustainable energy solutions in the state and the country.

‘This initiative is a testament to the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu to deepen the penetration of natural gas for our utilisation.

‘This project will create more jobs for the people of Ogun state, stimulate economic growth, and contribute significantly to the development of our industrial base,’ Aikulola said.

Mr Sesan Odukoya, Head of the Oil and Gas Department at the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, congratulated Tetracore Energy Group on its achievement.

Representing Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Odukoya emphasised the strategic partnership between Lagos and Ogun states in developing CNG and LNG facilities to enhance energy security and promote clean energy.

In his remarks, Mr Olalekan Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group,

said that the firm could deliver up to 70 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to multiple customers.

He highlighted the state-of-the-art CNG satellite complex, which includes a 10 MMscfd gas delivery facility, a 6.1 MMscfd CNG delivery and loading facility, as well as a 2.1-megawatt power generation plant.

Williams thanked both the federal and state governments for their support, policies and initiatives that made the project a reality.

He emphasised the firm’s dedication to ensuring that their operations benefit all stakeholders, from employees to the communities where they operate. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe says the 16 million litres per day capacity Buni Gari Water Treatment Plant will be ready by the end of June.

Buni stated this in Buni Gari on Saturday when he inspected the level of work at the project site.

‘We are assured that the plant will be ready by June this year, as stipulated in the contractual agreement,’ he said.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the depth of the plant’s reservoir, water confluence point, and the installation of solar-powered equipment.

Buni also said the plant’s production capacity could be further upgraded to 20 million litres per day upon completion.

He said that the project would address water scarcity in the town and its environs when completed.

The governor charged the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe for the state to have value for its money.

Buni also expressed satisfaction with the backup generator that would be installed at the plant to ensure consistency in operation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Kano State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) has trained 18 mechanics and water supply officers on the operation and maintenance of water facilities across seven local governments.

Malam Shamwilu Abdulkadir, Managing Director of the agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that this became necessary to prevent the breakdown of water supply facilities.

According to him, this initiative is part of the ‘Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM)’ strategy, which engages local artisans to manage water facilities in rural areas.

Abdulkadir added that the agency had organised a workshop to review the quality of state rural water and develop a surveillance and implementation strategy.

He said, ‘We have initiated and executed a number of water supply projects in various communities and institutions where potable water was seriously needed.

‘These include the construction of an 8000- litre solar borehole at Babawa General Hospital. In addition to this, the agency a
lso repaired 8 hand pump boreholes in the community.

‘It also constructed a 12,000-litre solar powered borehole and reticulation of 500 metres at Kano State School of Health Technology and constructed 4 hand pump boreholes for Sitti communities in Sumaila Local Government.

‘We have also rehabilitated many nonfunctional boreholes at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital overhead tank, handpump boreholes, and the Ministry of Information water facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat.

‘We rehabilitated the Office of the Head of Civil Service facilities at Audu Bako Secretariat; Rehabilitation and upgrade of motorised solar-powered boreholes at Hugungumai village in Tsanyawa Local Government , among others.’

Abdulkadir said the agency had recorded 11 open defecation-free local government areas within the last ten months.

He said that the feat was part of the sustained plausible efforts to deliver on the mandate to end open defecation practices.

The managing director said the initiative also aimed to promote hygiene
in the state, following the 2025 national road-map.

Abdulkadir said this had added to the eight local governments already declared open defecation-free.

He mentioned that a support mechanism had been established to ensure sustainability.

According to him, upon assuming office, he continued with ongoing programmes related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the specialised operational focus of the agency with support from the United Nations.

He added, ‘We have also set up a mechanism to support the eight validated local governments declared open defecation-free for sustainability.

‘RUWASSA also embarked on training 24 WASH officials on community WASH facilities management within these local governments.’

The managing director added that various capacity-building workshops had been organised for better service delivery, including the WASH Framework on Measurement and Evaluation in the state.

NAN reports that WASH sector observers in Kano believe Malam Shamwilu’s appointment marks a positive change i
n the agency’s management, leading to significant impacts.

They agree that Governor Abba Kabir made the right choice in selecting Malam Shamwilu Abdulkadir as Managing Director of RUWASSA.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Institute of Environment Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) has urged Nigerians to imbibe tree planting culture, to mitigate climate change.

Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, President and Chairman, Governing Council of the institute, stated this at an event to commemorate 2024 World Environment Day on Friday in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was being organised in partnership with Benin City Window on America (BCWOA) with the theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.

According to the UN fact sheet, over 40 per cent of planet land is being degraded affecting half of the world’s population.

Ezemonye said the theme of the event was to remind stakeholders on the need to collectively heal the planet.

‘Since WED was celebrated in 1973, the anniversary has become a platform to raise awareness about critical environmental issues and proffer lasting and sustainable solutions,’ he said.

Ezemonye, who is also the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin
, added that the 2024 WED came at a critical time when the world had triple planetary crisis such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

According to him, by focusing on land restoration, we can mitigate these crises, enhance carbon storage, protect species from extinction and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

‘According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), restoring degraded land can significantly improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build resilience to extreme weather.

‘Every dollar invested in restoration can make up to $30 in ecosystem services, making it a vital strategy for sustainable development’.

Also speaking, Dr Georgina Erifetal, a Director in BCWOA, urged participants to take responsibility for the survival of their immediate environment to bring positive effects to the global habitat.

The event also hosted stakeholders, who participated virtually across the globe, to proffer lasting solutions to issues affecting the planet.

Source: News Agen
cy of Nigeria