General
FG Unveils Mercury Use, Solid Waste Management Strategy
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has reiterated its effort to eliminate poisonous gaseous emission in the air with the rollout of the National Action Plan (NAP) for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector of the country.
The government also unveiled the national policy on solid waste management and national policy on plastics waste management.
The rollouts were done in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) with the presentation of Nigeria’s NAP on Mercury in the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Sector (ASGM).
The NAP was successfully completed by the UNIDO, in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Environment, Mines and Steel Development, Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), and it is an obligation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury to which is a signatory.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, said that NAP on Mercury in the ASGM was a well-articulated document that was put together based on baseline data obtained from surveys of ASGM operators across the Nigeria gold mining belt.
He said the document was even more important as it had become a demonstration of the country’s fulfilment of an important aspect of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
According to Mr Adegbite, represented by the Director, Special Duties, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Yisao Adegboje, the NAP on Mercury in the ASGM sectors in Nigeria was developed to provide relevant information on the plans of the government.
He said this will “facilitate the improvement of the formalisation and regulation of ASGM sectors, promote reduction of emissions, release, and risk of exposure to mercury, manage trade and preventing diversion of mercury and mercury compounds.”
He added that the document will involve stakeholders in the implementation and continuing development of the plan, and develop public health strategy on the exposure of artisanal and small-scale gold miners and their communities to mercury.
“The document also serves to promote the exposure of vulnerable populations, particularly children and women of child-bearing age, to mercury in ASGM; and providing information to artisanal and small-scale miners and affected communities.”
The Minister stressed the need for more collaboration and synergy to foster a more sustainable effort to promote public health and the environment against the harmful effects associated with mercury release.
On his part, the Minister of Environment, Mr Muhammad Abubakar said the documents would provide a proper tool for making the environment clean.
Mr Abubakar, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Abel Enitan, said the government was aware that there were numerous challenges preventing the effective growth of the mining and waste sectors.
He said: “For the mining sector, the challenges exist majorly around funding and attraction of new investments, security situation around mining sites, the preponderance of artisanal and illegal mining operations, attendant environmental pollution and insufficient modern mining infrastructure.
“Those prominent in the waste sectors are problems varying from poor funding, lack of policy, inadequate legislation, limited infrastructure, low level of awareness on best waste management practices, poor recovery and recycling programme, and disposal techniques.”
He said to address these issues, the federal government was making concerted efforts to remove the barriers to the effective growth of these sectors, one of which is the development of these documents.
Speaking on the documents, UNIDO said it would chat a path to the future of gold mining and environmental sustainability in the country.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Mr Samuel Anyanwu has been reinstated as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by the Supreme Court.
In a judgement on Friday, the apex court nullified the judgement sacking of the former federal lawmaker from the position.
Mr Anyanwu, who represented Imo East Senatorial District at the National Assembly from 2015 to 2019, had been at loggerheads with Mr Udeh-Okoye over the position of the opposition party’s scribe.
He had been the National Secretary of the PDP since November 2021,but was removed from office on December 20, 2024, by a Court of Appeal.
He challenged this judgement of the appellate court and today, the Supreme Court nullified the decision of the lower court, returning him to the position.
The apex court held that the plaintiff (now 1st defendant) had no jurisdiction to file the suit as the suit was within the internal affairs of a political party, emphasising that, “Jurisdiction is very important, hence the trial court and the court below were wrong to rule on the merits of a matter they had no jurisdiction in the first place.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The need for a sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders in Nigeria has again been emphasised by Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Ms Zuriel Oduwole, and Sterling One Foundation.
This issue and gender equality came up when Ms Oduwole and Sterling One Foundation visited Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State recently.
At 22 years old, Ms Oduwole is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category. Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.
At the meeting, she emphasized the power of storytelling in driving social change, saying, “I have seen the power of storytelling in changing perceptions and opening doors for young people.
“When we share our stories, we inspire action. I am grateful to our partners for amplifying young voices and creating opportunities that make a real difference.”
Her remarks highlight the role of storytelling in influencing narratives that drive meaningful change.
By amplifying diverse voices and ensuring that young people, especially women and girls, have platforms to be heard, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for influencing policies, shifting mindsets, and creating lasting impact in communities. The need for sustained efforts to support and invest in these platforms has never been more critical.
Also, Sterling One Foundation highlighted its investment in social impact across critical sectors.
The chief executive of the organisation, Ms Olapeju Ibekwe, also highlighted the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action.
“At Sterling One Foundation, we are intentional about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“This aligns with the call to ‘Accelerate Action’ this International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for women and girls.
“We are proud of Zuriel Oduwole for amplifying these values on the global stage, and we remain committed to creating an environment where young changemakers, especially women and girls, have the support and opportunities they need to lead and succeed,” Ms Ibekwe stated.
In his remarks, Mr Sanwo-Olu recognized Ms Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
“This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people. In the past five years, we have faced COVID-19, economic challenges, and instability, yet we have continued to create opportunities for young Nigerians in technology, finance, and entertainment.
“Lagos is proud to support Zuriel’s journey and work with the Sterling One Foundation to expand opportunities for the next generation,” the Governor said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Assembly, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives, has approved President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking its constitutional powers under the amended 1999 Constitution.
Recall that President Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency on the state following a political crisis in the oil-rich state.
He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor, Mrs Ngozi Odu, as well as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a six-month period and appointed a retired military chief, Mr Ibok-ete Ibas, as the sole administrator for the state. He was sworn in on Wednesday.
However, the decision was earlier without the approval of the National Assembly. He later approached the parliament to legalize it.
At the plenary on Thursday, the House of Representatives, through a voice vote, approved the request of Mr Tinubu, mandating a review of the situation at any time, but no later than six months.
Per the Constitution, the National Assembly has also imposed a joint committee of both chambers, to oversee the administration of affairs in Rivers State during the emergency period.
Additionally, the Senate has resolved to establish a mediation committee consisting of eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.
The constitution requires the upper and lower chambers of the federal parliament to approve the state of emergency by two-third majority each.
-
Feature/OPED5 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz2 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy2 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking2 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports2 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
-
Technology4 years agoHow To Link Your MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile Lines to NIN