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House of Reps Passes Bill Establishing Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria
On Thursday July 23, 2020 a bill seeking to establish an Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria scaled 3rd Reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. js">
353) is sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Livinus Makwe.According to the lawmaker the idea for the bill was borne out of the critical need to respond to issues of climate change which according to him is something that Nigeria must take very serious as there are already serious scientific evidences that climate change may in fact, be the greatest challenge confronting humanity.
Speaking further, Makwe told EPARLIAMENT that the bill when it eventually becomes law will help different sectors of the Nigerian society to “protect our environment, which is our most enduring resources as the Bill seeks to establish an Institute charged with the responsibility of regulating and managing environmental practices in Nigeria.”
Makwe said that Nigeria is already facing series of environmental challenges ranging from desert encroachment, erosion, oil spillage, flooding and many other environmental issues that pose serious threat to the economy and lives of Nigerians.
Explaining how the bill will work when it eventually becomes law, the lawmaker said that the “Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria will regulate the way human actions affect our environment.’ According to him, just like other professional bodies, the Institute will ensure that people respect the laws that regulate all manner of constructions, agricultural practices, and activities of extractive industries as well as individuals in relation to sustainable alteration of the natural environment.
The Institute according to the lawmaker will operate independent of the government, but will have representatives of various government ministries and agencies including, representatives of the Ministries of Environment, Health, Petroleum Resources, Agriculture and Works and Housing.
Other agencies of the government that will be part of the Institute’s board are Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria and the National Environmental Standards Regulatory and Enforcement Agency of Nigeria (NESREA). Nigerian Environmental Society and the Waste Management Society of Nigeria will also be part of the institute’s council for effective environmental management action.
The passage of the bill for 3rd reading followed the unanimous support of the bill by lawmakers in the House who had earlier on Tuesday July 21, 2020 when the details of the bill was considered and unanimously approved at the House’ Committee of the Whole.
The Green Chamber will now proceed for other legislative actions on the bill for it to get the concurrence approval from the Senate in readiness for its presentation to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent to become a substantive law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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NGIJ Congratulates Alhassan Yahaya on Emergence as NUJ President
Urges Prioritisation of Press Freedom, Journalists’ Welfare
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) heartily congratulates Comrade Alhassan Yahaya on his resounding victory as the newly elected National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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In a statement signed by the National President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, Friday in Abuja and made available to Journalists stated that, “As a seasoned professional who has served as NUJ Gombe State Chairman, Vice Chairman of the North-East zone, and most recently as National Deputy President, the NGIJ believes Comrade Yahaya is well-equipped to steer the union towards greater achievements.”
While celebrating this milestone, “the NGIJ calls on the new NUJ leadership to make the protection of press freedom its utmost priority. The union must boldly stand against the increasing gagging of journalists in Nigeria, which undermines not only the journalism profession but also the country’s democracy and fundamental human rights.
In this regard, “the NGIJ draws the attention of the new NUJ executive to the troubling case of four journalists currently incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for nearly two months over a cyberstalking matter involving the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
“The union must see this as a clarion call to resist such affronts to the press and demand the immediate release of these journalists.”
The NGIJ remains confident that Comrade Yahaya and his team will deliver a progressive and impactful tenure. We assure the NUJ of our continued collaboration in promoting investigative journalism and defending the noble ideals of the press.
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Gov Ododo Sympathizes with Kogi State Boat Mishap Victims
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Odod has expressed his condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in a recent boat accident.
In a statement issued today by the S.
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Governor Ododo, who visited the scene of the accident, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” He noted that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans who were engaged in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the state’s economy.
The Governor emphasized the need for urgent attention to the waterway linking Kogi and Niger State, which has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent boat accidents.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.
Governor Ododo commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its efforts in the search and rescue operation. He also called for concerted efforts through inter-agency collaboration to prevent cases of waterways accidents and enhance emergency response management.
The Governor assured the families of the victims that the government will support those injured in their recuperation. This incident has once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.
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Gov Ododo Unveils Blueprint for Kogi State’s Urban Revitalization
By Blessing Ameloko-Odoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize the state’s urban and housing landscape. The Governor announced this development during a 2-day symposium themed “Modern Housing & Urban Development” held at the Glass House, Government House in Lokoja.
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Representing the Governor, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological management, reiterated the commitment of Governor Ododo’s administration to transforming the lives of Kogi State residents through modern housing and development initiatives.
The symposium aims to tackle pressing housing challenges confronting the people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon Abanika Taiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Zainab Obadaki emphasized that the program will provide affordable housing for the people of Kogi State, prioritizing sustainability and social inclusion.
The Governor has made significant strides in addressing land disputes and environmental degradation in Kogi State.
Hon. Aliu Salami, Economic Adviser to the Governor, emphasized the significance of the symposium, noting that the blueprint presented will unlock numerous benefits, ultimately driving rapid development in the state.
Dr. Zainab Obadaki, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, stressed the significance of the program in achieving modern housing schemes for the people of Kogi State.
The Governor’s commitment to transforming the housing and urban development sector is expected to enhance rapid development and economic growth in Kogi State.
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