By Tosin Kolade

The Murshid of the Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Shehu Galadanchi, on Thursday pledged support for Nigeria’s efforts to end open defecation before 2030.

Galadanchi made this commitment while receiving the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, and his delegation, who were on an advocacy visit for the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

Represented by Prof. Kabir Adam, he assured the government of the mosque’s full support in raising awareness about proper sanitation.

He noted that the mosque’s sanitation facilities currently cater to 5,000 to 6,000 worshippers daily and include toilets and ablution areas capable of serving 300 people simultaneously.

He further emphasised that the mosque maintains designated spaces for funeral rites, ensuring the proper cleansing and preparation of the deceased before burial.

Adam stressed that proper sanitation aligns with Islamic teachings, stating that every household is religiously obligated to have a toilet, while open defecation is strictly discouraged.

He attributed its persistence to cultural practices rather than religious beliefs.

“The National Mosque will continue to promote this message, not only within this mosque but across other mosques in Nigeria.

“We will encourage Imams nationwide to incorporate this campaign into their sermons and community engagements,” he said.

He noted the visit as a sign of growing collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies, acknowledging that secularism had previously created a disconnect between places of worship and public health campaigns.

He however noted that such divisions were no longer sustainable, as achieving national development goals required cooperation across all sectors.

“This campaign is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to playing our part in ensuring Nigeria becomes open defecation-free by 2030,” he affirmed.

He assured the minister that the National Mosque and the wider Muslim community stood ready to support the initiative for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Earlier, Utsev called for greater collaboration between religious institutions and government agencies in advancing the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign.

He highlighted the Tinubu administration’s dedication to public health and sanitation, stressing their importance to food security and economic growth.

He explained that the campaign, first launched in 2019, was re-inaugurated under Vice President Kashim Shettima, who now chairs its steering committee.

Utsev noted that 142 local government areas had already been declared open defecation-free, with Jigawa being the only state to have fully achieved this status.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to extend this success nationwide.

The minister noted the influence of Imams and religious leaders in shaping public behaviour, emphasising the role of the Abuja National Mosque in spreading awareness.

“Through sermons, public teachings, and community engagement, the mosque can serve as a powerful platform to promote hygiene and sanitation practices across the country,” he stated.

He urged religious leaders to incorporate sanitation messages into their teachings, ensuring that worshippers understand the importance of hygiene and the dangers of open defecation.

He also called for mosques to lead by example by providing adequate and accessible toilet facilities, setting a standard for cleanliness within religious institutions.

“Beyond places of worship, we encourage individuals to take responsibility for sanitation in their homes and workplaces, fostering lasting behavioural change”.

Utsev thanked the Murshid, Imams, and staff of the National Mosque, as well as the media and other stakeholders, for their support in advancing the campaign.

He expressed confidence that, with unity, commitment, and action, Nigeria could achieve its goal of becoming open defecation-free by 2030.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Clean Nigeria Campaign seeks to end open defecation by promoting sanitation through community and government efforts. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Doris Esa

The Federal Government has pledged to continue sanitising the battery sector and enforcing best practices in line with globally accepted standards.

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, made the commitment while interacting with the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET) team.

The interaction took place on the sidelines of the International Conference on Upgrading the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Sector in the African Region, held in Abuja, Nigeria.

The event was organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), in collaboration with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), and supported by international partners.

The minister highlighted the unsound handling of used lead-acid batteries, particularly in the informal sector, where unregulated recyclers prioritised profit over environmental and health safety.

Lawal stated that the Nigerian government was already taking steps to formalise the sector.

“We will take all necessary steps to enforce best practices in the battery sector.

“This includes supporting recycling facilities that adhere to regulations and holding non-compliant ones accountable,” he said.

Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, thanked the German government for its support in standardising the battery recycling sector.

Barikor emphasised that PROBAMET had laid a solid foundation and urged African countries to build on it by encouraging investments in cleaner and more efficient recycling technologies to mitigate environmental and health hazards.

He further stated that this would strengthen the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, ensuring sustainable industry participation in battery waste management.

Barikor also called for enhanced regional cooperation to promote harmonised policies, facilitate cross-border knowledge exchange, and foster regulatory alignment across African nations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Alex Enebeli

The Enugu State Government has launched a climate policy and action plan to combat threats posed by climate change in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the “Enugu State Climate Policy, Climate Action Plan, and Climate Education Manual for Schools” aims to provide a comprehensive framework to mainstream climate change action in the state.

Speaking at the event, Gov. Peter Mbah reiterated his administration’s determination to ensure that environmental best standards are observed to address climate change issues.

He said since the climate issues remained real, there was need to develop a comprehensive solution.

Mbah, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the development partners that helped in actualising the climate action place and policy.

He also said the climate manual for students was important to create awareness on the dangers of climate change and need to protect their environment.

“For us to channel their intellectual level to productivity and growth, we must provide enabling environment, basic infrastructure to drive that growth and development.

“We have to do that in a responsible and environmentally friendly way, and this is why this manual is critically important to us as a government,” Mbah said.

He thanked the Africa Climate Foundation (ACF) and University of Bristol for their support.

The governor further advocated for attitudinal change from deforestation to forestation to mitigate effects of climate change.

He said the state government and lawmakers would work together to enact a law prohibiting illegal felling of trees.

Prof. Sam Ugwu, the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, described the event as a bold step toward securing a sustainable and Climate-resilient future for the state.

He said that climate change had become a global challenge which had consequential impact on livelihoods and ecosystems.

“It distorts national and sub-national socio-economic values and activities.

“The state’s new climate policy presents a comprehensive roadmap for integrating sustainability into every sector of the economy.

“It is a strategic framework designed to drive green investments, create thousands of jobs, and position Enugu as a leader in Nigeria’s low-carbon transition,” Ugwu said.

The Special Adviser to the governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, said Climate Smart Agriculture remained one of the ways to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.

The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, added that the government will inaugurate an implementing committee to execute the actions.

Also speaking, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, the Chief Field Officer, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Enugu, commended the state for its Smart Green School and the climate action and policy.

“One of our mandates is to ensure that children attain rights in all circumstances and context.

“So, UNICEF is a critical member of the table to ensure social protection of child rights in alliance with the climate change,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bukola Adetoyee/Chioma Ugboma

By Usman Aliyu

The Conservator of Park at Okomu National Park, Edo, Lawrence Osaze, says the partnership with the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, has helped in reducing illegal activities at the park.

Osaze made the assertion while speaking with journalists after a tour of facilities at the park situated in Okomu, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.

According to him, the collaboration has significantly curtailed illegal logging, poaching, and other harmful practices, thereby making the park more secure.

“The park is relatively peaceful, and logging activities are at the barest minimum.”

Osaze said that when he took over as conservator in Nov. 2022, illegal logging was a major challenge, adding that ANI’s intervention, including ranger training and recruitment, had improved security.

He said that the foundation had played a vital role in hiring volunteer rangers to support the National Park Service.

“We joined forces together, and the story today is entirely different,” Osaze told journalists.

Beyond security, he said the focus was now on community education, enlightenment, and empowerment.

“ANI Foundation is driving initiatives to provide alternative livelihoods for communities surrounding the park.

“We have had series of engagements with communities to gain their support. We are working to ensure they do not rely solely on forest resources for survival,” he explained.

He said that the foundation was invited to the partnership due to its success in the Gashaka Gumti National Park in Taraba and Adamawa States.

Peter Abanyam, ANI Foundation’s Project Manager for Okomu, highlighted the park’s biodiversity, calling it a “hotspot” for species like the endangered African Forest Elephant and White-Throated Monkey.

“Okomu is the primary home of the White-Throated Monkey.

“Aside from a small population in southwestern Nigeria, this park is where you find them in the world,” Abanyam disclosed.

According to him, the foundation’s goal is to make Africa’s wildlife a source of pride, proving that conservation can be sustainable and beneficial to local communities through private sector investment.

He said the foundation supported park protection, community engagement, and youth recruitment into the National Park Service.

He added that it also connected donors to development initiatives for communities near conservation areas.

Earlier at the Palace of the Iyase of Udo, Patrick Igbinidu, the traditional chief, pledged the continued support of the host community to the foundation and the national park.

He lauded the commitment of the partners to develop the area and empower the people through savings and loan initiatives. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker