By Olatunde Ajayi

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 amounts 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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Moses Solanke

By Ahmed Abba

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.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nabilu Balarabe/ Gabriel Yough

By Tosin Kolade

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 also 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 in 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.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje/Bashir Rabe Mani

By Nefishetu Yakubu

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. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

By Aderogba George/Philomina Attah

The Justice, Development and Peace Caritas Initiative (JDPCI), Abuja, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has advocated forest preservation to mitigate the effect of climate change.

Mr Josephat Abaagu, the JDPCI Chairman, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday to commemorate the 2024 World Environment Day celebrated annually on June 5.

Abaagu expressed dissatisfaction at the rate forests were being destroyed, noting that forest reserves that used to exist in the country in the past are no longer there.

He urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to revive the tree planting project which used to exist in the FCT in the past to beautify and safeguard the environment.

According to him, the 2024 World Environment Day theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’, offers the initiative an opportunity to call on everyone to rise to the challenge of protecting the environment.

He said that the JDPCI between 2023 and 2024 embarked on a tree planting campaign and had planted over 10,000 economic trees.

The chairman said that the tree planting would not only contribute to environmental restoration and biodiversity, but provide economic benefits to local communities.

He said the tree planting campaign would enhance carbon sequestration, combat soil erosion, and foster a healthier ecosystem.

“If you talk about the Savannah region here and the Sahel area, the far north, and even parts of the south, you won’t see any forest again; the trees have all been cut down.

“The kind of logging that happens in this country is terrible.

“By integrating environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, we embody the holistic approach advocated by the Holy Father, Pope Father Francis.

“Furthermore, I am thrilled to highlight the recent launch of the JDPCI Laudato Si’ Briquette Factory and safe energy cooking stoves in April 2024.

“This innovative project which was inaugurated by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius A. Kaigama, represents a significant step in our efforts to mitigate climate change.

“The factory produces eco-friendly briquettes from agricultural waste like sawdust and rice husks, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wood and charcoal.

“This not only reduces deforestation and carbon emissions but also provides a cleaner and more affordable energy source for households,’ he said.

Mr Chukwuedozie Abazie, an official of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, also reiterated the need for individuals to pay more attention to their immediate environment.

“The theme of the 2024 World Environment Day is a wake-up call on individuals to pay more attention to how they live their lives within their immediate environment,” Abazie said.

He said that individuals must take a lot of seriousness on tree planting.

Rev. Fr. Solomon Uko, Executive Director, JDPCI, also urged the FCT Minister to take a clue from the Catholic Diocese of Abuja and resuscitate tree planting in the FCT.

Uko said that there was a need to mitigate the effect of erosion in the FCT, with lot of buildings springing up in the area.

He also decried the effect of poor waste disposal in the FCT, stressing that could cause air pollution, if not properly managed.

“We have the rainy season here, and we know what that means, so it is a call for us as human beings to take care of the earth.

“We have been given that special task by God Himself and the priests always like to reflect in the scripture.

“In Genesis Chapter 1, Verse 28, the Lord created man and gave us that commission, be fruitful, multiply and take care of the earth.

“We are not owners, we are stewards. So, we have been given that responsibility of taking care of our earth, so, I urge the government and individuals to promote this task of taking care of our environment,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Raji Rasak/ Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Foundation on Wednesday sensitised students of Badagry Senior Secondary School on tree planting to mark the World Environment Day.

Speaking at the programme, Mrs Henrietta Obioma-Igwe, Manager, Programme and Development of the foundation, said tree planting and conservation efforts were key to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, and aims at raising awareness and celebrating environmental action, with a focus this year on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.

“Tree planting minimises or prevents the environmental challenges impacting on our environment and survival.

“Trees provide shade, cool the air through transpiration, and block winds, regulating local climates.

“Trees produce oxygen, which is essential for human and animal life.

“Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to prevent climate change,” she said.

She said that the foundation had chosen Badagry because it is a border community, adding that the town is a point of contact to anybody coming into the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the programme the foundation planted 70 trees in Badagry Senior Secondary School.

Mr Kenneth Adeoni, Principal of the school, expressed delight at the sensitisation brought to the students.

“Now, we are happy because the sensitisation is for the children who are the leaders of tomorrow.

“This has gone a long way to let them understand that we need to protect our environment for tomorrow.

“The sensitisation has gone a long way to let them understand that we need to protect our environment with the issues of climate,” he said.

The principal urged Nigerians to protect their environment by planting trees.

“To protect our environment, we need to plant tress consistently and for the fact that we have planted trees, we also need to nurture them very well.

“This sensitisation will help the students to understand environment through tree planting,” he said.

He commended the foundation for its consistency in piloting the programme, adding that the programme is impacting in the lives of the students.

Adeoni promised to ensure all the 70 trees planted in the school are all well nurtured.

Also speaking, Miss Mautin Tunde, Assistant Chief Education Officer, District 5, said the major challenge facing the world was climate change.

“The only solution to this is by planting trees.

“I will implore the teachers and students of the school to ensure they sustain the trees NNPC foundation planted here today.

“I will urge them to sustain and nurture them to grow because this is the only way to save lives,” she said.

A student, Olanrewaju Olawoyin, said the programme had taught him that planting trees was of utmost benefit to mankind. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Tosin Kolade

The Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), has pledged to support tiers of government in holding political leaders accountable for improving access to potable water and sanitation services.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Benson Attah, said this at the opening of the sub-national stakeholders’ webinar on ‘Vote 4WASH Campaign’ advocacy efforts and progress on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the meeting is aimed at tracking political stakeholders’ commitment towards improving access to potable water and sanitation in the country.

He said the WASH Charter of Demand highlighted the need for budgetary allocations, institutional strengthening and political will in the sector.

Attah said there was a need for prioritising WASH in the political agenda at all levels and to make WASH everyone’s business.

“Today’s meeting is to enable us review the vote for WASH campaign to see how we’ve been able to engage political stakeholders to support WASH implementation in the country.

“We cannot overemphasise the role of access to potable water and sanitation in the country, undermining WASH services in the country affects human development outcomes,“he said.

Attah urged selected states and their coordinators to continue to work with key stakeholders through advocacy efforts to ensure WASH prioritisation.

Ms. Bibian Ama from the NEWSAN secretariat, urged states to improve on their efforts as the Programme had a timeline that was running out and the need for progress to be made.

Mr Musa Buba, Managing Director of Taraba Water Agency and Sewerage Corporation (TAWASCO), commended the efforts of NEWSAN in promoting advocacy for sustainable water and sanitation services in the country.

He said access to WASH cannot be overemphasised by anyone as it is central to sustainable development at all times.

Buba said the agency would continue to support the CSOs in the state for a cleaner and healthier environment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that five states of Osun, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau and Jigawa had representatives who spoke about advocacy efforts with commitment to do more in the coming days. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh