The Federal Government has called on stakeholders in the nation’s environment sector to come up with adequate strategies to address hazards posed by climate change in the country.

The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Mahmud Kambari made the call at a meeting of the technical committee on the review and update of the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy held in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the benefit of having the policy reviewed and updated for the nation is quite immense, he said it would assist in the reduction of loss and damages due to erosion and flooding.

He said: “The capacity of Government organs to respond to these concerns would be enhanced, I want to assure you that the Ministry reposes great confidence in this pool of experts to give the nation superlative results, it is, therefore, my pleasure to declare this Technical Committee meeting open and wish you fruitful deliberations.”

He revealed that: “The Federal Ministry of Environment in its bid to address the twin issues of erosion and flood developed the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (NEFCOP) in 2005. The document was, approved by the Federal Executive Council and launched by President Olusegun Obasanjo.”

The Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department, Federal Ministry of Environment. Mr Etigbue Dilichukwu said the revisiting and mainstreaming relevant policies into Nigeria’s national adaptation plan is of utmost importance.

Dilichukwu noted that the potential benefits of having a comprehensive and up-to-date policy in this area are enormous, not only in reducing loss and damages but also in enhancing the country’s institutional framework and capacity to effectively respond to environmental concerns.

“On behalf of the Ministry, we extend our gratitude to our Partners and Collaborators for their unwavering support in tackling environmental challenges, with your continued collaboration as we strive to drive the implementation of a robust NEFCOP that will effectively address current and future challenges related to erosion and flooding.”

He however called for an open exchange of ideas and perspectives to work towards a stronger and more environmentally resilient Nigeria.

The National Project Coordinator ACreSAL, Mr Abdulhamid Umar said the project is working to permanently end the issues of flooding in Nigeria.
“Issues surrounding flood control and coastal challenges in this country are very, central to reasons why the World Bank hasn’t found it necessary, to intervene by making a very handsome amount delegated to the implementation of this project,” he said.
He further said that the Agencies of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project will support the implementation of all the policies that would be reached at the technical session.

Umar said the government must ensure compliance and penalties for people who illegally destroyed structures and infrastructures that are supposed to help in controlling flood hazards.

The National Erosion and Flood Control Policy and its associated documents (National Erosion and Flood Control Action Plan and the Technical Guidelines) were developed by the Ministry of Environment, approved and adopted by both FEC and NEC in 2005. It would address the widespread hazards of erosion and flood which had led to devastating loss of lives, properties, productive agricultural lands, pollution of water resources and sedimentation of rivers.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to achieving peace, not just in Imo State but throughout Nigeria.

He stated that if our society is to progress, we must remain committed to peace and harmony.

The Governor met with the Ihube Peace Committee in his office on Tuesday to discuss restoring peace and harmony in Imo State and Nigeria.

Governor Uzodimma acknowledged Imo State’s setback as a result of insecurity in the Ihube area of Okigwe and promised ongoing collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders to achieve the desired peace and harmony.

He thanked the Ihube Peace Committee, led by the Emeritus Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Dr Sunday Uche, for their visit and interest in the government’s efforts to achieve long-term peace and harmony in their area.

Earlier, Rev Uche told the Governor that they, along with other well-meaning members of the public, were committed to ensuring peace in all parts of Imo State and Nigeria in order for sustainable development to thrive.

He thanked the Governor for providing quality leadership in Imo State and urged him to do everything in his power, including working with leaders and stakeholders, to ensure peace in Imo State and beyond.

In a related development, Governor Uzodimma has advised Imo State’s youths, and by extension the entire country, to pursue their dreams relentlessly and passionately.

The Governor gave the advice Monday night in his office at Government House Owerri, where he was joined by Miss Angel Obinwanne, an Imo State native and first runner-up at the recent Teen Queen Nigeria 2024 Pageant held in Sapele, Delta State.

Governor Uzodimma congratulated Miss Angel, a Food Science Technology student at Imo State University in Owerri, for having the courage to pursue her passion, and used the occasion to encourage young people in general to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

Governor Uzodimma stated, “It brings me immense joy to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Miss Angel Obinwanne.”

on her remarkable achievement as the first Princess in the Teen Queen Nigeria 2024 Beauty Pageant. Your commitment and talent have truly shined through.

“My administration is still committed to developing the potential of every Imo citizen, and your victory is a testament to our collective efforts, with your triumph serving as an inspiration to fellow youths, reminding them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

“I encourage you to keep blazing your path with passion and determination. Remember that with perseverance and resilience, you will undoubtedly reach greater heights. The State Government is fully behind you, ready to help you achieve excellence in all of your future endeavours.

“Congratulations once more.”

Miss Angel, who was accompanied by her mother and aunty, thanked Governor Uzodimma for supporting her dream when she expressed an interest in participating in the contest.

She stated that she was delighted to return to the Governor with her heart full of gratitude for his encouragement and to reassure him of her determination to make Imo State proud whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, Commissioner-designate, Mbadiwe Emelumba, and others joined the Governor in receiving the beauty queen.

Dr. Agnes Asagbra, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), stated that the agency is ready to upgrade its technology to maintain its position as the continent’s leading biosafety and biotechnology regulatory authority.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Asagbra said, “Nigeria’s biosafety processes are on par, if not ahead of, those in other African countries such as Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa.” Our agency has received international recognition for its strong regulatory framework, which serves as a model for biosafety and biotechnology regulation throughout the continent.

“These countries have strong biosafety regulations, but our biosafety system continues to rank high due to the high international standards that are met. Kenya, for example, has been at the forefront of African GMO research and commercialization, with the National Biosafety Authority approving Bt cotton’s environmental release. Similarly, South Africa has been growing genetically modified crops since 1997 and has a well-developed regulatory system.”

She stated, “We are the best in Africa, but we are not going to rest on our laurels.” We want to upgrade our technology to remain competitive.”

She explained, “The Nigerian Biosafety Law is more than just legislation; it is a commitment to the country’s long-term viability.” It ensures that Nigeria uses modern biotechnology responsibly, with the utmost concern for the health of its people and the environment.

Asagbra encouraged, “Let us embrace advances in safe modern biotechnology with an informed perspective.” Let us put our trust in the rigorous procedures in place to keep us all safe. Together, we can work towards a future in which food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth coexist.”

She stated that the establishment of the NBMA has resulted in the development of international biosafety frameworks, such as a GMO detection and analysis laboratory, national biosafety policies, and regulatory instruments, emphasising that “these measures have positioned Nigeria as a leader in biosafety regulation in Africa, influencing other countries’ biosafety practices.”