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HOMEF @10: Environmental Activist Advocates Safer, Satisfactory Nigeria, Africa

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Nnimmo Bassey, the Executive Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has advocated a safe and satisfactory environment suitable for the progress of Nigerians and Africans in general.

He also demanded an end to “destructive extraction no matter the appeal of capital”, in Africa and in Nigeria in particular.

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The environmental activist who made the demands in Abuja at the 10th anniversary conference of HOMEF with the theme: ‘Advancing Environmental Justice in Africa’, lamented that Africa is facing multiple ecological challenges which, according to him, have resulted in the “actions of entities that have seen the continent as a sacrificial zone.”

While canvasing for collective effort in the fight against global warming as well as urgent shift from dependency on fossil fuels in Africa, the Executive Director demanded for “climate debt for centuries of ecological exploitation and harms.

READ ALSO: HOMEF Charges Speedy Clean Up Of Ogoniland, N’Delta

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According to him, Africans must request “remediation, restoration of all degraded territories and pay reparations to direct victims or their heirs.”

He said: “The collective action needed to tackle global warming has been reduced to puny nationally determined contributions that add up to nothing.

He added: “Rather than recognizing and paying a clear climate debt, we expend energy negotiating a loss and damage regime to be packaged as a humanitarian gesture. Pray, who negotiates what is offered as charity?”

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Bassey continued: “Today, Africa is facing multiple ecological challenges. All of these have resulted from the actions of entities that have seen the continent as a sacrificial zone.

READ ALSO: Need For Organic Delicacy Consumption Takes Centre Stage As HOMEF Holds Food Festival

“While the world has come to the conclusion that there must be an urgent shift from dependence on fossil fuels, we are seeing massive investments for the extraction of petroleum resources on the continent.”

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He added: “And we must say that this investment comes with related infrastructure for the export of these resources out of the continent in a crass colonial pattern. A mere 1 percent of the labour force in the extractive sector in Africa are Africans. A mere 5 percent of investment in the sector is in Africa. More than 85 percent of the infrastructure for fossil gas in the continent is for export purposes.”

The environmental activist lamented: “Extraction of critical minerals for renewable energy is done without prior consultation with and consent of our people.

“The continent’s environment is being degraded just as it has been with the extraction of oil/gas, gold, diamond, nickel, cobalt and other solid minerals. The array of solar panels and wind turbines could well become markers of crime scenes if precautionary measures are not taken now.”

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READ ALSO: HOMEF Partners US-based NGO, Announces 2023 ORA-A Fellowship 

The environmental activist therefore urged African countries to be committed to issuing an annual “State of Environment Report to lay out the situation of things in their territories”; recognition of “the rights of Mother Earth,” and to recognise the fact that “codify Ecocide as a crime akin to genocide, war crimes and other unusual crimes.”

On food security in the Africa continent, Bassey advocated support and promotion of food sovereignty including adoption of agroecology, and recognition of “our right to water, treat it as a public good, halt and reverse its privatization.”

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He also demanded for adoption and promotion of “African cultural tools and philosophies for holistic tackling of ecological challenges and for the healing and wellbeing of our peoples and communities.”

 

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PHOTOS: President Tinubu Receives Queen Mary Of Denmark At State House

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

The monarch, who paid a courtesy visit to the President, was welcomed at the President’s official residence within the State House.

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Queen Elizabeth was accompanied by the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Ole Bach Hansen.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, were present at the reception.

READ ALSO:ECOWAS Gets New Chairman As Tinubu’s Tenure Expires

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Following the reception, a closed-door meeting occurred, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark.

In a statement he signed and released vis his verified X page, President Tinubu said the conversation between him and the monarch was constructive and forward-thinking.

It was a distinct privilege to receive Her Majesty Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark today at the Aso Villa in Abuja. Together with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, we welcomed Her Majesty on this important visit to our country.

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“It was a distinct privilege to receive Her Majesty Queen Mary Elizabeth of Denmark today at the Aso Villa in Abuja. Together with the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, we welcomed Her Majesty on this important visit to our country.

READ ALSO:2027: Dead Souls Protesting Against Tinubu In Spirit Realm – Cleric

“Our conversation was warm, constructive, and forward-looking, grounded in mutual respect and the enduring ties between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Denmark. Her Majesty’s presence here stands as a mark of goodwill, shared values, and a renewed commitment to deeper cooperation across key areas,” the President said.

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President Tinubu expressed his government’s commitment to partnerships that open opportunities for Nigerians.

As a government, we remain committed to partnerships that uplift our people, open new opportunities for prosperity, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.

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53 Suspects Arrested Over Benue, Plateau Wedding Killings —  IGP Egbetokun

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday announced that 26 persons who actively participated in the killings in Yelwata Community, Benue State, on June 13, 2025, have been arrested.

Egbetokun said 47 people were confirmed to have been massacred during the attack, while 27 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

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He said two of the bandits who were part of the attackers had earlier been killed on the ill-fated day by police operatives when they attacked the police station in the community.

The IGP said, “As you will all recall, on June 13, 2025, between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., armed militias invaded Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, killing and maiming any soul on sight.

“The invaders rampaged and pillaged the community, setting several houses ablaze and maliciously destroying other properties and people’s means of livelihood.

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“It was a coordinated attack of terror against the community.

“In this senseless and barbaric attack, forty-seven (47) persons were confirmed killed, twenty-seven (27) persons sustained various degrees of injuries, and hundreds of others have been displaced but not dead.

“The police and other security agencies responded with adequate deployment of personnel and resources, including the deployment of tactical units and special forces, to restore confidence in the affected community and neighbouring communities.

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READ ALSO:Falana Slams Government Over Failure To Prosecute Suspected Killers In Benue

Also immediately deployed were detectives from our Intelligence Response Team (IRT), who swung into action, launching a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“I am pleased to inform you today that twenty-six (26) persons directly connected to this crime have so far been arrested and their weapons recovered.

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“On 19th June, two (2) prime suspects who were masterminds of the attack were apprehended from their hideout.

“This arrest led to the arrest of seven (7) other suspects on the following day, 20/06/2025, who were picked up from various locations where they had fled, hoping to evade justice.

“On 21st June, another key suspect in whose house the initial meetings to plan the attack were held was arrested.

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“On 22nd June, a major breakthrough was recorded with the arrest of eighteen (18) other suspects who directly took part in the killings.

“On 23rd June, our detectives recovered two (2) GPMG and eight (8) AK-47 rifles, which were part of the weapons used during the attack.

“All 28 suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to their individual and collective roles in the attack.

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READ ALSO:Benue Crisis: I’m Happy Nigerians Rebuked You – VDM Slams Billionaire Kiddwaya For Donation Appeal

As I speak, legal proceedings are being finalised, and they will be charged to court without delay.

“We will go after anyone—planner or executor—who attacks any community in Nigeria. We will leave no stone unturned until every single individual responsible for the killing of innocent Nigerians is arrested and brought to justice.

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Plateau

“Similarly, on 22nd June 2025, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Mangu, Plateau State, where a bus conveying passengers from Zaria was stopped and attacked by a mob.

“Tragically, nine (9) of the passengers were murdered, and three (3) sustained injuries before our teams could intervene and rescue the remaining twenty-two (22) victims.

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“So far, twenty-two (22) suspects have also been arrested in connection with this gruesome act of mob violence.

“They too will face the full wrath of the law in court.

“Again, yesterday (Monday), 23/06/2025, another ugly incident was recorded in Benue, where two (2) persons travelling in a truck were killed at Agan Area, North Bank, Makurdi.

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“Five (5) persons connected to the incident have so far been arrested and will also be made to face the full wrath of the law.

READ ALSO:Benue Killings: ‘This Is Genocide, Not A Dispute’, Tor Tiv Tells Tinubu

“Let me use this opportunity to issue a stern warning: jungle justice, mob action, and taking the law into your own hands have no place in a civilised society.

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“Every Nigerian has the right to life and a fair trial. We will not tolerate any individual or group who attempts to be judge, jury, and executioner.

“Those inciting violence and killing innocent Nigerians are warned to desist forthwith.

“The recent trend of reprisal killings—where innocent citizens are murdered in retaliation for crimes committed by others—is barbaric, senseless, and dangerous.

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“It does not bring justice. It only fuels further hatred, inflames tension, and perpetuates the cycle of violence.

“I want to unequivocally condemn the recent spate of violence across our nation.

“This is not who we are. Violence is not the answer. I call on all Nigerians—regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background—to choose peace, embrace dialogue, and work together for the unity and prosperity of our country.

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“I call on all communities across Nigeria to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative.

READ ALSO:Benue Massacre: David Mark Blows Hot, Says Self Maybe Last Option

“The security agents deployed to your communities are there to protect you. Work with them. Share information. Stay calm. Together, we will overcome these dark forces.

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“I must acknowledge that the breakthroughs we have recorded—both in Benue and Plateau States—would not have been possible without the strong collaboration and synergy among all security agencies.

“The Nigeria Police Force continues to work hand-in-hand with the military, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners in pursuit of one common goal: to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian citizen.

“Our commitment to inter-agency cooperation remains firm and unshaken.

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“I wish to thank Mr. President for providing the required support that facilitated the speedy arrest of the perpetrators of the Benue and Plateau massacres.

“I thank the Nigerian people for their continued cooperation. Your support strengthens our resolve. As we move forward, we appeal for even greater collaboration as we work tirelessly to rebuild trust, restore order, and ensure lasting peace across our dear country.”
(VANGUARD)

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Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

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The Lagos State Government has released a diversion plan ahead of repair of the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge which will take 110 days.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

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Osiyemi said that the repair postponed earlier would begin from June 28 and end on Oct. 15.

The commissioner said that the repair was expected to be carried out in eight phases on both lanes.

READ ALSO:95% Of Fever Cases In Lagos Not Malaria – Commissioner

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The first to fourth phases, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere, will commence from Saturday, June 28 and end on Saturday, Aug. 16 (50 days).

“Phases five to eight, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako inbound Oworoshoki, will be fixed between Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 5 (51 days),” he said.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes during the partial closure of the bridge for the repair.

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“Alternative routes for phase one: Motorists from Iyana Oworo will go through Gbagada to connect Anthony to access Ikorodu Road after which they will have free movement to their desired destinations.

READ ALSO: Scandal: Convicted Inmate Caught Processing Passport, Visa In Lagos

“One lane will be used near work area (50m before and after).

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“For alternative routes for phase two, motorists from Eko Bridge will go through Funsho Williams Avenue to connect Ikorodu Road,” he said.

Osiyemi gave the assurance that officers of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be on ground to minimise inconveniences and manage traffic on the routes.

Motorists are implored to be patient during the partial closure of the bridge (50m before and after repair site).”

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(NAN)

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