The Nigerian government has been called upon to enforce existing anti-ozone layer depletion laws and support the use of clean energy technologies.

Stakeholders, who made the call in Benin City on Tuesday at the commemoration of the 2025 International Ozone Day celebration with the theme: ‘From Science to Global Action,’ lamented that Borno, Rivers, Abuja and Lagos are the worst hit states by radiation from the Ozone layer.

The 2025 International Ozone Day celebration was organised by Save The Ozone Nigeria in collaboration with the Federal and State Ministries of Environment and the National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE) situated at the University of Benin City.

In his opening address, the chairman of the event, Professor Anthony Ogbeibu, said Nigeria must sustain its policies on the ozone layer because “recent scientific research shows that Ozone depletion and exposure to erythemal UV radiation (EUVR), affect Nigeria more than many places. So we are not isolated from this global threat.”

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He added: “It is documented that in Borno, Rivers, Abuja and Lagos, UV radiation often reaches very high extreme levels in the midday, especially in the dry and early rainy seasons. Even a short exposure with no protection can have harmful effects.”

Ogbeibu, who advocated for enlightenment on UV risks and protective behaviours, added: “We must support clean technologies by enforcing existing laws more strictly and ensuring that ozone-depleting substances are not imported or used illegally.”

In his keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who was represented by Osagie Edomwandagbon said the Nigerian government has been carrying out a lot of sensitization on the protection of the ozone layer through various policy formulations and implementations.

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On his part, the Acting Director of the NCEE, Dr. Emmanuel Ogbomida said the Energy Commission of Nigeria and its specialised research centres have been supporting the global mission to protect the ozone layer.

“Then the Ozone hole is shrinking and experts project that the ozone layer will return to pre-1980slevel between 2060 and 2070. However, this could only be achieved by not allowing complacency in the efforts at protecting the ozone layer.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director and Founder of Save The Ozone, Nigeria, Ozaveshe Balogun commended participants, saying the annual event was as a result of the Montreal Protocol that gave a clear global definition to the protection of the environment.

The Bauchi state Universal Basic Education (BASUBEB) has called on all contractors that would be handling the construction of school projects in the state to also plant trees while making the foundations.

Mr Rabiu Usman, Director, School Services, BASUBEB made the call on the sideline of the 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention contract bid opening ceremony on Wednesday in Bauchi.

“A School needs to be a conducive environment for learning and one of the things that make a school to be a conducive environment is tree planting.

“It controls a lot of things and in fact in schools now, we are even trying to have a club that we call climate change club which involves planting trees.

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“I asked all the contractors to at least see it as very important and to plant trees immediately they start the foundation so that as they are building, the trees will be growing.

“Before the end of the project, we would have achieved what we wanted to achieve,” he said.

Also speaking during the ceremony, Alh. Adamu Muhammad, the Executive Chairman, BASUBEB said that the aim of the ceremony was to improve the overall process of project execution, create awareness, ensure transparency and due diligence in the year’s projects.

Represented by Abdulhamid Jibrin, the Permanent Secretary, BASUBEB, the Chairman lauded Gov. Bala Mohammed and the Executive Secretary of UBEC for providing the counterpart funds as at when due for project execution in the state.

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“I believe that today’s occasion aims at observing due process in the project execution and to educate stakeholders on its significance that will cut across all the nooks and crannies of the state in line with the governor’s policy to provide a befitting teaching and learning environment in the state.

“To our bidders, I trust you know very well that some among you will be successful while others may not, I therefore, call on all and sundry to exhibit a sense of maturity and exercise patience as we are committed to ensuring fairness and justice to all.

“For those who will win the contract, you are strongly advised to comply with the contract specifications in the discharge of your work.

“We are not going to compromise standards in any way, you are therefore advised to avoid violating the contract agreement throughout the period of the work,” he said.

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According to him, the education sector was receiving the desirable attention, as the present administration was determined to ensure that schools have a new look with skillful and well-groomed teachers concurrently.

Mr Adamu Abdullahi, Director, Physical Planning, BASUBEB, lauded the turn out of bidders, adding that it showed their zeal and commitment in providing timely and quality work that could stand the test of time.

This, he said, would move the Basic Education sub-sector to greater and more enviable heights in the state.

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs for fresh graduates through its 2025/2026 Graduate Trainee Programme.

According to the airline, this development comes as a direct response to the Federal Government’s recent suspension of the 4 per cent Free on Board levy on imported goods.

The FOB levy caused outcry among manufacturers, importers, and customs agents over claims that the new levy would worsen inflation in the country.

The Minister of Finance and Cordinating Minister for Economy, Wale Edun, agreed that the levy, introduced by Customs, posed risks to trade facilitation, economic stability, and Nigeria’s business climate.

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Edun explained that the suspension followed widespread concerns raised by manufacturers, importers, and clearing agents, who argued that the levy would worsen inflation, erode trade competitiveness, and dampen the investment climate.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, who announced the initiative through a statement on Wednesday, commended President Bola Tinubu and Edun for their responsive leadership in addressing the concerns of stakeholders across critical sectors in the country.

The airline’s boss said, “This suspension is a lifeline for the aviation industry. It removes a heavy burden that could have crippled airlines and triggered massive job losses. In turn, Air Peace is reciprocating this kind gesture by creating 1,000 fresh graduate jobs for young Nigerians.”

Onyema further highlighted that the move exemplifies how government-private sector synergy can drive meaningful economic impact.

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“If further supportive measures like this come from the Federal Government, I can assure you that thousands more jobs will be created in the aviation sector. This is how partnerships can transform a nation.” He added.

Explaining the employment opportunity, Onyema said the Graduate Trainee Programme is aimed at equipping young Nigerian graduates with essential skills, mentorship, and practical exposure to thrive in aviation and related industries.

He stated, “It serves as a strategic pipeline for building a competent, future-ready workforce to support the continued growth of the sector.”

To be qualified for the programme, Air Peace said applicants must be “30 years old or younger at the time of application with a minimum of Second Class Lower (2:2) in any discipline from a recognised university.

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Air Peace said, “The candidate must also be in possession of a NYSC discharge certificate, exclusion, or exemption letter and must demonstrate passion, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn.

“Interested applicants can apply through https://flyairpeace.com/graduate-trainee-program/. Alternatively, candidates may scan the QR code on the official programme flier.

“The application closes September 30, 2025.”