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Int’l Day Against Monoculture Tree Plantation: ERA, Women Demand Environmental Justice

Published

2 years ago

September 20, 2022

As part of activities to mark this year’s International Day Against Monoculture Tree Plantations, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, on Monday led some women impacted by industrial plantation expansion in Edo State to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State council, wherein they registered their displeasure against oil palm companies, whom, according to them (women), have subjected them to untold hardship.

International Day Against Monoculture Tree Plantations, is a day for organizations, networks and movements to celebrate resistance and raise their voices to demand, “Stop the Expansion of Monoculture Tree Plantations!.”

The “protest” by the women led by the Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Barr. Chima Williams, was codenamed Women Led Action Against Deforestation, Land-grabbing and Gender Rights Violations Associated with the Industrial Plantation Model, and was themed: ‘Women Rights are Human Rights. Plantations are not Forests.’

Speaking, the Executive Director, said ERA/FoEN is committed to protecting the Edo State environments and the rights of the citizens.

While stating that no individual including ERA/FoEN can single handedly do such work, The ED sought partnership from the NUJ and Edo State Government, saying with a collaborative efforts Edo environments and the rights of her citizens would be surely protected.

On her part, Rita Uwaka, Programme Manager, Forest & Biodiversity, ERA/FoEN, lamented the grave impacts of deforestation to the environment, saying “it affects men and women but it has more aggravated impact on women because they continue to be connected to food productions.”

Presenting their petition to the chairman, Edo NUJ, the aggrieved women under the auspices ‘Women Impacted by Industrial Plantation Expansion’, expressed worry over creation of policies and transfer of land without the engagement of women, saying it affects them and those that depend on them.

The petition which was read by Mrs. Gladys Osaghae, to the NUJ chairman on behalf of other women, called on the Edo State Government and the Federal Government to support and invest in communities and women-led solution such as agroecology which, according to them, support food production and local food economy.

The petition reads in part: “Stop new concession agreement that clears out forest at the detriment of women and those that fall under our care.

“Our forest is our life. Support the creation of economic livelihood alternatives for industrial plantation impacted women and their families.

“Enact legislative and regulatory reforms that strengthen women’s rights related to the expansion of industrial plantation.

“Join voices with women around Africa and the world to denounce any violation, abuse, intimidation, harassment and violence against women in the industrial plantation model across all communities territories,” the petition added.

Receiving the petition, the Edo NUJ chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, urged oil palm companies operating in the state to obey labour laws which state that a certain percentage of employment should be given to indigenes of the communities they operate, just as he called on the companies to obey rights of their host communities and stop any form of human rights violations.

Alenkhe, while thanking ERA/FoEN for taking such responsibility, called on other NGOs domiciled in the state to emulate ERA by standing for citizens rights.

Women who came under the auspices to deliver the petition were drawn from host communities such as Odiguetue, Obaretin, Aifesoba and Uroho among others.

Related Topics:Chima WILLIAMS ERA/FoEN Rita Uwaka

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‘Back To Sender’ – Nicki Minaj Throws Object Back To Fan On Stage [VIDEO]

Published

10 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

Nicki Minaj’s latest show has gone viral due to an unexpected incident that occured mid-show.

The rapper has been busy of late, making her way across North America on her eagerly anticipated Pink Friday 2 world tour.

So far, her performances have been nothing short of impressive, with the femcee delivering hit after hit. She’s also been joined by several celebrity guests like 50 Cent, Tyga, JT, and many more.

During a recent show, someone threw an object at her while she was performing “Starships.”

In a clip from the shocking moment, the object nearly hits her in the head. Luckily, it just missed her, though it did leave her visibly irritated.

Looking outraged, Nicki picked the item up off the ground and threw it back into the crowd.

It’s unclear what exactly the object was. It has also not been confirmed whether or not anybody was hit after the rapper threw it.

However, most fans agree that she was justified to throw the object back.

Watch video below.

https://x.com/WORLDSTAR/status/1782167433916145710?s=08

News

Edo Guber: Labour Party Faults INEC Final List

Published

11 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has faulted the final list as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC, in the final list released today, April 22, named Oluyinka Faith Alufohai as running mate to Olumide Akpata rather than Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, (SAN).

Recall that on the 19th of April, 2024, INFO DAILY reported that Labour Party governorship candidate in the September 21st gubernatorial election, Olumide Akpata dropped Oluyinka Faith Alufohai and picked Alhaji Asamah Yusuf Kadiri, SAN as his running mate.

A press statement signed by Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi, the state chairman of the party, and made available to newsmen in Benin City, assured party members and supporters that “this is simply a technical error”.

Comrade Ogbaloi, said, “Our team followed all necessary procedures and submitted Alhaji Kadiri’s name and credentials as the deputy governorship candidate, well within INEC’s stipulated window.

“Unfortunately, a technical glitch occurred at the end of the National Headquarters of our party during the submission process, resulting in the incorrect name appearing on the final list.

“We are currently actively engaged with INEC officials to rectify this issue immediately and our team has provided all requisite documentation demonstrating Alhaji Kadiri’s valid nomination. We have been following-up with INEC diligently, to ensure it updates its candidate list with the accurate information.

“We recognise the anxiety this error may cause, but urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their commitment to our party’s vision.

“Your unwavering support and activism have been invaluable thus far, and we need you to continue spreading awareness of our platform and championing the positive change we represent.

He further said: “The Labour Party is determined to contest the forthcoming September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship elections fairly and transparently.

“We should not allow this minor administrative hurdle to dampen our confidence or impede our momentum.

“Together, we shall overcome any obstacle, minor or major, as we continue our march towards restoring Edo State to its pride of place nationally.”

News

IGP Faults Creation Of State Police

Published

13 hours ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has faulted the state Police bill, stating that Nigeria is not mature for state police.

Egbetokun spoke on Monday at a national dialogue on state police organised by the Nigerian’s House of Representatives in Intercontinental Hotel, former Sheraton Hotel in Abuja

The theme of the dialogue is ‘Pathways to Peace: Re-imagining Policing in Nigeria’.

The IGP who was Represented by Ben Okolo, an assistant Inspector-General of Police, said Nigeria is not ready for a decentralised police force.

“It is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria police force that Nigeria is yet to mature for the establishment of state-controlled police,” he said.

According to him, “There have been renewed calls for the establishment of state police following an uptick in kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks across the country.

He said, “On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to explore the creation of state police, amid the spate of insecurity in the country.

“On February 20, a bill to establish state police passed second reading at the house of representatives.

The IGP said rather than create state police, the challenges mitigating against effective policing in Nigeria should be addressed.

He went further, listed some of the challenges as inadequate manpower, inadequate operational equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, communication equipment, drones, aerial surveillance cameras, security surveillance helicopters, armoured vehicles, and inadequate training of personnel.

State Police must be well funded if we must have them – Abdulsalam
He continued, “These challenges have impacted negatively on the performance of police personnel. He also said state police is open to abuse from powerful state governors.

The IGP also noted that, there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership. State governors could use the police force under their control for political or personal gain and compromise human rights and security,” he said.

“There would also be a conflict of jurisdiction.”

The IGP therefore proposed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) should be merged to become a department in the police.

“In view of this, the police leadership recommended the above instead of creating state police,” he said.

He said the recruitment of police personnel into the force should be increased by at least 30,000 annually to meet the minimum policing standard of the United Nations.

Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs

Egbetokun’s stance contrasted with that of Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, who backed the establishment of state police.

In his speech, the Minister of Police affairs, Sen. Gaidam, who spoke at the event, said a more decentralised police force will help tackle rising insecurity in the country.

“It is clearly imperative to come together to discuss this critical issues and work towards finding sustainable solutions that will ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

“As we gather here today our objective is clear, to explore ways and means of addressing these issues including the possibility of establishing the state police force to combat the crises. Am here to highlight the merits and challenges of implementing state police in Nigeria. I will emphasize that state police can enhance local exclusiveness.