Concerned about the looming threats of environmental pollution and its impact on human well-being, a gathering of experts convened in Ogun State on Wednesday to brainstorm solutions to this pressing issue. The 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture (NILH) took place at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where experts not only discussed potential remedies but also sought legislative support for a bill mandating landlords to plant trees on their properties.

Delivering the keynote address under the theme "Urban Greenery and Beautification as a Strategy for Control of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change," Dr. Elizabeth Augustus, the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, highlighted the urgent need for green solutions to combat environmental pollution. Dr. Augustus emphasized the far-reaching consequences of pollution, encompassing climate change, water and soil contamination, and its detrimental effects on aquatic life, agriculture, and wildlife, all of which ultimately impact human health.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory issues, and increased hospitalization rates were identified as major health concerns associated with pollution. Dr. Augustus proposed a strategic approach to environmental control, advocating for greenery and beautification as crucial interventions. She underscored the significant role of plants in the global carbon cycle and their potential for climate change mitigation. Dr. Augustus also highlighted the importance of phytoremediation, a plant-based method aimed at extracting pollutants from the soil and restoring fertility.

President of NILH, Kola Quadri, called on the National Assembly to pass legislation mandating homeowners to plant at least one tree on their premises as a proactive measure against climate change. Quadri stressed that climate change is a global issue, and implementing such laws would contribute to environmental preservation. Similarly, Emmanuel Bankole, the Ogun State chairman of the institute, emphasized the significance of the program in raising awareness among policymakers about the effects of climate change. Bankole expressed the institute's commitment to collaborating with governments at all levels to mitigate global warming and preserve the environment for future generations.

Renowned singer Charles Chibuezechukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has shared a piece of advice with his fellow artists and creatives, cautioning them against the misconception that abusing illicit substances can enhance their creativity. According to Crayon, genuine talent is the source of creative inspiration, and the use of weed or other drugs won't magically bestow creativity upon those lacking inherent artistic abilities.

The 'Ngozi' crooner emphatically urged his colleagues to abstain from any form of substance abuse. Taking to his social media handle, Crayon stated, "The biggest lie na say igbo/weed/drugs dey bring inspiration, lol. Na the biggest lie, bros. You get talent, you get talent, if you no sabi, you no sabi, if you like smoke one bag of Igbo, shishi you no vibe! Don’t be deceived. Please, say no to drugs!"

Crayon's advice stems from his personal journey, as he recently disclosed his past struggles with substance addiction. It was Mavin Records producer and Blowtime Imprint CEO, Babyfresh, who discovered Crayon's talent and advised him to break free from the grip of illicit substances. The artist has since embraced a drug-free lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of authentic talent over substance-induced creativity.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State is taking his case to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict of the Appeal Court, which had earlier removed him from office. The Appeal Court had ruled against Yusuf, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), citing his ineligibility to contest, and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the governorship election in the state.

The aftermath of the Appeal Court's decision has been marked by uncertainty and confusion, particularly regarding the judgment that ousted Yusuf. The court has directed concerned lawyers to return certified true copies of its judgment for necessary corrections.

The basis of the Appeal Court's ruling was the determination that Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP during the election. However, the certified true copies of the judgment have added to the perplexity, as they seemingly suggest the court upheld Yusuf's victory. The discrepancies in the documents have contributed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal proceedings and the political landscape in Kano State.

The inhabitants of Ugborodo Community in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State took a decisive step on Wednesday by erecting the shrine of a formidable deity in front of the Chevron Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) facility. This unusual action serves as a potent symbol of the community's discontent with Chevron's perceived failure to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Protesters, wielding placards and forming a blockade at the facility's entrance, clarified that the idol, named "Ogbejugbele," posed no threat to Chevron staff. Instead, its presence was intended as a symbolic manifestation of ancestral displeasure towards the company.

Undeterred, the demonstrators declared their resolve to remain within Chevron's facilities until the federal government intervenes and compels the multinational corporation to address their grievances. Among their 41 demands, the protestors specifically called for Chevron to adhere to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Ikpere Host Community PIA, as stipulated by the National Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURPC). Additionally, they demanded employment opportunities for the youth and residents of Ugborodo and Itsekiri descent.

In a conversation with reporters, Helen Uremure, a prominent woman leader in the community, elucidated that the protest was a response to Chevron's failure in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities to Ugborodo. Expressing frustration, she highlighted the lack of tangible benefits from Chevron's presence over the past six decades, emphasizing the absence of employment opportunities and contracts.

According to Uremure, Chevron's reluctance to convert qualified graduates from the community into substantive roles has left many relegated to menial labor. Julie Iwetan, another community member, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the prevailing hunger and hardship faced by Ugborodo residents.

Youth representative Ukueyinden Ajuetsi underscored the community's dire need for basic amenities such as clean water and electricity, lamenting the absence of employment opportunities. Joseph Ireyefoju, a community leader, decried Chevron's hiring practices during ongoing maintenance work, alleging a disregard for the local content law.

Augustine Iyinbo, one of the leaders of the peaceful protest, affirmed their unwavering stance, stating, "We will not leave until they (Chevron) do the needful." The demonstration serves as a potent expression of the community's frustration and determination to secure their rights and well-being from the oil multinational.

The Senate declared its determination to ensure the dismissal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and other top executives. This stern stance stems from the alleged misappropriation of N12 trillion on the turn-around maintenance (TAM) of the country's non-functional refineries.

Highlighting the alarming financial figures, the Senate Ad hoc Committee disclosed records of over $592 million, €4.8 million, and £3.4 million expended on TAM from 2010 to 2023. Despite this significant expenditure, the refineries continue to operate below capacity, prompting the committee to demand accountability.

During an interactive session with the management of NNPCL and other oil sector executives, the Senate Ad hoc Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of chief executive officers from agencies, including NNPCL, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and their subsidiaries. The committee issued a warning of potential dismissal and prosecution for those failing to comply.

Senator Isa Jibrin, the committee chairman, emphasized the need to address operational inefficiencies and financial leakages within the refineries. He announced the committee's intention to seek refunds and dismissals of executives involved in the turn-around maintenance. Expressing concern about operational expenses of N4.8 trillion between 2010 and 2020 on non-functioning facilities, Senator Jibrin demanded explanations for such expenditures.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi underscored the seriousness of the matter and insisted that representatives should inform their chief executives to appear in person. Senator Sumaila Kawu emphasized the legislative duty to represent the people and urged respect for the Constitution. Senator Danjuma Goje clarified that the committee requires direct engagement with heads or chief executives rather than their representatives.

The committee set a deadline until Tuesday for the submission of documents by the agencies. Further meetings are planned to discuss the documents and provide the chief executives with an opportunity to address the Senate directly.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is intensifying efforts to combat currency hoarding and speculation, which are believed to contribute to the depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies. Speculators and hoarders, identified as undermining government initiatives to stabilize the naira, face increased scrutiny. Recent positive strides in naira appreciation were marred by a subsequent decline, prompting suspicions of artificial market manipulation through speculation and hoarding.

While many Nigerians celebrated the previous naira appreciation, speculators and hoarders incurred losses, leading to suspicions that powerful entities, including politically exposed persons involved in foreign exchange round-tripping, are resisting government measures. The CBN, armed with intelligence, is poised to launch a campaign targeting these individuals, aiming to decisively address their disruptive activities.

A source within the CBN, speaking anonymously, revealed the central bank's determination to counteract the pushback from speculators and traders. The CBN plans to initiate a robust campaign against these disruptive forces to preserve the recent gains made in stabilizing the naira. Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), emphasized the CBN's readiness to inflict consequences on currency speculators, emphasizing the risks associated with attempting to manipulate the naira against its recent positive trajectory. 

The CBN's multifaceted approach includes measures such as dollar liquidity injection and naira mopping through interest rate hikes. The market is cautioned against further attacks on the naira, as the CBN remains well-equipped to safeguard its recent successes.