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.

In response to the accusations made by the recently ousted Adamawa North Senator, Elisha Abbo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly distanced himself from any involvement in Abbo's removal by the Court of Appeal. Abpabio expressed his disbelief regarding Abbo's claims, asserting that he has no motive to engage in any form of witch-hunt against the ousted legislator.

After the Appeal Court's decision resulted in Abbo's removal, he openly accused Akpabio of orchestrating the legal action against him. Abbo went further to suggest that this was part of a broader plan targeting four additional senators who opposed the emergence of Akpabio as the Senate President, with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu being pointed out as Akpabio's purported next target.

In response to these allegations, Akpabio's stance remains clear. His Media Aide, Eseme Eyiboh, expressed the Senate President's viewpoint, stating that it is unfortunate for Abbo to make such claims, describing it as an attempt to find a scapegoat. Eyiboh further emphasized that the Court of Appeal's decisions are based on the provisions of the Electoral Act and the evidence presented by petitioners, with no room for any form of political vendetta or witch-hunting by the Senate President. This situation highlights the tensions and disputes within the political landscape and the need for clarity regarding the legal processes that led to Abbo's removal from office.

Nigeria's headline inflation witnessed a notable increase, surging by 0.90% to reach 26.72% in September, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest Consumer Price Index released on Monday. This uptick in inflation represents a rise from the August 2023 figure, which stood at 25.80%.

In a year-on-year comparison, the headline inflation rate for September 2023 was significantly elevated, marking a 5.94 percentage point increase from the rate recorded in September 2022, which stood at 20.77%. This reveals a substantial escalation in the headline inflation rate when comparing September 2023 to the same month in the preceding year, highlighting the challenges of rising prices.

Additionally, when considering a month-on-month perspective, the headline inflation rate for September 2023 amounted to 2.10%, reflecting a notable decrease of 1.08% from the rate recorded in August 2023, which was 3.18%. This signifies that in September 2023, the rate of price increase, on average, was lower than what was observed in the preceding month, August 2023. 

These inflation figures offer valuable insights into the economic landscape, reflecting the changes in the cost of living and the challenges of price stability faced by Nigeria, potentially affecting various aspects of the economy and the lives of its citizens.

In the wake of his removal from the position of Adamawa North Senator, Elisha Abbo has come forward with allegations suggesting that Senate President Godswill Akpabio played a role in influencing the recent Appeal Court decision that resulted in his ousting. Abbo, in response to the court's ruling, has asserted that not only himself but four other senators who opposed the ascent of Akpabio to the Senate Presidency are being systematically targeted for expulsion from the Senate through judicial means.

Abbo made these allegations during a recent interview with reporters in Abuja. While he did not specify the identities of the four other senators, he did single out Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from the APC representing Abia North as the next individual in line to face potential removal from the Senate. According to Abbo, the motives behind these actions appear to be their collective resistance to the emergence of Akpabio as the President of the 10th Senate.

In expressing his concerns about the court's judgment, Abbo described it as unconventional and emphasized the vital role of the judiciary as the last resort for the common man. This development stems from the Court of Appeal's recent decision, which nullified Abbo's election under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court's ruling upheld Amos Yohanna, who contested as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the duly elected legislator for the senatorial district. This situation has ignited significant discussions and concerns regarding the political landscape and the role of the judiciary in Nigeria's political affairs.

In Otukpo, Benue State, the Area Police Command has intervened to rescue a suspected kidnapper who was apprehended by local youths and vigilantes in Oglewu District, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

Reports indicate that the youths and vigilantes from Oglewu successfully apprehended a man who openly confessed to being involved in kidnapping activities around the Okwungaga Hill area. The man further agreed to lead the youths to his hideout.

However, before any further action could be taken, the police intervened and took the suspected kidnapper into custody while the local crowd was still in the process of questioning him.

In response to the police action, the local youths have initiated a protest in the area, demanding that the police release the apprehended suspect to them. As a form of demonstration, they have obstructed the Otukpo-Enugu Highway in Otukpo and are resolute in their demand for the release of the accused kidnapper, presumably for the purpose of administering vigilante-style justice.

This tense situation has led to the lighting of bonfires in the vicinity, and vehicular traffic on the busy highway has been disrupted due to the ongoing protest and demand by the local youths.

The Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources has initiated a demolition operation targeting illegal structures situated along the perimeter fence of Lagos State Model College, Meiran. The announcement of this action came from Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment, through an official statement on Monday.

The operation is being carried out by the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance Department of the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Wahab conveyed the intent behind this effort, stating, "Demolition of all illegal structures along the perimeter fence of Lagos State Model College, Meiran, Agbado, Oke-Odo LCDA, and environs today by the Monitoring Enforcement and Compliance Department of Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources."

This measure is aimed at addressing the issue of unauthorized structures in the vicinity of the school and ensuring compliance with regulations governing land use and property development in Lagos State.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken decisive action to address the presence of expired and substandard goods in Bauchi State, where products worth N7 million were destroyed. The SON Zonal Director for the Northeast Zone, Adamu Abba, led the effort to eliminate these items, underlining the organization's commitment to ensuring that only quality goods are available to consumers.

This coordinated operation was conducted in partnership with the Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency, with the utmost consideration for environmental sustainability in the disposal process. The primary goal was to safeguard the lives and property of citizens while protecting the environment.

The range of products destroyed encompassed various categories, including beverages, cosmetics, mayonnaise, peak milk, and agrochemicals, among others. Abba emphasized that the battle against substandard products is a collective responsibility, calling on the public to report any suspicious substandard products they encounter in the market to the SON office.

The Zonal Director praised the cooperation of traders and artisans associations, noting their proactive role in reporting expired products to the organization for appropriate action. Murtala Sa’ad, the state coordinator of SON, credited the success of the operation to the commitment and expertise demonstrated by SON personnel through their regular market surveys, which led to the discovery and seizure of expired, substandard, and unbranded products from various shops in Bauchi.

Sa’ad issued a stern warning to traders involved in unethical practices, emphasizing that the organization would relentlessly pursue offenders and ensure they face the full legal consequences of their actions. He also advised the public to always check for product expiry dates before using them to protect their health and well-being.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a series of appointments to bolster the operations of the Office of the President within the Media and Publicity Directorate. The appointments, which aim to enhance various aspects of the President's administration, were disclosed in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

The newly appointed individuals and their respective roles are as follows:

1. Mr. Fela Durotoye - Senior Special Assistant to the President for National Values & Social Justice.

2. Mr. Fredrick Nwabufo - Senior Special Assistant to the President for Public Engagement.

3. Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe - Senior Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Communications.

4. Mr. Aliyu Audu - Special Assistant to the President for Public Affairs.

5. Mr. Francis Adah Abah - Personal Assistant to the President for Special Duties.

Additionally, the President has granted approval for the secondment of Mrs. Linda Nwabuwa Akhigbe, who will serve as the Communications Adviser to the President of the ECOWAS Commission.

The statement emphasizes the President's expectation that all newly appointed individuals serving in the Media and Publicity Directorate uphold the highest standards of decorum and decency in their interactions with the public. Their collective mission is to advance the President's determined efforts to rejuvenate hope among Nigerians through a restructured economy and a unified society that addresses the diverse needs of all citizens.

Furthermore, the appointments align with Nigeria's federal character principle and underscore the importance of merit in the selection process, reflecting the President's commitment to equity and competence in his administration.

In a solemn verdict, Justice Ibironke Harrison of a Lagos High Court has handed down a death sentence by hanging to a police officer named Darambi Vandi. This severe judgment stems from the tragic shooting of Lagos-based lawyer Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, at Ajah Roundabout along the Lekki-Expressway in Lagos State.

The defendant, Darambi Vandi, faced prosecution led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo. The prosecution's case relied on the testimony of 11 witnesses, which included eight police officers. Additionally, two eyewitnesses and a pathologist were among the prosecution witnesses who provided crucial evidence in the case.

The court's decision to sentence Darambi Vandi to death underscores the gravity of the offense and serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions. It reflects the commitment of the justice system to uphold the law and ensure accountability in cases of violence and wrongdoing.