DW west Africa correspondent Emerge science and environmental journalist of the year 2022 with double awards

African institute of waste management and environmental studies has awarded ibrahima yakubu senior correspondent of German international radio (Deutsche welle) Hausa with an honor for the outstanding sacrifice towards reportage relating to science, climate change,tropical disease , environmental degradation and the efforts to protection marine species against going extinction due to human irrational activities of dumping all sort of trash and garbage into the river.

According to the registrar of the institute Dr Ahmed lateef Tayo the institute deems it fit to honored the recipient for daily reportage on issues related science and environment

The One Day Science conference which draw journalist, climatologists,geologist and environmentalist from various universities , states and tertiary institutes has gotten large number of attendance.

Ibrahima won the Science and environmental Journalist of the year award for writing series of reportage and news items category with the story titled “saving the lives of millions aquatic marine against massive
tons of hazardous plastic waste pollution in ocean “

The register note that Excellence in media reportage on science, climate change and environmental degradation attracted the institute attention to award him with such an honor

Stressing that Ibrahima is awarded for the outstanding science and environmental reporting and this is the first time the institute is recognizing the activities of an exceptional journalist with an outstanding performance in african countries

He said solutions journalism is a reporting that focuses on possible responses to societal problems, evaluating how well they work and what others can learn from them.

Addressing participants during the awards ceremony at Gusau institute in kaduna state north western Nigeria , the director African climate reporters Mr Nurudden bello stressed the need for the importance of science journalism amids of pandemic era bedevilling peace stability among mankind.

He appealed to all African journalist to embrace the fundamentals of development journalism and eschew misinformation at all time.while encouraged them to be focusing on climate journalism like their counterparts in developed countries.

Adding that the world is changing, so also news diseases are spreading such as zoonocies and other tropical diseases that is affecting human, animal and other living organism in the environment.

Ibrahima yakubu who is the recipient of the award says (My job every day is to learn something new in science)

Science Journalism continues play an important role in bringing science to a wider audience in a way that may be more accessible and understandable

He called on all the journalists to embrace solutions journalism

Adding that The Solutions Journalism Network is leading a systems-level change in journalism so that all people have access to news that helps them envision and build a more equitable and sustainable world. And no issue is more in need of solutions reporting than climate.

He said, Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. So how can journalists incorporate solutions into their reporting – and is this even the right thing to do

He said, Solutions journalism is an approach to news reporting that focuses on the responses to social issues as well as the problems themselves. Solutions stories, anchored in credible evidence, explain how and why responses are working, or not working.

While appealing to all African journalists to embrace Constructive and creative Journalism and writing

“science journalists across the globe plays an important role to our work in global development and sustainability.”

Some of the science award recipient include

1-Alhaji Shehu Usman Yunusa. the founder of integrated recycling Company in kaduna kaduna ,who recycle ton of waste for domestic object for useful in the environment

2-mallam Yahaya Ahmed,
The founder, developmental association of renewable energy (DARE) in kaduna , who constructed the first bottle house in West Africa kaduna Nigeria.

3-Margaret Kwa’ada Julius.
The founder of an Ngo,
the eye opener kaduna .
She is 2 times W. H. O world no tobacco Day in Africa.

4- Dr yusuf nadabo ,former head of department
Human anatomy ,kaduna state university
The patron African climate reporters
.
He has been making series of research and paper presentations on various ways to protect animals and other species against going extinction due to human irrational activities

5-Ashafa abdullahi.
Former vice chancellor
Kaduna state university
Kasu

6-wash -waziri Hong
Vice president of Nigeria association of firlm makers
He promote environmental and science journalism in Nigeria through Educative program

7-pastor yohanna buru.
He has been preventing papers during science and climate journalism conferences in Africa on religious way to combat desertification, global warming and ecological challenges affecting human, animals and other living organism.

The panel of scientists and volunteer climatologists, geologist working for African climate reporters deems it fit to identify those silent achievers living in our communities.

Dr piman Hoffman
Science climatologists
Assistant director African climate reporters
West Africa

BABACHIR LAWAN AND THE DOCTRINE OF AUTRE FOIS ACQUIT

By:
Sadiq Dasin

What trended in Nigeria today was the news that the FCT Federal High Court has discharged and acquitted the former SGF Babachir Lawal of all the charges of diversion of funds, criminal conspiracy and official corruption to the tune of N544 million proffered against him by the EFCC. This judgement has a strong legal implication that needs to be understood. The implication is in the difference between ‘discharge’ and ‘acquitted’.

The difference between the two is that if an accused person is only discharged by a court of law, it simply means he was asked to go home because the prosecution has failed to present a prima facie (first impression) evidence against him to warrant his prosecution.

However, by merely discharging an accused, it means he can be re-arrested and be charged to court when new evidence emerges or when the prosecution strongly feels they can substantiate their claims better. So, an accused person that is merely discharged may still have a case to answer.

On the other hand, if a court says an accused is discharged and acquitted as in Mr. Babachir’s case, it means that the court has found the accused person innocent of all the charges proffered against him after carefully looking at the facts and evidence presented by the prosecution.

Babachir Lawal has been accused of a crime. After several months of trial, the court found no evidence against him to warrant his imprisonment. In other words what the court said is that the prosecution is unable to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubts.

The law is a little bit complicated here. But it is made simple by the doctrine of AUTRE FOIS ACQUIT. By this doctrine, the law says once an accused is discharged and acquitted, as in the case Babachir, the doctrine comes alive. This doctrine is contained in Section 36 (9) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which says as follows-

“36 (9) No person who shows that he has been tried by any court of competent jurisdiction or tribunal for a criminal offence and either convicted or acquitted shall again be tried for that offence or for a criminal offence having the same ingredients as that offence save upon the order of a superior court”.

So Babachir is now free of all criminal charges with which he was charged at the FCT Federal High Court and he shall not again be tried for that offence or for a criminal offence having the same ingredients as that offence. However, he may be charged for the said offences “upon the order of a superior court.”

If you find it difficult to understand this, just remember that the difference between ‘discharge’ and ‘acquitted’ lies in their legal implication. The legal effect DISCHARGE is that the charge of the prosecution was not substantiated while an order of ACQUITTAL is given because the accused was found not guilty.

Barr. Sadiq Ibrahim Dasin
Former Lawmaker in the
National Assembly for the
People of Fofure/Song

Exquisite, Serene Estates At Brooksville Courts

BROOKSVILLE COURTS is situated at the most serene and beautiful part of ibeju Agbe town In ibeju lekki.

BROOKSVILLE COURTS is a beautiful and luxurious real estate ecosystem that mixes nature, functional living spaces and Homes .

BROOKSVILLE COURTS boasts of an amiable and serene environment with a waterfront; the estate guarantees a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle due to its natural splendor.

🔑Buy 4plots and get 1plots free

Location: Ibeju Agbe town, Ibeju Lekki
Title: Governor’s Consent
Price:7.2M

Infrastructures
-Good Drainage System
-Good Road Networks
-External Perimeter Fencing
-Street light
-Portable Water Supply
-Gate House
-24-Hours Backup Electricity

Attractions
-New Int’l Airport
-PAN African University
-Dangote Refinery
-Lekki Deep Sea Port

Invest Now!!!

For more ENQUIRES contact
08171947272
09080030000
08104645436

Galaxy TV Bureau Chief Set To Tie Nuptial Nut In Grand Wedding

• Family , Friends Showers Bride and Bridegroom encomiums

Nigerian multimedia journalist, Bosan Yakusak is set to tie the nuptial nuts with his long time heartthrob, the vivacious Amanda Jacob .

The event which would come up on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at St.Domincs Catholic Church Ugwan Pama, Sabon Tasha Kaduna would be graced by top government and media officials from all over the country .

Mr. Bosan who is also the Kaduna Bureau Chief of the international Television Network, Galaxy TV has been the cynosure of the cream de LA creme of the state since the news of his wedding broke out .

Friends and family have been sending out tweets and messages of love, affection and goodwill

Bosan’s sweet heart, the beautiful Amanda is actually of a mix origin with her father being a Cameroonian and her mother a Nigeria . While the Galaxy too chief in Kaduna is a Bajju man from Kaduna State .Speaking on their origin, Bosan’s close ally Andy said that ” it is so far the best possible combination you find, a Cameroonian beauty queen with a Nigerian prince from Bajju

For Keshia Ngam Mbacham, the bridesmaid and the closest friend to Amanda,

“I couldn’t wish for better life partner for my sister and friend Amanda how they complement each other is one for the books one could only ask for her prayer . .,, I love me some real love and they are an example of that.

The Online Editor of New Nigeria Newspaper, Onjewu Dickson Jacob, wrote on his twiiter handle, ” you re the best, Amanda is the best, you guys simply deserve the best of everything in life .Happy Marriage .

Kaduna based media executive ,Benjamin Auta of Kabido said, ” Good luck for the wedding, I wish you live happily with lots of never-ending love and joy with your partner. I am also Wishing you , filled with togetherness, unfading love and friendship with Amanda, At the beginning of the week , Alebelewe, Chairman of Kaduna Kaduna Correspondent, Abdulghafar, Alebelewe congratulated Bosan, saying .this is the right way to go, .

Buhari’s Chief of Staff frustrating corruption case against LNRBDA MD,Group alleged

A popular group, Agricwatch Alliance has accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari of frustrating corruption allegations against the Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Dr. Engr. Saheed Aremu.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Coordinator of the group, Alhassan Muhammad and the Scribe, Bode Bosun and made available to Newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

The statement reads ” we have observed that the anti-corruption crusade of the present administration under the APC government is feign and selective.

” Our letter dated June 26th, 2022 calling on the Government to take necessary action on the issue of corruption allegations against Engr. Aremu was given deaf ears. We also asked the Government to monitor the activities of the agency across the country to curb wasteful budgetary spending and maladministration.

” The information we gathered was that the alleged MD is gallivanting in office and developing immunity through a compromised system. we learned the ICPC invited him few months ago over a petition concerning embezzlement and misappropriation of Public funds. The petition emanated as a result of projects that were awarded at the agency for execution in Anambra state but unfortunately the project was abandoned despite the payment for it.

” This was among other corruption allegations against the MD but we’re disenchanted that the government hasn’t deemed it fit to order him to step aside for full investigation.

According to the statement they also got information that the COS, Prof. Gambari has been frustrating the corruption case against him by covering him by dictating for the Minister of water resources among other top Government functionaries to protect him.

The statement concluded by appealing to Mr. President to prove his integrity of his administration by ensuring a full investigation into Dr. Aremu case to ensure that Justice is achieved.

The group also threat to approach the law court to ensure necessary legal action with evidences should the President fails.

PDP inaugurates campaign council, campaign management committee in Kaduna

By Gambo Abubakar

BThe Kaduna state Peoples democratic party (PDP)has inaugurated the state campaign management committee and the state campaign council ahead to the 2023 general election.
The two committees have recently inaugurated at Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the former Kaduna state governor Lamaran Yero (Dallatun ZAzzau),called on the new inaugurated members of the committees to favourites the unity of members and unifying the party by involving every ones for the success of party in the incoming 2023 general election.
Also urged the committees chairmen to make sure that they have involved every body while creating the local government, wards and polling units management committee.
In his inauguration speech the state party chairman Hon Felx Hassan Hyat, explained that the state campaign council has the task of formulating campaign guidelines and strategies, while the state campaign management committee is the implementing organs.two two organs must works together seamlessly to achieved the desire positive result.
“To our dear peoples of Kaduna state, we all suffered untold hardship in the last seven and a half year’s of unfortunate APC regime”.
” be it in the area of insecurity, divided society, dismissal and unwarranted onslaught of the civil service, disobedience to the rule of law,sales of government assets properties, demolition of residence and business premises”.
He also salute the courage of INEC in barring residents electoral commissioners from going the government houses, and however called on the INEC to extended ban to local government set of power.
Also speaking on behalf of the all contested under the party umbrella the Kaduna South senatorial aspirant’s Hon Sunday Mershal Katung Jarimi, urged all the officials and the party members to focus their campaign and concentrated to the voting points and make sure PDP Win’s all the aspirant’s; for presidential, governor, senators and federal and state house of assemblies.
“I assure my total support to the campaign council and campaign management committee for the success of our great party.

Group Fumes At Senate President Over Choice Of Bade LG Caretaker Chairman

*decries marginalisation

A group, Bade Progressive Forum (BPF) has frowned at the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan over his choice of Ibrahim Babagana (Yurema) as the Bade Local Government Committee Caretaker Chairman.

The group expressed this in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Galadima, made available to our correspondent on Monday November 14, 2022.

“It is of note that the constituents from Bade LGA and other communities in the Yobe North Senatorial District are not pleased with the leadership style of the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON.

These gross escalated when the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan nominated one Ibrahim Babagana (YUREMA), as the Bade Local Government Committee Caretaker Chairman,” the statement said.

The group said that It is generally believed that the nominated Ibrahim Babagana is not supposed to be the beneficiary of such elevated seat, despite commitments from other loyalists who stood firm in both thick and thin.

“Parts of what we can describe as marginalisation in Dr. Lawan’s style of leadership and selection are stated thus:

“Despite that Bade tribe is the majority in the local Government, the Commissioner is from Manga tribe.

“Secondly, APC Party Chairman is also from Manga tribe. The Co- ordinator Tinubu/Shettima is from Manga tribe and Chairman caretaker committee selected by Dr. Ahmed I. Lawan is from the same Manga tribe, Ibrahim Babagana (Yurema) by name.

“With all these imbalances, Bade tribe have been marginalized by Dr. Ahmed I Lawan and his so called Boys,” the group pointed out.

They reminded President of the Senate that, “all power belongs to Allah and He will give to whomsoever He wishes”.

They accused Lawan of deliberately hindering the political rise of any Bade and Katuzu sons in particular, an act they said, will not help him retain power forever.

BPF therefore, called on the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, CFR to also look into these marginalisation and act accordingly in redressing these anomalies.

“Our amiable governor should remember that the Yobe indigenes entrusted him the leadership, which is purely an act of Allah and every human will stand before Him on the judgement day to account for his or her deeds.

“For the President of the Senate to restore this love and cooperation from the Bade tribe, he must henceforth, shelve all personal interests in selecting political appointments and offices. When this is done, there will be cooperation and understanding among the people,” they said.

According to the statement, Bade people are well known to peaceful neighbourliness, “we are dedicated to the growth of our communities and we are fully in support of the activities of the President of the Senate when we are part of the plans. We urge our dear Leader, Dr. Ahmad Lawan to adjust these imbalances and place as part of his priority, the Bade tribe,” they demanded.

Sanction parties, candidates sponsoring fake news against Tinubu, Ajaka tells INEC

Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress and the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hon Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, has berated the campaign of calumny against the APC Presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 general election.

Earlier on Saturday, a press release purportedly issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) indicated that the commission was investigating the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over alleged involvement in drug trafficking in the United States.

The press release allegedly signed by INEC spokesman, Festus Okoye, stated that the electoral commission is liaising with Northern Illinois District Court to establish the veracity of the allegation against the APC candidate.

However, INEC, in a rebuttal issued on Saturday and signed by Festus Okoy, described the press release and all information in it as fake and contrived.

The Commission also said it has no plan to investigate Tinubu over alleged links with drug trafficking.

“We wish to state categorically that the said Press Release did not emanate from the Commission nor is it pursuing the purported course of action. It is the handiwork of mischief makers and utterly fake,” said INEC.

Also reacting to the misinformation, Ajaka, described it as an unfortunate attempt to malign the APC Presidential candidate.

“It is unfortunate that someone aspiring or a group of people supporting the aspiration of someone can stoop so low with such a diatribe and cheap blackmail to malign the image of a respected personality like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

However, the APC chieftain called on the electoral commission and relevant security agencies to investigate the source of the information.

Ajaka said; “In view of the foregoing therefore, INEC, the Police and other security agencies have a duty to uncover and identify the overt and/or covert authors of this heinous document and be charged for forgery, deceit and deliberate misleading and misinforming the public for cheap political gain.

This action will definitely pave the way for a clean, transparent and acceptable electioneering process ahead of the 2023 General election.”

He also demanded that INEC should sanction political parties or candidates who sponsor falsehood, hate and inciting speeches capable of breaching peace.

Tackling Climate Change: HEKAN Plants 500 Economic Trees, Others

By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON

In its efforts to join in mitigating the effect of climate change and other environmental issues, The United Church of Christ in Nigeria, known as HEKAN has commenced planting of 500 trees.

The trees were planted at the church headquarters’ permanent site located at Ungwan Doma, along Kaduna-Abuja highway.

The president of the church, Rev. Dr. Amos Kiri who led other clerics, church members including children during the exercise, said that climate change is real and humanity must rise up to mitigate its impact or perish.

He noted that the trees would also be planted in all the district and local parishes under the church and the church will organise seminars on deforestation and climate change to inculcate a culture of tree planning among members.

Dr. Kiri addrd that the world is currently experiencing devastating flood and desert encroachment among other hazards, which he attributed to climate change and the activities of man.

In Africa, climate change affects forestry due to erosion and excessive wind, thereby resulting in decline in forest produce such as wood and cane.

It leads to reduction in forestry produce and low income, as well as an increase in the costs of building, furniture materials and other items

Tree planting is seen as one of the most effective tools to combat climate crisis and restore biodiversity

It is also natural carbon storage to reduce emissions, harm on human life, ecosystem and it also provides shelter, cover to animals as well as food, medicine to mankind and beautify the environment.

This is why the HEKAN Church commenced planting of 500 tress to save the earth.

“People especially in Africa fall trees indiscriminately, burn bushes at the slightest excuses, build houses on waterways, dump refuse anywhere including valleys, without considering its negative consequences.

“Such actions expose us to all kinds of climate change related hazards including death,” he said.

Citing Genesis chapter 2, verse 9: he quoted the Holy Bible as saying, “Out of the ground the Lord God caused every tree to grow that is pleasing to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”

Kiri explained that God’s love for nature is supposed to reflect in humanity.

He said that God has equally given mankind the responsibility to care for his creation and nurture them to flourish and not to destroy them under any guise.

The HEKAN number one cleric pointed out that apart serving as food and medicine to mankind, trees provide fresh air to the environment, protect people’s homes from hazardous wind, and beautify the environment.

“They also help in maintaining biodiversity by providing shelter for ground animals and home to birds of all kinds, thereby,making the environment rich and beautiful for the benefit of man,” he said.

The reverend also said that the tree planting drive was also organised to teach children and young persons the importance of planting and caring for trees.

“The Bible says: “Train the child in the way he shall grow such that when he grows old, he will not depart from it”.

“The children need to understand the importance of planting and nurturing trees as well as the dangers of falling trees indiscriminately without replacing them.

“This is why they are all here to also participate in the exercise, so that it will build the culture of love and care for trees and the environment,” he said.

One of the children, Filibus Bulus, 13, could not hide his excitement after planting a tree, saying, “I feel so happy that I finally have the opportunity to plant a tree.

“We need the trees not only to beautify our environment, but also to protect us from other challenges like windstorms and desertification, including erosion,” the young lad said.

While performing their tree planting exercise, the Vice President of HEKAN, Rev. Emmanuel T. Nama, HEKAN General Secretary Rev. Musa S. Yahaya and wife of the HEKAN President, Mrs. Elsie Amos Kiri thanked God for the privilege to be part of the exercise and prayed God to bless the trees to grow and become a blessing to the church and host community.

They also enjoined the younger generation to imbibe the habit of tree planting to save their communities and the earth at large.

Members of the HEKAN Boys/Girls Brigade, Sunday School Pupils and teachers, clerics within Kaduna metropolis, the aged and a four-year old Lisa Luka, participated in the tree planting exercise.