Events
NESREA, Stakeholders Push Youth-Led Response to Flooding at World Environment Day Event in Jos
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), North Central Zonal Headquarters, Jos, has called for collective action to address flooding and other environmental challenges as it commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with an interactive session involving selected secondary schools in Plateau State.
The event, held on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Jos, was themed “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future”, with students engaging in debates and presentations on “Community Action Against Flooding.”
Speaking at the event, Acting Zonal Director of NESREA North Central Zone, Mr. Appiah Jude Fiifi, emphasized that climate action must begin at the grassroots level, stressing that communities, schools, markets, and households all have critical roles to play in environmental protection.
He noted that flooding, open waste burning, indiscriminate disposal of refuse, plastic pollution, and poor environmental practices remain major challenges across the North Central region.
According to him, NESREA continues to enforce environmental standards across industries in Jos, Lafia, Makurdi, Lokoja, Minna, Ilorin and other locations within its jurisdiction, while also driving Extended Producer Responsibility programmes aimed at reducing plastic and electronic waste.
“We are encouraging Nigerians to reduce their plastic footprint. Simple actions such as refusing unnecessary nylon bags and disposing waste responsibly can make a significant difference,” he said.
Fiifi disclosed that the agency was also exploring legal frameworks to address indiscriminate dumping of waste, popularly known as fly-tipping, while advocating better waste management practices and protection of wetlands and forests.
He said the 2026 World Environment Day theme underscores the need for collective action in addressing climate change and securing a sustainable future.
Earlier, NESREA staff member Victoria Efion presented a brief history of the agency, environmental governance in Nigeria, and World Environment Day.
She explained that World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and is celebrated annually on June 5 to promote environmental awareness and action.
Efion also highlighted key milestones in Nigeria’s environmental governance, including the establishment of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in 1988, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act in 1992, the Federal Ministry of Environment in 1999, and NESREA in 2007.
Delivering the keynote address, Plateau State Commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mineral Development, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, described climate change as one of the greatest threats facing humanity and urged citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
Gwom commended NESREA for engaging young people, noting that the future of environmental sustainability rests largely in the hands of the younger generation.
He expressed concern over changing weather patterns, delayed rainfall, flooding, and the growing challenge of plastic pollution, saying government was exploring alternatives to single-use plastics and nylon materials.
“Waste is no longer waste; waste is wealth. We must begin to see environmental protection as everyone’s responsibility. What we do today will determine the future that our children inherit,” he stated.
The Commissioner encouraged the students to become environmental ambassadors in their schools and communities by promoting tree planting, proper waste disposal, and climate-conscious behaviour. He also announced a cash reward of ₦50,000 each for the participating schools in recognition of their active participation and outstanding presentations during the interactive session, noting that the gesture was aimed at further encouraging environmental awareness among students and motivating them to continue championing climate action in their respective schools and communities.
Also speaking, Director General of the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), Mr. Samuel Dapiya, said flooding in many communities is often worsened by poor waste management practices and blocked drainage systems.
He noted that non-biodegradable waste such as plastic bottles, sachet water bags, cans and nylon materials are frequently found obstructing waterways whenever flood assessments are conducted.
Dapiya reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and revealed that authorities were considering stricter measures against activities that contribute to environmental degradation.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Issues, Mr. Israel Damaum, stressed that government efforts alone would not solve the flooding problem without active community participation.
He urged residents to support environmental initiatives by maintaining proper sanitation practices and discouraging indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and waterways.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the University of Jos Waste Management Project, and environmental advocacy groups, all of whom emphasized environmental responsibility, tree planting, waste reduction, and climate education.
A major highlight of the event was a debate and interactive session involving students from Haneef High School Jos, Government Secondary School Laranto, COCIN LGC Nyango Private School Bukuru Low Cost, and Bethel International Christian Academy, Rayfield.
The students examined the causes and impacts of flooding in Nigeria and proposed solutions including proper waste management, regular environmental sanitation, tree planting, improved urban planning, public awareness campaigns, early warning systems, and stronger community participation in environmental protection.
They argued that while government agencies have important responsibilities, communities must also take ownership of environmental challenges to reduce flooding and build resilient neighbourhoods.
As part of the event activities, the attending students and dignitaries were also taken on a guided tour of NESREA’s operational equipment and field tools used in environmental monitoring and enforcement. The demonstration exposed them to practical aspects of the agency’s work, including waste management monitoring and compliance enforcement techniques, giving the students a better understanding of how environmental regulations are implemented in the field.
At the end of the programme, participating students were certified as Environmental Ambassadors and presented with eco-friendly school kits, seedlings, and a pledge card encouraging them to serve as advocates for environmental sustainability.
Presenting the seedlings, organizers urged the students to “Plant and Nurture, Do Not Bury,” emphasizing the importance of tree planting in combating climate change and environmental degradation.
In his closing remarks, the Plateau State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Polycarp Moezang, reminded participants that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
“The issue of climate change is everybody’s business, not just government’s business. Let all that has been said here not remain mere talk. We must take actionable steps and become environmental saviours,” he said.
The event was organized by NESREA North Central Zonal Headquarters with support from Foster Tin Company Ltd, NVM, Indviz Metals, and ABC A.B. Chami & Co. Ltd.
The Plateau Bloggers and Online Media Association (PLABOMA) has announced plans to unveil a Unified Bloggers Online Platform during the 2026 World Social Media Day Celebration scheduled to hold in Jos, Plateau State.
The unveiling, which is expected to be one of the major highlights of the event, is aimed at fostering collaboration, strengthening professional networking, and promoting a more coordinated digital media community across the state.
The World Social Media Day Celebration is slated for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Usiju World Event Center, near the Plateau State Secretariat, Jos, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the organizers said the platform is designed to bring together bloggers, content creators, digital publishers, and online media practitioners under a common structure that encourages information sharing, capacity development, and collective growth within the digital media space.
The event, themed “Digital Voices: Innovation, Creativity and Youth Engagement,” will bring together bloggers, social media influencers, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students, digital innovators, and members of the public to explore the evolving role of social media in shaping public discourse and empowering young people.
According to PLABOMA, participants will engage in discussions on emerging trends in digital media, content creation, online engagement, and the opportunities available within the digital economy. The celebration is also expected to provide a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders in the media and technology sectors.
The association noted that the launch of the Unified Bloggers Online Platform reflects its commitment to strengthening the voice of online media practitioners in Plateau State while creating opportunities for innovation, mentorship, and professional development.
PLABOMA further encouraged bloggers, content creators, social media influencers, students, entrepreneurs, and other interested members of the public to participate in the event and contribute to conversations on the future of digital communication and youth engagement.
Registration for the event is free and can be completed through the online registration form.
The organizers described the celebration as more than a commemoration of social media, noting that it will serve as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, innovation, and impact among digital media stakeholders in Plateau State and beyond.
For inquiries and partnership opportunities, interested individuals and organizations can contact the organizers via email at plateaubloggers@gmail.com or through the designated telephone lines.
The event is expected to attract a broad spectrum of participants from across the digital media ecosystem as PLABOMA seeks to promote responsible online engagement and harness the transformative power of social media for development.
Events
MACDI Validates FoRB Research, Rallies Stakeholders to Strengthen Religious Freedom in Plateau
The Midpoint Advocacy and Community Development Initiative (MACDI) has convened a Research Validation and Stakeholders Engagement Forum aimed at advancing Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Plateau State, bringing together government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and community representatives to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The forum, themed “Advancing Freedom of Religion or Belief in Plateau State,” served as a platform to review findings from a six-month study conducted in Jos North and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas while identifying practical strategies for strengthening the protection of fundamental rights and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Faith and Community Transformation at Midpoint Nigeria, Rev. Joshua Sati, explained that the research assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents regarding Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).
According to him, the study was designed to generate reliable data that would guide future interventions and ensure that programmes addressing religious freedom reflect the realities experienced by communities.
Sati noted that the validation forum was organized to review the findings, identify policy gaps, and gather stakeholders’ recommendations on promoting religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
“A lot of them had no idea. They don’t even know who to go to or where to go to when they feel their rights have been violated,” he said, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of rights violations at the grassroots.
He emphasized the need to strengthen reporting mechanisms and empower community and religious leaders, observing that many residents prefer reporting concerns to trusted local leaders rather than formal institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, former Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA), Dr. Joseph Lengmang, underscored the close relationship between Freedom of Religion or Belief, peace, security, and sustainable development.
He stressed that religious freedom must be anchored on the protection of human dignity and the welfare of people affected by conflict, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
“What is happening is a reminder that more work needs to be done on the Plateau, despite the investments that have been made in peacebuilding,” Lengmang said.
He added that recent security challenges in parts of Plateau State demonstrate the need for sustained commitment and collaboration in peacebuilding efforts, while commending Midpoint Nigeria for undertaking evidence-based research that could inform policy and future interventions.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Civitas Auxillium Foundation, Mrs. Elizabeth Duile, described Nigeria’s religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity as a potential source of strength rather than division.
She called for greater understanding and mutual respect among citizens, stressing that protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief is not only a human rights obligation but also essential for peacebuilding and national development.
Presenting the findings of the six-month research, Midpoint Nigeria’s Programme and Project Director, Ruth Ki, disclosed that the study engaged approximately 328 respondents across selected wards in Jos North and Barkin Ladi LGAs through surveys and interviews.
She explained that the research reflected diverse religious and ethnic communities and focused on lived experiences of Freedom of Religion or Belief, particularly awareness levels, public attitudes, and the reporting of violations.
According to her, the findings will support evidence-based interventions and strengthen ongoing peacebuilding initiatives across Plateau State.
In his goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Plateau Central Mosque, Sheikh Ghazali Adam, advocated respect, peace, and the protection of human dignity regardless of religious affiliation, noting that freedom from oppression is essential for building an inclusive society.
Representing the Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, Khadija Sa’id described the forum as timely and significant for enhancing peacebuilding efforts, adding that it provides an important platform for collaboration, dialogue, and practical action toward strengthening social cohesion.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Gang, represented by Mr. Sabastine John, Director of Quality Assurance, highlighted the critical role of schools in teaching tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
She commended Midpoint Nigeria for organizing the engagement and urged stakeholders to translate the research findings into concrete actions that promote unity.
Similarly, the Plateau State Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Philemon Daffi, represented by Mr. Bashir Haruna, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Justice, reaffirmed that Freedom of Religion or Belief is guaranteed under Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and freedom from discrimination.
He noted that effective enforcement of these constitutional rights remains vital for sustaining peace, security, and development, describing the forum as a timely opportunity for meaningful dialogue.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Hauwa Kassim, a member of the Board of Trustees of Midpoint Nigeria, expressed appreciation to participants for their active contributions and acknowledged the support of government agencies, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, and media practitioners in ensuring the success of the research validation forum.
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