Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has been awarded the Overall Best Scientific Oral Presentation at the XIX World Water Congress in Marrakech, Morocco.

The trophy was presented at the Government House, Enugu, by Amaka Nweke, who represented Nigeria at the international event.

The award recognises Enugu State’s transformation in water governance under Governor Mbah’s administration.

Since assuming office in 2023, the state has increased daily water production from 2 million litres to 120 million litres, through investments in treatment plants, reticulation networks, a 4.4MW gas-powered energy facility, tariff reforms, and community engagement programmes.

At the Congress, Nweke delivered a presentation titled “Water and Nature: Innovative Solutions for a City in Nature, Using Enugu’s Coal City to Water City as a Case Study.” Her presentation, selected best among 46 oral presentations and 65 research submissions, highlighted Enugu’s sustainable water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting, wetlands restoration, urban drainage systems, and partnerships with international investors.

The presentation received commendations from delegates and officials of the Moroccan government, who described Enugu’s model as a leading example of modern water governance in Africa.

After receiving the award, Governor Mbah described it as a collective achievement for Enugu State and Nigeria, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and people-centred development.

According to him, the recognition further positions Enugu State and by extension Nigeria as a model for subnational leadership and global best practices in water management.

By Karen James

Tension has gripped residents of Omalima Layout, Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, following a disturbing case of alleged land theft involving individuals reportedly linked to certain government departments.

Huge panic spread across the area on Tuesday when armed men allegedly acting on “government orders” invaded the community, preventing landowners from accessing their properties. The situation escalated into a massive protest, as residents demanded immediate government intervention to stop what they described as an “illegal land takeover.”

The Acting Chairman of the Estate, Evang. Abalogu Moses, whose property was also affected, lamented the destruction and intimidation landowners have endured in recent days. He revealed that many property owners have been left helpless, calling on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene urgently.

“Our people are crying; their houses and fences have been destroyed. We bought this land legally and have all our documents intact. We are begging the state government to come to our rescue,” Chief Moses said.

During an on-site investigation, a correspondent from Pechilly Investigative Media was reportedly attacked by some uniformed men who claimed they had orders “not to allow anyone” into the disputed area.

One of the men present, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogaazi, also known as “One Man 30”, claimed he and his team—five in total—were acting on instructions linked to the ownership of the land.

“This land belongs to Ndi Onitsha. We were told to come here and take over what belongs to us,” Ogaazi stated.

Ogaazi further alleged that the individuals behind the operation include Chukwuma Okpolaezeukwu from the Office of the Special Adviser Department and Ben Chiobi of the AVM Department, claiming they were acting “on government directives.”

However, his claims have sparked outrage among residents, who accused the alleged officials of using government influence to intimidate private citizens and destroy legal property.

One of the affected landowners, identified simply as Chidi, fought back tears as he described the ordeal:

“Why will some people use the name of the government to intimidate others? They said they were sent by Governor Soludo and the AVM office to take over our land. Even the All Saints Anglican Church’s property here was demolished. This is wickedness.”

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from community members, church representatives, and civil rights advocates, all of whom have called on Governor Soludo to launch an immediate investigation into the matter and ensure justice is served.

Residents fear that the invasion could lead to further unrest if not swiftly addressed, warning that such actions could tarnish the image of the Soludo administration.

Meanwhile, the Pechilly Investigative Department has called for a full-scale probe into the situation, demanding accountability and recovery of the allegedly stolen properties.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Anambra State Government regarding the allegations or the escalating tension in Omalima Layout.

Community leaders have urged the state government to restore calm, verify ownership records, and ensure that peace returns to Oze Nkwelle-Ezunaka before the situation spirals out of control.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted sunshine and cloudiness from Monday to Wednesday across the nation.

NiMet’s weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged sunny skies on Monday with patches of clouds over the northern region.

It anticipated prospects of isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Taraba and southern Kebbi states during the morning hours.

“ Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi and southern Sokoto states.

“For central region, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected with prospects of morning thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Niger, Benue, Plateau and Kogi states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states,“ it said.

According to NiMet, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, Ebonyi and Abia States.

It forecast isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

NiMet predicted sunny skies on Tuesday with patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning period.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Taraba, Bauchi, Southern Kano, Southern Jigawa and Adamawa states later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region.

NiMet forecast morning thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Benue States.

According to it, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over part of Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Niger and Kogi States later in the day.

“For southern region, cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of morning rains over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

“ Later during the day, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States,“ it said.

NiMet predicted sunny skies on Wednesday with patches of clouds over the northern region and thunderstorms with light rain over parts of Taraba State during the morning hours.

The agency envisaged isolated thunderstorms with Light rains over parts of Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba States later in the day.

According to the forecast, cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is anticipated over the central region with chances of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Niger, Kwara and Benue States during the morning period.

The agency predicted isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kogi, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa and the FCT later in the day.

“ Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region with prospects of thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over most places in the region, “ it said.

NiMet urged the public to drive under rain with caution, ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision and disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

It further urged the public to stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“ Farmers should avoid leaching of nutrients by refraining from applying fertiliser and pesticides right before the rains.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting www.nimet.gov.ng’’ Nimet said.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated a 29-member committee to implement the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP), marking another decisive step in the state’s climate leadership journey.

Inaugurating the committee at the Government House, Enugu, Mbah said the initiative was in demonstration of the administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling the global climate crisis through local solutions and sustainable development strategies.

According to the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, the ESCPAP, which was launched on March 17, 2025, provides a comprehensive framework to promote low-carbon economic growth, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience against climate impacts.

“This plan positions Enugu as a leading subnational player in climate governance and sustainability across Africa,” he said.

The governor explained that the newly inaugurated committee would provide strategic oversight, coordination, and technical guidance for the effective implementation of the policy, adding that “The committee will ensure the successful delivery of climate mitigation, adaptation, finance mobilisation, and monitoring in line with state, national, and global climate commitments.”

Outlining its major responsibilities, Mbah said the committee would drive sectoral coordination across all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs); strengthen climate governance; mobilise climate finance through green bonds, carbon markets, and development partnerships; and monitor progress through an established results-based framework.

“Under mitigation, the committee will promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, low-carbon transport systems such as electric and CNG vehicles, sustainable waste management, afforestation, and climate-smart agriculture.

“For adaptation and resilience, the committee will undertake vulnerability assessments, develop local adaptation plans, and implement nature-based solutions for erosion and flood control. It will also promote climate-smart infrastructure, clean cooking technologies, and resilient livelihoods in communities.

“On governance and inclusion, the committee will mainstream climate actions across state policies, ensuring the integration of gender, youth, and disability considerations. It will also intensify climate education, capacity building, and public awareness programmes,” he further stressed.

Governor Mbah maintained that that the committee had been mandated to develop a comprehensive Climate Finance Plan, attract domestic and international funding, and publish its annual progress reports for transparency, accountability and evaluation.

While stating that the committee would brief the State Executive Council quarterly and submit an annual progress report to his office, he urged members to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, transparency, and inclusivity, describing the committee as “a key mechanism for translating Enugu’s climate vision into tangible action.”

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change thanked the governor for the trust reposed in them and pledged that the team would work diligently to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for the state.

The 29-member team is chaired by the SSG, with the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam Ugwu, and the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel Urama, serving as first and second vice chairmen, while the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, serves as secretary.

Other members include representatives of key MDAs—such as Environment, Energy, Agriculture, Transport, Finance, and Health—alongside academics, civil society groups, youth and women representatives, traditional leaders, and climate finance experts.

Enugu State has bagged a N100 million award as the cleanest state as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, unveiled the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, Green Nigeria Challenge.

The Challenge is a nationwide environmental competition aimed at families, youth groups, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental cleanliness.

She unveiled the Challenge at the quarterly meeting with Wives of State Sovernors and Coordinators of the RHI at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

The Challenge, with the motto “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” is in three categories: Households, Communities and States, offering a grand prize of N20 million for the best-performing household, N50 million for the best community, and N100 million for the best state.

At the event, the First Lady presented a cheque for N100 million as well as a plaque to the wife of Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who received the honour on behalf of Enugu as “Model Green State.”

“They earned it. It is not only in planting trees, but in environmental cleanliness. If you go to Enugu, Enugu is clean,” the First Lady emphasized.

She recounted a conversation with the wife of the Enugu State governor, praising the proactive approach of the government to tackling environmental issues.

“When she sees anything that the governor doesn’t want to see — any litter around — they call and fix it immediately. And I think that’s the best way to go,” she added.

The RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is divided into three categories. The Household Category focuses on 11 northern states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara) vulnerable to desertification, encouraging tree planting with a minimum of one tree per household to qualify.

The Community Category invites local governments, youth groups, schools, and NGOs nationwide to reclaim and transform degraded or abandoned spaces into parks, gardens, and eco-friendly areas.

The State Category involves competition among states (excluding Enugu, which has already been rewarded) based on tree coverage along major roads and inner streets, encouraging tree planting.

On the motivation behind the initiative, the First Lady of Nigeria shared her personal history and inspiration.

“As a biologist, I’ve always loved to go clean. During the time my husband was governor of Lagos State, I used to go clean clogged drains. I was young, and I used a lot of energy,” Senator Tinubu said.

She emphasized leading by example, saying, “People have to see you do what you want them to do. And it’s more appealing and attractive that way.”

Reflecting on her experience at an international level, Senator Oluremi Tinubu recalled attending the G20 Summit in Brazil with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“One of the things they are going to be looking at is plastic waste. Every country is buying into it, cleaning their oceans and waterways because the fauna in the sea is being affected by waste dumped into the sea,” she recounted.

The First Lady highlighted ongoing efforts by the RHI to address this issue, which include RHI’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“We are working with the Minister of Environment. We’ve had several meetings, including one in Lagos, and teams have visited Ghana to learn more,” she said.

She disclosed that the RHI will be working with the Ministry to establish Environmental Clubs for Senior Secondary Schools and Environmental Societies for Tertiary Institutions with its modalities still being fine-tuned.

Speaking to newsmen, Mrs. Mbah thanked the Nigerian First Lady for the recognition as well as her husband, Governor Peter Mbah, the state functionaries and the people of the state for their efforts that earned the state the award.

“First, I want to thank the First Lady and the mother of the nation for recognizing Enugu State as a green and clean state. I also want to thank my husband, the Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his tireless effort to keep Enugu clean and green. I thank the commissioners, the local government chairmen, and relevant agencies like ESWAMA for their efforts too.

“The key to keeping the state clean and green is not just by giving instructions, but also by being proactive, moving around, carrying out inspection, and doing all the needful. They had actually helped in making Enugu State clean.

“I promised Her Excellency the First Lady that we will not relent. We will keep pushing to remain that role model state,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the RHI Green Nigeria Challenge is poised to inspire a nationwide commitment to a cleaner and greener environment, with key submission deadlines set for 2026.

Interested participants were advised to learn more and submit entries at www.rhinitiative.org.

OFFICIAL ADVISORY NOTE TO NRI KINGDOM.

Important Guidelines For Land Transactions And Development In Enuora Community (UGA Enuora & Obuofia Lands),

To the esteemed members of Nri kingdom,

This advisory serves to bring to your attention crucial guidelines aimed at maintaining peace, order and harmonious coexistence in our community and in Nri in general, especially regarding land matters.We urge all individuals and groups interested in land transactions or development projects with Enuora community, especially at Uga Enuora and Obuofia Lands to adhere strictly to the following directives .

1.Any individual or group seeking to purchase land in Enuora community is advised to officially contact the chairman of Enuora community or his executive.This step is essential to ensure transparency and prevent criminals and further prevent future land disputes .

2.Before erecting any perimeter fence, individuals are required to seek the attention and approval of the land committee.This will help in maintaining orderly development and avoiding encroachments and proper creating of roads.

3.Any individual or group planning to bring in caterpillar into Enuora community lands must first seek the approval of the Enuora chairman or his land committee.This measure is to ensure that all developments align with community standards and do not disrupt peace.

4.We remind all landowners that the payment of development levies is crucial for community’s development.Please note that there will be change of fees after the end of the year 2025.It is advisable to make your payments promptly to avoid new rates(fees) Remember to come forward with proof ownership (Allocation papers or receipt) .

5.The general public is hereby advised that Enemuo and Ayagwuncha families are not selling any land at obuofia for now until the current dispute is resolved.Prospective buyers are cautioned to exercise due diligence to avoid potential legal complications.

It’s imperative that all landowners and land speculators should adhere to the community’s rules and regulations for your own good, this adherence is key to maintaining peace and collective progress.

Please be aware that failure to comply with these guidelines will result in intervention by Enuora community Task force.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to these guidelines.Your compliance will significantly contribute to peace, security and development of our community and Nri in general,God bless Nri kingdom.

Yours sincerely,
Nonso Obidigbo (Egbeanagbananyawu).
Chairman Enuora community

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted a thundery weather outlook from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja envisaged chances of localised thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and southern Kaduna States during the afternoon or evening period on Sunday.

According to NiMet, partly cloudy skies are anticipated over the North Central region in the morning hours.

” Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and Kogi states.

“Over the southern region, cloudy morning is expected with chances of localised thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta States.

” Later in the day, localised thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Anambra, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Imo, Abia, Ekiti, Rivers, Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta States,” it said.

The agency predicted sunny skies on Monday over the northern region throughout the forecast period with the exception of some parts of Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba States where isolated thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon/evening hours.

“Sunny skies with few clouds are expected across the North Central region during the morning period. Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa states.

“In the southern region, cloudy skies with intervals of sunshine are anticipated with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River States.

“In the afternoon/evening hours, localised thunderstorms are expected over parts of Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross
River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta States,” it said.

According to NiMet, sunny skies with few clouds are expected over the northern region during the morning hours on Tuesday with slim chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba State.

It anticipated isolated thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna States later in the day.

“Sunny skies with few clouds are expected across the North Central region during the morning period with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of the Benue and Kogi States.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Kogi, Kwara and Nasarawa States.

“In the southern region, cloudy skies are anticipated during the morning hours with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Lagos States,” it said.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms over parts of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Ondo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States later in the day.

NiMet urged people to stay in well-ventilated and cool spaces and drink plenty of water as temperatures could be high over most parts of the country, putting people at risk of heat stress.

“Get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoid overcrowding in small spaces, use a nose mask to reduce chances of infection and avoid close contact with those affected.

“Avoid peak sun hours (noon to 3pm) and protect yourselves from undue exposure to direct sunlight. Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

“Public should take adequate precaution. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from
NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng.”

The Dire Wolf, an extinct animal made famous in the TV series “Game Of Thrones’’ has been brought back from extinction after more than 10,000 years, a biotech start-up has announced.

Texas Company, Colossal Biosciences, has said that its researchers had used cloning and gene-editing based on two ancient samples of dire wolf DNA to birth three modern dire wolf pups.

It included two 6-month-old males named Romulus and Remus and a 3-month-old female named Khaleesi.

Colossal’s chief executive Ben Lamm called the development a “massive milestone.”

“I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works.

“Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies.

“It was once said, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

“Today, our team gets to unveil some of the magic they are working on and its broader impact on conservation,’’ he said in a statement.

Researchers at Colossal explained the de-extinction process involved taking blood cells from a living grey wolf the dire wolf’s closest living relative and genetically modifying them in 20 different sites.

The genetic material was transferred to an egg cell from a domestic dog, then the embryos were transferred to surrogate for gestation and, finally, successful birth.

Dr Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s Chief Science Officer, said: “Our novel approach to iteratively improved our ancient genome in the absence of a perfect reference sets a new standard for paleogenome reconstruction.

“Together with improved approaches to recover ancient DNA, these computational advances allowed us to resolve the evolutionary history of dire wolves and establish the genomic foundation for de-extinction.

“It’s specifically for selecting with confidence dire wolf specific genetic variants that establish our targets for gene editing.”

Distinctive traits of the dire wolf included light thick fur and muscular jaws, while they are also much larger than grey wolves.

Colossal said the animals would live their lives on a continuously monitored, secure ecological preserve that is certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The dire wolf is a mainstay of fantasy settings in pop culture, with mentions in role-playing games like “Dungeons & Dragons’’ and video games like “World of Warcraft.’’

However, the vehicle which truly shot dire wolves to fame was the HBO series “Game of Thrones, based on the works of author George RR Martin.

Mr Martin, an investor in Colossal and cultural adviser for the company, said, “many people view dire wolves as mythical creatures that only exist in a fantasy world.

“But in reality, they have a rich history of contributing to the American ecosystem.

“I get the luxury to write about magic, but Ben and Colossal have created magic by bringing these majestic beasts back to our world.”

Colossal also announced it had cloned four red wolves using blood drawn from wild wolves of the south-eastern U.S.’s critically endangered red wolf population.

The aim was to bring more genetic diversity into the small population of captive red wolves, which scientists are using to breed and help save the species.

Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers have dismissed reports of a fresh pipeline explosion, confirming that no such incident occurred.

On Wednesday, viral reports claimed that militants had attacked two oil facilities in the area, which further heightened security concerns.

However, residents of Iloamatoru community, the purported site of the alleged explosion, refuted the claims, describing them as the work of mischief makers attempting to exploit the political crises in the state.

Chief Wari-Alabo Pollyn, Head of the Pollyn Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, stated that no explosion had taken place recently in the area.

“We are here in the community, and nothing of such happened – at least not to my knowledge,” he confirmed.

Similarly, Daniel Pollyn, a former Chairman of the Iloamatoru Security Surveillance Committee, also denied any pipeline attack in the area.

According to him, the community remains peaceful and does not tolerate violence.

“I can confirm that no such incident has occurred here.

“No flow station or oil facility is on fire or has exploded, as falsely reported,” he added.

Efforts to reach SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.