News
Combatting Desertification: FG Requires Corps Members to Plant 10 Trees Each Before POP
Joel Ajayi
In a proactive step to combat climate change, the Federal Government has admonished all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to plant at least ten trees before their Passing Out Parade (POP).
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, gave the admonition during the National flag-off of the NYSC tree-planting campaign held at the permanent orientation camp in Keffi, Nasarawa state.Highlighting the Ministry’s collaboration with the African Union Development Agency (AU-NEPAD) to drive the tree-planting initiative, the Honourable Minister emphasized that the effort is crucial to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision and commitment of planting 25 million trees by 2030.
She underscored the programme’s critical role in combating climate change and environmental issues, urging Corps members to be catalysts for transformative change through innovative solutions in their communities.
“With an estimated 400,000 corps members passing through the scheme annually, each corper planting 10 trees translates to 4million trees annually, yielding 20million trees in the next 5 years. The NYSC working with all stakeholders has the capacity to deliver on this nationally determined contribution.”
The Minister observed how desertification has depleted our valuable agricultural land, resulting intensions and conflicts over land use. This has created significant challenges for farmers, herders, and communities.
She stated: “As you are all aware, climate change is exerting a profound impact on Nigeria just like the rest of the world. Climatic variation is physically evident in desertification resulting from drought especially in the northernmost states and erosion caused by floods in the south.
“Moreover, the discernible shifts in weather patterns, manifesting in the frequency and intensity of droughts, floods and temperature variations, have negatively impacted our agricultural produce. Our forests have dwindled, our air quality has deteriorated, and our soil has suffered. We must demonstrate a collective will to act in defense of our environment and indeed our wellbeing.”
Furthermore, she noted that “It needs no stressing that tree planting is one of the most effective ways of fighting desertification, erosion and other negative outcomes of the depletion of the ozone layer, including insecurity. Even a small effort makes a huge difference in conserving the environment.
However, the success of this endeavour hinges on the energy and innovative spirit of our youths”. She called on all stakeholders, including community leaders and relevant government agencies at all levels, to give the programme the desired support to achieve a healthier environment for both present and future generations.
Dr. Bio Ibrahim emphasized that Nigerian youth represent society’s most vibrant and dynamic segment, noting their unparalleled creativity, energy, and unwavering commitment to driving positive change as critical components for the project’s success.
She therefore urged the Corps members to harness these essential attributes effectively to ensure the success of the programme.
News
Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows
Joel Ajayi
The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.
He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.
According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.
“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.
The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.
“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.
Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.
He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.
He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.
According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.
Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.
We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.
He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.
Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.
He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.
“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”
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