By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, (MMWG), has commended the Nigerian military and the Federal Government for the rescue of over 400 victims of terrorism in Borno State this week, while calling for urgent efforts to secure the release of kidnapped victims in Oyo State.

In a press statement released on Tuesday and jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, and National Secretary, Dr. Nasir Balogun, the group described the Borno rescue as “commendable and reassuring” that other captives would soon regain freedom.

The group expressed concern over reports that some Oyo abductees are falling sick, with fears that some might lose their lives.

It appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the innocent children, their teachers and principal held in captivity “for the sake of humanity”.

“The group therefore appealed for early negotiation to free the innocent victims as non-kinetic approach would prevent casualty and collateral damages that usually feature in military action,” the statement said.

Commenting on a viral video in which Oyo kidnap victims denied that terrorists demanded the establishment of Sharia Law or N1 billion ransom, the group said the denial “further exposed fake-news purveyors”.

According to the group, Mrs. Racheal Alamu, who identified herself as the wife of a professor in Oyo State, said the abductors “never demanded money, transportation logistics nor forced them to practice Islam”, but were instead “demanding for the release of their leaders arrested since last year”.

The group described those spreading the contrary claims as “peddling falsehood and fake-news of what terrorists did not demand”.

“In Islam, there is no compulsion in religion’ and that Sharia is already in practice in Nigeria…as in the South West Muslims are still running ¡ Sharia Council without any inhibition whatsoever,” it stated.

While commending the Federal Government “on its war against all criminalities in this country”, the MMWG appealed for the fast-tracking of rescue efforts for victims in Oyo State and “all others across the country”.

By Our Correspondent

Stakeholders, government agencies, and youth volunteers on Friday gathered in Rivers State to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, and demanded stricter monitoring of sanitation protocols across the state.

This follows the growing poor environmental sanitation habits across the state marked by indiscriminate dumping and slow evacuation of refuse from collection points.

The participants in a vibrant display of eco-conscious commitment also
spotlighted the urgent need for cleaner energy alternatives.

Themed “Inspired by Nature for Climate for our Future,” the he event, which took place in Port Harcourt was sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programmed (UNEP) and supported by Global Green Grant.

The celebration was more than a symbolic gesture it was a hands-on call to action.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Smith Nwokocha, the event coordinator, emphasized that the primary goal was to demonstrate practical, nature-inspired solutions to climate challenges.

“The main aim is to ensure that we have a safer environment. We want to further emphasize renewable energy, which is why we donated solar fans and lamps to some of the participants.

“This way, they can see firsthand the importance of using energy that is environmentally friendly,” Nwokocha said.

Dozens of attendees, including students and local community leaders, received the solar-powered devices a move organizers described as a seed investment in a fossil-fuel-free future.

While renewable energy took center stage, the event also issued a stern reminder about the poor state of waste management by the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) in Rivers State.

In line with the global theme, Nwokocha called on the government to enforce stricter sanitation protocols.

He said; “We are calling on the government to ensure proper sanitation monitoring. The environment must be kept clean at all times, and we specifically call on RIWAMA to step up its efforts”.

The appeal comes amid growing concerns over drainage blockages, plastic pollution, and illegal dumping sites that have become breeding grounds for disease in parts of Port Harcourt.

Patron Joseph Nkatha representative of the Peace Corps Commandant of the Rivers State Command, called on citizens to rally around a shared responsibility.

“Everyone has to be involved in maintaining a clean environment. Cleaning should not be left to government alone.

“A healthy environment is the foundation of a healthy life,” Nkatha stated.

He encouraged residents to adopt daily waste-sorting habits and support community-led sanitation drives, warning that negligence often leads to avoidable health crises.

Environmental activist Era Theophilus delivered a hard-hitting address on the implications of an untidy environment linking poor waste management to flooding, respiratory illnesses, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.

“An untidy environment is a silent killer,” Theophilus said.

She further urged the public and private sectors to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy across homes and industries.

“Renewable energy is not just an option—it is a necessity. It is safe, sustainable, and in harmony with nature”, she declared.

As the event drew to a close, participants lit up the dusk with their new solar lamps—a quiet but powerful symbol of what the future could look like.

With UNEP’s backing and grassroots momentum building, Rivers State may be on the cusp of a cleaner, greener chapter.

But as speakers repeatedly reminded the crowd: the climate for our future will be shaped not by one event, but by daily choices.

Steven Atokolo

The European Union (EU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have announced plans to host the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos on June 25, 2026, bringing together top policymakers, investors, and business leaders to strengthen trade and investment relations.

Now in its tenth edition, the Forum has grown into a major platform for promoting economic cooperation between Nigeria and Europe, with an emphasis on transforming discussions into tangible partnerships and investment opportunities.

The 2026 edition will focus on attracting private-sector investment, enhancing value chains, and creating more opportunities for businesses operating in both markets. Activities will include high-level policy discussions, business-to-business meetings, and a carefully curated exhibition featuring investment-ready projects and solutions.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the landmark edition highlights the increasing strength of the partnership between both sides.

“The Nigeria–EU Business Forum has become a platform where ambition is translated into action. This tenth edition reflects our shared determination to mobilise large-scale investment and generate sustainable economic benefits,” he said.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the Forum as an important avenue for attracting investments that align with the country’s development goals.

“Nigeria remains committed to fostering an environment that supports sustainable economic growth and investment. The Forum offers a valuable opportunity to engage investors and development partners, deepen economic cooperation, and advance initiatives that promote enterprise, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity,” he stated.

According to the organisers, the Forum will build on the achievements of previous editions, with a strong focus on facilitating new partnerships and expanding investment opportunities. It is also expected to serve as a platform for discussions on policy reforms, financing, and innovation, further reinforcing Nigeria’s standing as one of Africa’s leading investment destinations.