The Minister highlighted the alarming rate at which plastic waste infiltrates oceans, rivers and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and exacerbating urban flooding
ABUJA, Nigeria, June 20, 2025/APO Group/ --
The ECOWAS Commission in a significant collaboration with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Planning, Research, and Statistics, on the 17th of June, 2025 celebrated the 2025 World Environment Day. The commemorative event, held in Abuja, Nigeria, themed: “Ending Plastic Pollution“ with the slogan “Beat the plastic“
Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi, Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of H.E. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, and H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. He underscored the profound significance of the occasion, particularly as it coincided with ECOWAS’s Jubilee Year, marking five decades of regional solidarity, integration and shared responsibility.
Mr. Bernard Koffi reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fostering a clean, resilient, and sustainable environment for current and future generations. He highlighted ECOWAS’s proactive stance in addressing persistent environmental challenges, including the adoption of a regional regulation on plastic management in 2023, which mandates member states to harmonize their plastic waste management regulations. Furthermore, ECOWAS Vision 2050 identifies environmental sustainability as a crucial pillar for inclusive development and emphasizes the vital role of fostering youth-driven climate action, acknowledging that the future belongs to them. He concluded by urging tangible action over mere words and unity over indifference, stating, “The ECOWAS Commission stands ready to work side-by-side with Nigeria and all partners to beat plastic pollution not tomorrow, but today.” And that the commisson remains resolutely committed to working alongside member states to beat Pollution.
In his keynote address, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Honorable Minister of Environment, emphasized the critical global urgency of this year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution.” He stressed that plastic pollution transcends environmental concerns, posing significant economic and public health crises.
The Minister highlighted the alarming rate at which plastic waste infiltrates oceans, rivers and drainage systems, endangering wildlife and exacerbating urban flooding. Minister Lawal outlined Nigeria’s initiatives, including the launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme, which obliges producers to manage the entire lifecycle of their plastic products. He expressed profound appreciation to all development partners, particularly the ECOWAS Commission, commending its steadfast partnership in environmental governance, climate change response, and sustainable development across the West African sub-region, as well as its leadership in addressing transboundary environmental issues.
Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, delivered the welcome address, reinforcing the dire threat plastic waste poses to ecosystems, public health, and the planet. He stated, “Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, clogging waterways, endangering marine life, and contaminating our food systems.”
Mr. Kambari reiterated Nigeria’s direct experience with the devastating impacts of plastic waste and issued a clarion call for intensified efforts through effective policy implementation, robust public awareness campaigns, responsible consumption patterns, and strategic investment in sustainable alternatives. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing circular economy principles, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting innovations that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Mr. Kambari extended sincere commendations to all partners, stakeholders, and environmental advocates for their tireless efforts, urging everyone present to reflect on individual and collective actions to “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
The occasion also saw the notable presence of representatives from key organizations, international partners and stakeholders, including UNICEF, Oando Foundation, Oando Clean Energy, OXFAM, Zoom Lion Nigeria, RCEI, RUWES, and the Head of Mission to the Netherlands, alongside invited students from various schools. These stakeholders collectively underscored the paramount importance of a safe environment, emphasizing the pivotal role of women and children as not only integral to addressing climate and environmental issues but also as vital agents of community awareness and crucial actors in forging a greener, plastic-free future.
The joint commemoration underscored the shared commitment of ECOWAS and Nigeria to combat plastic pollution through coordinated regional action and national policy implementation, reinforcing their dedication to a sustainable future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Dhulbahante Teenager Getting Attacked by PIS Majeerteens security forces… Do not watch the Video it breaks all Human rights laws. He looks innocent…
!
Poor kid looks so frightened… the severe physical damage is clearly visible.
I hope Silaanyo demands immediate release of this child who is from Laas Canood.
this little retarded works with Ina godane he murdered Sheekh Cabdiqadir Nuur in cold blood in the Mosque, I don't think he deserves any mercy. plus I heard from a very reliable source he's HJ/Adan Madoobe just like that dude who tried to kill the PM, he only said that he was Dhulbahante hoping they'll release him, he didn't even know who he was after dhulbahante.
anyways lets make Dua for the Sheikh and hope this little Xaarami get what he deserves whatever tribe he might be.
well said my sister.
Ladies i am surprised where is your maternal instincts?
Grown men cracking the skull of a teenager from Laas Caanod have you lost all feeling?
If our ladies have become stone cold hearts i feel sorry for US all
That is still a kid and he deserves to be given a chance to explain his innocence…
RIGHT?
Buuxiye we have no sympathy for murderers, neither do you, you just wanna start clan animosity.
Dhulbahante Teenager Getting Attacked by PIS Majeerteens security forces and I hope Silaanyo demands immediate release of this child who is from Laas Canood. that speaks for itself.
Amirah,
Buuxiye is saying the truth. MJ always thing they are superior to dhulbahante, warsangali and all other somalis. The reality they are full of %%%%.
Think with your mind and help the young teenage. He deserves everyone help. We are humans and not animals.
Qalanjo
Sorry madam.this man shot a man whose head was down and fulfilling duty's of every Muslim person in this earth in all places Gods home Mosque in cold-blooded murdered. If you're Muslim our faith tell us. Don't even pursue your worst enemy if they run into Mosque.instead of you understanding the magnitude of his crime. You coming over here talking about who thinks they're better than who.In my humble opinion you need to reexamined yourself closely as a human being. before you can tell whole community they're zero.Because it has been my experience that the behave you just exhibit is related to people who lack self esteem.
Buxiye are you that stupid?
This kid can claim whatever tribe he wants but it has not been proven yet. ANY way this kid is a criminal he shot and killed Sh.Cabdiqadir Nuur. While he wounded others. We CAN prove that he did it but can you prove that he didnt? I agree that the kid should of not been attacked like that even though he is a Murderer, at the end of the day hes a minor. What i cant understand is why you act like the Mjs are the only ones who would attack him?the isaaqs would of done a much worse job, while the dhulbahantes would have executed him inside the mosque. but lets pray for Sheik and for the kid to receive justice.
but would you also claim that this kid is innocent ?http://www.kshb.com/dpp/news/national/horrific-scene-unfolds-as-new-mexico-teen-is-accused-of-killing-parents-3-siblings
Walaal it does not matter if it happened in Gerowe or Hargeysa that is still a child and there are international laws against cruelty to children. He is a Minor and must be given a treatment reflective of his age. Clan becomes relevant when the abuse he is experiencing is related to his clan. If that was a MJ child i promise you they would not be cracking his skull like he is some sort of Punching bag.
I don't expect you to agree with me on my use of language however i expected some sort of tenderness considering you are the gentler gender.
I respect you opinion and your feeling towards criminals HOWEVER Walaal remember 15-year old boys do not travel from Laas canood to Gerowe by themselves.
– At that age he has no reason to wish to harm anyone!
– At that age he does not even know the Sheik let alone hold any grudge against him.
Even if you had evidence that he pulled the trigger i still think we as Somalis will be judged collectively on how we deliver justice to a minor who may not even be 15 for all we know.
We somalis are reaping what our forefathers deemed fit to saw in the past and we are condemning future generations when we repeat the mistakes of our forefathers.
At the very least he should be given his rights in accordance with Sharica Law.
Let us agree on that?
Oh yeah, he said he was Dhulbahante then reer Laascanod then Barkat which is unlikely since there's hardly any Barkats in Laacanood, then he claimed he was reer Gaarad after Barkat which are entirely two different clans. Isn't it possible he's only looking for scape goat and he's not really who he claimed to be?
nevertheless, you dedicated a post titled ''Dhulbahante teenagers vs Majeerteen forces'' making it sound like as if warlord Siilanyo is our saviour which I found it really insulting btw. yet how you expect us to take anything you say on the subject seriously?
One thing I agree with you thoe: his clan shouldn't be an issue, every criminal and suspects deserve fair trial regardless of their clan. even thoe after watching this video on other day 15years old girl stoned to death, I'm not surprised of their behaviour.
this kind of behaviour is often spurred by a lack of Justice system in Somalia. Insha'allah Khair thoe
Amirah
these separatists are trying to start conflict between our harti brothers.
Buxiye bro atleast he only got atacked/beat up what about the youth between the ages of 14-18 who were shot and killed by your "crowd control unit" LOL. why didnt the international laws protect them? i thought you had laws,a goverment and capable police force?Atleast this kid killed a sheik and there are witnesses. What about the youths in hargeisa why did they get shot? Did they loot property?were they a threat to "national security"? did they kill ANYBODY? Before you start giving advice to others and telling them to abide by international laws , you should clean up your back yard.
and remember Somalia has no functioning judiciary and its a 3rd world country so if countries like nigeria,ethiopia,kenya,tanzania and uganda who execute 9year old LRA rebels, why cant somalia attack or even kill a murderous little kid who knew what he was doing to do and when he was going to do it?
"At that age he has no reason to wish to harm anyone!
– At that age he does not even know the Sheik let alone hold any grudge against him."
then how is it possible he could have killed the sheik. even though there were hundreds of men praying why did he specifically target and kill Sh.cabdiqadar
LOL well the diaspora relatives of those shot in Hargeysa have taken the matter to international court… there is no excuse for lack of justice!!!
KFC
"while the dhulbahantes would have executed him inside the mosque"
That shows me you have a really negative perspective on Dhulbahante… You speak of them as though they are savages when we both know.
This is part of a witch hunt and i feel sorry for any non Majareers in Bari and Nugaal in the coming years…
Buuxiye,
Haddi ininka tol la'an ay ku dhacday then waddan la'an ku ma dhicin. I ask the Somaliland president to any means necessary to make sure the young boy get fare treatment. Even if this will cause him to launch the army. The boy is a Somaliland citizen and for us it doesn't mater what is his tribe.
Again, we are not asking to free him without going through the process. All we are asking is to give him fare treatment.
For Amira and Sahra, I wish one day you will be in a similar position as this young boy and only then you will understand.
well Qalanjo, you can hold on to your wishes because neither of us are planning to kill a Shiekh.
You don't have to kill someone to experience this when you live in a barbaric society.
qalanjo
let me tell to you story and something that took place in Dayton Ohio. the public upper-hand a killer who just murdered a mother of four children in her a mid-fifties not only did they beat him up. They left him half death and the police were not any better. So what does that tell us. when emotions are running high any thing is possible. The society doesn't have to be barbaric . Therefore the man who just got murdered was a man of the cloth in the most sacred place for all Muslim mosque, I hope you can appreciated the complexity of the situation but that doesn't mean we're condoning all saw in the video.
no
LOOOL Buuxiye walalo your hatred towards Majeerteen is unbelievable, I don't blame you they always done well but don't expect us to cheer you up which is the whole reason you posted this.
Like I said I don't give a rat about his tribe since he was caught red handed but I like to prove you wrong. http://www.puntlandpost.com/garoowe-gacan-ku-dhii…
I think it's inhumane and this people are still animals. Amirah and Sahra you both should ask yourself if you wants to be treated that way. Do you want a society worse than Afghanistan?
Alaha u naxariisto Sheekh Abdiqadir.
Sorry, it is "think" and not "thing"
Failed Somalia without a strong peoples civil democratic Govts since the 1991 collapsed
Somali State..sadly what a mess adding up effecting painful distrubing mysteries on both thehumans
and the resources of the poor Islamic Sovereignty as Nation and Country??? Somalia under foreign
occupation and dictation could never be healthy enough to regain itself self-esteem in real commonsense??? Just can't figure out how with all these foreign IC actors on the failed Somalia
could bring about real comprehesive peace in the absence of a strong Somalia govts???
Cheers
Well, sorry 4 da KDF soldiers in custody. If they killed them, those soldiers are worriers, men who died in the line of duty. Men who ve gone extra mile to free human beings who turned against each other. they had the courage to go somalia despite not being a citizen but in the spirit of IGAD&UN, to bring peace to ur very land while all you could do was run away from ur(somalis) nation, in pursuit of peace & better living, outside ur dead nation. I love somalia as my kinsmen but I'm kenyan (sijui) by heart. Congrat KDF&work well done. Teach somalis the meaning of peace&its price!