The Zamfara State Environmental Protection and Enforcement Agency (ZEPEA), under the leadership of Hon. Zangina Abdullahi Yari Gusau and represented by Permanent Member I, Comrade Sani Mohammed Mayanchi, on Friday received officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) at the agency’s headquarters in Gusau.

The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two environmental enforcement bodies, particularly in addressing the growing challenge of plastic pollution and other harmful waste materials affecting communities and aquatic life across the state.

During the meeting, both agencies agreed to intensify joint sensitization campaigns to discourage the excessive use of plastics and polythene products, which can take over 200 years to decompose and pose significant health and environmental risks when poorly disposed of.

ZEPEA and NESREA also discussed new strategies for improving waste management, enhancing public awareness, and enforcing environmental laws to ensure a safer and cleaner Zamfara.

The agencies expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr. Dauda Lawal, for his unwavering support toward environmental protection, climate resilience, and the safety of citizens across the state.

Zakkat board to wed, empower 400 orphans in Zamfara

The Zamfara Zakkat and Endowment Board says it has concluded arrangements for the wedding of 200 orphans and the empowerment of another 200 in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued to Newsmen by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Jamilu Sani on Friday in Gusau.

Sani said: “The ceremony is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23, at the board’s premises in Gusau.”

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the board, Mallam Habibu Balarabe, said the beneficiaries have already been screened and selected for the gesture.

Balarabe added that during the mass wedding, the board would also empower an additional 200 female orphans with capital to enable them to start small-scale businesses.

He said the 200 orphans had undergone a three-week training on poultry farming and computer skills, adding that during the ceremony, they would also receive starter packs to establish their businesses.

He further said that, under its programmes, the board had settled debt cases of 200 persons at Shari’ah Courts and Correctional Centres across the state, thereby securing their freedom.