In a bold demonstration of environmental leadership, the Osun State Government, through the Office of the Director-General and Special Envoy of the Governor on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, successfully conducted a two-day tree planting campaign.

A government house statement in Osogbo on Friday has it that the exercise for restoration and afforestation, in commemoration of World Environment Day, was held on June 4th and 5th, 2026.

The impactful programme included comprehensive climate action sensitization, donation of adequate seedlings, educational books, and interactive sessions on Climate Change Education. This forms a key part of the innovative Imole Green School Initiative, which seeks to cultivate a new generation of environmental stewards while rapidly expanding green cover across the state.

Schools that participated in the exercise include Islamic College, Osogbo; Phoebe Star School, Osogbo; Oasis School, Osogbo; Olive Branch School, Osogbo; Oba Laoye Grammar School, Ede; Ede High School, Ede; and the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun.

The tree planting campaign is an ongoing statewide effort, with many more schools across Osun State earmarked to receive seedlings and support in the coming months. The Office has also extended a strategic partnership to all security agencies, promising technical support and seedlings for greening their premises.

Speaking at the grand finale held at the Department of Environmental Health Science, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, Prof. Chinwe Obuaku, Director-General and Special Envoy of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, delivered a powerful call to action: “Over the years, my work has taught me that climate change is not merely about the environment; it is about people. It is about the child who cannot study at night because there is no access to clean energy. It is about the mother whose livelihood depends on a healthy and productive environment. It is about the community whose future is threatened by environmental degradation. That understanding has shaped our approach in Osun State.

Every tree planted is a promise to the future. It is a declaration that we refuse to be passive observers while our environment faces unprecedented challenges.”

Prof. Chinwe Obuaku reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the Imole Green School Initiative, describing it as an enduring platform for empowering students and communities to champion environmental sustainability.

The Osun State Government under His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke remains steadfast in its dedication to sustainable environmental management, renewable energy adoption, and climate resilience as foundational pillars of the state’s development agenda.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has raised alarm over plots by some disgruntled elements to destabilise the motor parks across the state

Consequently, he directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to nip the evil plans in the bud, according to a statement issued on Friday in Osogbo.

According to the Governor, certain individuals linked to opposition elements have concluded plans to invade motor parks across the local governments, calling the sinister moves a ploy to foist chaos on the state.

ALSO READ:

Describing the plan as a threat to public order, the governor praises the peace and tranquillity that have prevailed at the motor parks from 2023 till date and vowed never to allow instability and conflicts to resurface at the transport joints.

“Credible reports indicated some opposition elements in this untoward plan against the peace of Osun state. We already have all the details and I warn them to drop their sinister moves.

“I have further directed the Commissioner of Police to take pre-emptive action. The current peace and stability of our dear state must be sustained at all cost”, the governor noted.

The Bauchi State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped mother and her son and arrested five suspected kidnappers during a coordinated security operation in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

The incident, according to the Command, occurred on June 2, 2026, when armed men invaded a residence in Kwarin Gadali Hamlet, Pali District of Bauchi State and abducted a 40-year-old woman and her 25-year-old son.

SEE MORE: Pastor Escapes Into Bush as Gunmen Kidnap His 9-Year-Old Son in Ondo Attack

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, said operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress report and immediately launched an intelligence-led operation.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, operatives from Pali Outstation immediately visited the scene and commenced intelligence-led operations to track the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims.”

A joint security team made up of police operatives, soldiers, and local vigilantes later tracked the suspects to Kuka Village in Duguri District of Bauchi State, where three suspects were arrested on the same day.

The arrested suspects were identified as Mainasara Umaru (23), Buba Umaru (20), and Muhammadu Usman (19). Their arrest, according to the police, followed credible intelligence that led security operatives directly to their location.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects after one of the detained suspects allegedly confessed and provided information about the kidnapping and the location of the victims.

The confession reportedly led operatives to another suspect, Ahmadu Umaru, who was arrested in Dalgade.

Habib further disclosed that the victims were successfully rescued without injuries during a follow-up operation.

He stated, “Following intelligence-driven operations, the kidnapped victims were successfully rescued unhurt on June 3, 2026.

“They have since been taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination and attention.”

The police added that all five suspects are currently in custody while investigations have been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for discreet and thorough inquiry.

Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover weapons used in the operation.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Bauchi State.