The National Park Service (NPS) has expressed determination to safeguard forest resources within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Forest guards
Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of NPS, made this commitment during the passing-out parade of 30 forest guards in the FCT on Friday, October 4, 2024.
Goni, represented by Mohammed Kabir, Assistant Conservator-General, Ecology and Resource Centre Department, NPS, emphasised the crucial role of forest guards in preserving natural heritage and ecosystem services.
“As guardians of our forests, you have a vital role in safeguarding our natural heritage and ecosystem services,” he stated.
“The training programme equipped the forest guards with necessary tools to confront evolving challenges, including understanding bye-laws governing FCTA forest resources.”
Mr Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, assured that the Secretariat would initiate wildlife crime prevention initiatives and empower local hunters with alternative livelihoods to avoid engaging in punishable wildlife crimes.
Mrs Caroline Opara, FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Coordinator, noted that the training would enable forest guards to secure forests from negative activities.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of certificates to the 30 forest guards, demonstrating NPS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s forest resources, in line with the nation’s environmental conservation efforts.
In a deliberate attempt to respond to the negative effects of climate change on human survival, the Sustainable Environment Fisheries Foundation (SEFFA) and the Federal College of Land Resources Technology (FECOLART) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage and empower farmers to embrace innovative agricultural practices.
Participants during a workshop hosted by SEFFA in Jos, Plateau State, to train farmers on climate-smart agriculture and food security
With this new arrangement in place, farmers will receive training and support from experts who will provide extension services and help make decisions that will enable them to access agricultural inputs and market penetration.
Ololade Adegoke, the CEO of SEFFA, while commenting on the exercise, which was held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, stated that the partnership is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and helping build resilience by producing ambassadors who will learn and teach others about climate action.
According to her, the scheme is also designed to help raise climate-smart farmers and build the capacity of communities and schools in Plateau State on greenhouse technology, irrigation, economic tree planting, and fish farming.
Additionally, it would strengthen partnerships by assisting farmers in accessing markets, which would enhance their income and standard of living in this climate change-affected and consequently unfavourable economy.
She underscored that this public-private partnership is essential to accelerating the government’s directives that all federal institutions should establish an entrepreneurial division to increase awareness and generate revenue to boost the nation’s economic growth.
Visionary leaders, the SEFFA boss asserts, are changemakers who drive others to achieve goals not just for individual development but for societal advancement.
“It is in this light that SEFFA is strengthening collaborations with stakeholders in changing the narrative as to how the devastating impact of climate change could be mitigated,” Adegoke noted.
In a similar vein, Dr. Abdulsalam Anate, representative of the Provost of FECOLART, Dr. Ademola Raji, praised SEFFA for considering his institution for this admirable initiative, citing its potential to improve farmers’ knowledge on how to use cutting-edge technologies to increase agricultural production across the country.
The alliance, he added, will also help in projecting the status of the college by allowing it to engage and share extension services with farmers and other stakeholders on how to reduce the impact of ecosystem disruption while promoting environmental sustainability.
SEFFA is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to consolidating the environment, fishing, agriculture, and aquaculture nationwide by introducing more effective climate-smart agricultural practices among farmers.
As part of this partnership, the non-profit entity would establish a greenhouse farm within the institution to act as a working demonstration site where FECORLAT students and the farming communities would receive training on climate-smart skills.
The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo, has called on the more than 100 members of the Guild to make decisions that would distinguish them as entrepreneurs in the online media community.
Maureen Chigbo, GOCOP President, at Media Roundtable on self-regulation
The President made the remark in welcoming corporate online publishers to Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, Kogi State, where the 8th annual general meeting (AGM) and Conference kicked off on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
The President said members must realise that online is the future of journalism, saying even traditional news organs have realised it and are rushing in. “We must know we are mediapreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the online media community.”
She noted that the AGM is usually to reinvigorate members’ businesses while adhering to ethical rules.
On capacity building session that started the Day One, the President said the choice of experienced members to serve as resource persons was deliberate, saying: “We have brought our members that have succeeded in various aspects to talk to members so more people can succeed. That is what peer review does to us. Today is capacity-building, peer review, and talking to GOCOP partners. We also have our annual general meeting (AGM) today where we give account of stewardship.”
Chigbo, publisher of Realnews, said GOCOP has its own corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects.
“We will visit an orphanage to give back to society. We recommend this to all our corporate members because we must put something aside each year in our different publishing outfits to give back to society.”
She appreciated members for solidarity and support while commending the people and government of Kogi State for playing host to GOCOP members. She equally commended the organising committee for painstaking efforts to make Lokoja 2024 a bright event. She gave kudos to the membership committee for strict screening processes to make the Guild a credible group of corporate publishers.
In the first presentation, Dr Maxwell Amuchie, Founder/CEO, Sundiata Post Media Ltd, drilled members on “Low Hanging Fruits; A Revenue Strategy for Online Publishers”. He said it is to help online publishers answer a crucial worry in the online publishing business, which is how to earn sustainable revenue from the practice.
He identified the obvious revenue areas which he called low hanging fruits. He named some of them as: sponsored posts, link insertions, text link adverts, and press releases.
On major revenue schemes available to online publishers, he mentioned banner adverts, special projects writing especially with state governments and agencies, digital advertising, social media revenue, events management, as well as licensing and syndication.
Dr Amuchie, who gave a deep insight into his experience in the beginning and how he stumbled on opportunities, gave hints on how to maximise the revenue areas.
He said: “Despite advice and counsel by GOCOP, members have the responsibility to define their business strategies and make their websites offer value that can attract patronage.”
Mediapreneurs, under the umbrella of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to attract readers to their websites. They are expected to leverage different online platforms and technology to promote their products or services and more with their audiences.
The publisher of the QEDNG, Mr Olumide Iyanda
The publisher of the QEDNG, Mr Olumide Iyanda, who made the call during his presentation at the capacity-building session of the 8th Annual General Meeting of GOCOP at Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, insisted that media managers should post their stories where their readers can easily read them.
Iyanda, who stated that many readers take interest in watching short video clicks instead of reading long texts, urged mediapreneurs to equally include videos and as part of their stories to generate more traffic.
Noting that leveraging on social media goes a long way to promote websites, he called on Publishers to know where their readers have gone to and accordingly plant their stories there.
‘’Internet penetration in Nigeria is about 45.5 per cent. Over 40 per cent of these users engage with news on Facebook, Tik Tok. Yet, 75 per cent of internet users do not go pass first page, so, it is important to use social media platforms to promote content and engage with users,’’ he said.
Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Tiktok, among others, he said, were variable channels to reach readers.
Speaking further, he urged GOCOP members to now wear the garb of business decision-makers as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) upon whose shoulders rest the success or otherwise and the fate of their workforce. He said the view the CEOs hold on their role would impact the way they related with their clients.
Iyanda explained that publishers as small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) must learn how to adapt to changing consumer behaviours to beat the increasing competition in the digital space.
For instance, he harped the need for data to make appropriate decisions. “Don’t decide what your audience needs. If your customers want tea, don’t give them coffee, prioritise digital marketing and be active on all digital marketing platforms,” he advised that the over 100 members of GOCOP present at this year’s conference.
Iyanda spoke on “Leveraging Digital Marketing: Strategies for Online Publishers,’’ as part of the general theme of this year’s GOCOP conference titled, “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, And Transitioning to Digital Economy”.
He urged Publishers to know when to charge for stories and when not, explaining that placing fees for public relations or promotional stories for commercial interests did not breach journalism ethics.
He noted that journalism would not only be seen as a social or humanitarian service but also as a business where bills must be settled by the entrepreneur. He warned Publishers to beware of other professionals who collect money from their clients to publish stories only to turn round to use subtle methods to slip the stories into the media.
Iyanda, who warned that media professionals should maintain the code of ethics in all they do, urged Publishers to strike the right balance between ethics and demands of business.
Every year, GOCOP embarks on business sessions at its annual conferences where members are brought up to date with latest tech in online publishing as well as focus on means of increasing and generating revenues in online publishing.
The Lagos State Government on Thursday, October 3, 2024, vowed to deploy actionable strategies to sustain the ban on the use and sale of styrofoam food containers and Single Use Plastics (SUPs) in the state.
Delegates at the stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the ban on the usage of styrofoam and SUPs in Lagos
Dr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, made the commitment at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on the implementation of the ban on the usage of styrofoam and SUPs in the state.
Wahab was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Kunle Rotimi-Akodu.
He said the workshop would fashion out the necessary strategies to implement and sustain the ban on styrofoam and other SUPs in Lagos State.
He said that available statistics showed that Lagos generates over 13,000 tonnes of waste daily with a significant percentage being single-use-plastics and styrofoam.
According to him, these plastics have been scientifically proven to take up to 1,000 years before degrading.
Wahab added that a recent study proved that micro-plastics were found in fetus and the blood stream of human beings.
He said the resolution to ban the product would not only be beneficial to the present generation but to generations yet unborn.
He recalled that the state government in January pronounced a ban on styrofoam plastics and SUPs to reduce their harmful environmental and health impacts on human health and the ecosystem.
Wahab said that government remained determined to encourage viable options for styrofoam containers across the state.
“The implementation of the ban on styrofoam commenced on Feb. 12, 2024, upon the expiration of a three-week moratorium.
“The state announced a six-month moratorium period for SUPs which was later magnanimously extended till the end of 2024 upon stakeholders appeal to give room for more consultation, while the ban on SUPs will be effective by January 2025,” Wahab said.
He said that Lagos had seen firsthand the devastating effects of plastic pollution, as it affects air quality, clogs the waterways, and poses long-term health risks to the citizens.
The commissioner stressed that the resolve to ban is a critical step toward climate action, sustainable waste management, and improve the overall quality of life in the communities.
Wahab said that government recognises that the transition may not be easy as challenges such as cost of alternative packaging materials, changes in consumer behaviour and ensuring compliance across board is expected.
He, however, said that the state government was ready to implement the roles stipulated in the Lagos State plastic policy by providing an enabling environment and supporting research into new technological options.
He emphasised that government would continue to provide the necessary policy framework and support.
Wahab urged the participants to come up with practical and actionable strategies for implementation of the ban.
He also called on them to raise public awareness by charting a roadmap that would ensure a smooth transition.
“The future of Lagos – our health, environment, and economy rests on the actions we take today.
”I, therefore, urge each of you to embrace the journey towards a plastic free Lagos with enthusiasm, optimism and shared sense of responsibility,” Wahab said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Gaji Tajudeen, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, said that plastic waste management was one of the most daunting environmental challenges facing Lagos State with its increasing prevalence and negative effect.
Gaji said that following the ban, studies conducted showed that drastic but needed action had been very useful in reducing the volume of plastic waste in the drainage and waterways across the state.
He said the ministry deemed it necessary to engage various stakeholders within the plastic ecosystem in a comprehensive and robust stakeholders gathering where all interested parties would be present to chat a way forward.
He reminded the stakeholders that the government was very interested in the progress and wellbeing of business organisations within the environment sector.
Gaji reiterated that the government would not take any action to jeopardise the interest of business owners.
He added that doing otherwise would be counter-productive to the progress and financial stability of the state.
“At the same time, it must be clearly noted that the state government will not shy away from its responsibility of having a clean and sustainable environment,” he said.
Also speaking, the guest lecturer, a former Dean of Law, Lagos State University, Prof. Funminiyi Adeleke, urged the Lagos State Government to consider the economic issues that may arise from the ban.
Adeleke added that the government was expected to give adequate notice, awareness and fashion out ways to cushion the effects of such ban in the short and long run.
The Federal Government on Thursday, October 3, 2024, said it would soon unveil programmes to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said this during the distribution of additional 18,500 bags of 25kg rice to vulnerable people in Kebbi as palliatives.
The 18,500 bags of rice were in addition to earlier ones received by the state from the federal government.
Kyari said the federal government was committed to easing the burdens of citizens.
“The federal government is aware that Kebbi is also affected by flooding.
“Federal authorities will come out with a programme to mitigate against the devastating effect of climate change,” the minister said.
Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, said that the federal government’s delegation was in the state on the authority of President Bola Tinubu to complement the government on provision of palliatives to the people.
“President Tinubu is satisfied about the remarkable performance of Gov. Nasir Idris. Kebbi alone can feed the nation.
“In the wisdom of the President, he offers support to states to the fullest to succeed.
“Kebbi governor has made submissions to President Tinubu, which have all been approved.
“He wants Kebbi to excel, we sincerely thank the President,” Bagudu said.
The Senior Special Assistant on Politics to the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru-Masari, said Gov. Idris, had received accolades from President Tinubu on steering the affairs of the state.
“Both leaders share the same vision, better days beckon with prosperity,” Kabiru-Masari said.
In response, Gov. Idris thanked the President for his love and assistance to the state, acknowledging the delivery of another consignment of rice as palliative.
“The gesture of Mr President is tremendous. He has been benevolent to Kebbi state, we remain grateful, loyal and supportive.
“We are also happy about the performance of Minister Bagudu.
“We have no regrets sending you to Abuja as representative of our state, we are proud of you.
Following the flood that submerged 70 communities in Kogi, the state government has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene to mitigate the impact of the flood.
Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Joel Salifu, during the inspection tour
The Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, made the appeal during an inspection tour to the Edeha community in Kogi Local Government area, affected by the flood.
Salifu, who doubles as Chairman, 2024 Kogi State Flood Disaster Response Committee, said that, in spite of the state’s preparedness, the present situation in Edeha and other communities along the route was beyond what it could handle.
“It is obvious that the present situation is beyond what the Kogi State Government can handle alone.
“It is clear that over 70 communities have been affected by the flood and thousands of homes and farmlands submerged.
“The number of damaged properties, including farmlands, is yet to be ascertained. As such, the intervention of the Federal Government is urgently needed in the affected areas,” he pleaded.
He, however, expressed joy that no life was lost as most of the affected communities have moved to the internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps set up by the state.
The deputy governor assured the commitment of the state to doing its best in ameliorating the suffering of the affected persons.
He affirmed that all the necessary steps have been put in place at the 48 IDP camps set up across the state.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (KOSEMA), Mr Mourktar Atimah, promised that the state would continue to take care of the victims.
Chief of Edeha Community, Abdullahi Isah, commended the state government for its promptness in visiting them.
Isah, who corroborated the deputy governor’s plea for federal government’s help, said about 70 to 80 communities have been affected by the flood, describing it as a perennial occurrence.
“We appreciate the presence of the Deputy Governor today, but we beg the FG to come in to assist us.
“We have all moved to higher land, and most of our people are presently at the IDP camps.
“We beg the Federal Government, corporate and international organisations, and individuals to come to our aid.
“We know the state government has human feelings, but they cannot do it alone,” Isah said.
The deputy governor was accompanied by the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, and other members of the flood committee.
The team had earlier visited the Palace of the Ohimegye of Kotonkarfe, where the deputy governor intimated the traditional ruler of the state government’s efforts in handling the flood disaster.
The World Bank has approved a $500 million loan to support the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project aimed at reducing climate-induced challenges.
Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev
Mr Chakib Jenane, World Bank’s Regional Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Development for West and Central Africa, announced this during a visit to Water Resources and Sanitation Minister in Abuja on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Jenane said that the SPIN project was approved during the World Bank’s Board meeting on Sept. 26, adding that it was scheduled to begin in January 2025.
According to him, the project is designed to address climate-related issues, including floods and droughts, through enhanced dam safety, improved water resource management, and expanded irrigation services.
The World Bank director said that the project would benefit approximately 950,000 people, including farmers and livestock breeders.
Jenane emphasised the need for Nigeria to continue preparations to meet the remaining conditions in order for the project to be effective by the Jan. 2025 target date.
The World Bank team also provided an update on the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which is nearing completion.
The team also gave an update on the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme, and stressed the importance of involving more states in the initiative.
Jenane encouraged the ministry to explore the establishment of a National WASH Fund, a key objective under the SURWASH programme’s Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 1.
The Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, expressed his appreciation to the bank for its continued support of Nigeria’s development, particularly in sustainable infrastructure and water resource management.
He assured the delegation that the Nigerian government would provide the necessary counterpart funding support to ensure the successful implementation of all World Bank-backed projects.
Utsev also emphasised the importance of completing the TRIMING Project on schedule and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to meeting the project’s Jan. 2025 deadline.
Also speaking, Dr Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, thanked the bank for its approval of the SPIN project.
Goronyo also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to ensuring success of the project through collaborative efforts.
The SPIN also mulls developing a master plan for hydropower generation, with a focus on boosting energy production through public-private partnerships.
Some stakeholders in the environment sector on Thursday, October 3, 2024, in Ilorin, Kwara State, called for collaborative efforts in ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.
Volunteers cleaning up the environment in Ilorin on Thursday in commemoration of the World Clean-Up Day 2024
The stakeholders, who spoke during the “Clean-up Ilorin” exercise in commemoration of the World Clean-up Day 2024, said there was the need for sustainable waste management practices for a clean environment.
The event, which had “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter” as its theme was organised by SustyVibes Kwara.
It was aimed at raising awareness about global waste crisis and it advocated for sustainable waste management practices.
SustyVibes Kwara Community Manager, Mr Olaide Olawuwo, said the World Clean-up Day serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to create cleaner, more sustainable communities.
He said the programme aimed to highlight the environmental and economic impact of waste mismanagement.
Olawuwo said this prompted the organisation to mobilise community members to clean up public spaces and adopt sustainable practices.
“Building sustainable communities is everyone’s responsibility and we are trying to encourage civic responsibility and volunteerism in tackling waste issues.
“We are grateful to all volunteers and partners as this can only be achieved through collaboration,” he said.
Mr Abdulazeez Ishola, from the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said government was proud to support youth-led initiatives like the exercise.
Ishola reiterated government’s support in advocating for a sustainable environment.
The Curator, of Ilorin Global Shapers, Salmah Abdulrahman, also commended the organisers and partners for walking the talk towards ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.
Perekosufa Obudah, Kwara NYSC SDGs’ CDS Ilorin President, said it was important to spread the lesson learnt to make a difference in the society.
The event involved a clean-up of 12 major roads in Ilorin, including locations such as Unity Road, Muritala Muhammed Way, Sulu Gambari Road and Maraba.
Volunteers were equipped with gloves, waste bags, rakes, brooms, reflective jackets, and SDG placards, provided by SustyVibes and partners.
They collected 40 waste bags (165 kg) filled with plastics, nylon, PET bottles, and papers.
Sensitisation efforts reached hundreds of Ilorin residents, fostering a greater understanding of environmental stewardship.
In addition to waste collection, participants engaged with community members, educating them on proper waste disposal practices and the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
There were over 100 volunteers from four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara.
The participants were drawn from organisations such as YALI Kwara, Ilorin Global Shapers, Kwara State Ministry of Environment and Kwara NYSC CDS, all working in partnership with SustyVibes.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, reiterated its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.
L-R Dr Joseph Onoja, DG of NCF; Mr Femi Agbaje, NCF NEC Member; and Mr Uchenna Achunine, Director, Business Development & Communications, NCF, at the 35th AGM of NCF on Wednesday in Lagos
NCF made the call at its 35th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the President, Board of Trustees (BOT) of NCF, Izoma Philip Asiodu, urged the National Executive Council (NEC) of the foundation to work towards establishing offices in all the states of the federation.
Asiodu noted that the presence of the NCF at the subnational level would promote advocacy for nature conservation and sustainability at the grassroots.
He said that solving environmental problems require robust action and response at the local and global levels because conservation issues transcend borders.
The BOT president said that the foundation was able to plant 285, 000 trees through its Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) programme in the year under review.
He noted that the GRN programme is a flagship project of NCF which seeks to recover and restore Nigeria’s forest cover from the current seven per cent to 25 per cent by 2047.
Also speaking, the Chairman, NEC of NCF, Justice Bukunola Adebiyi, said that the efforts of the foundation in protecting endangered species showed promising results in the year under review (2023).
Adebiyi said that beyond the amazing feat achieved by the foundation in 2023, NCF continue to face threats from illegal logging, poaching and climate change.
According to her, the foundation in the years ahead will scale up conservation efforts, sustainable development, strengthen advocacy efforts to influence environmental policies and stronger legal framework for conservation.
In his report, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, said that 2023 marked the foundation’s third year of the implementation of its Strategic Action Plan (SAP 2021- 2025).
“Guided by the SAP, we became more focused and innovative and implemented impactful programmes and projects on environmental sustainability and nature conservation.
“We have made significant progress in our mission to preserve Nigeria’s biodiversity and promote sustainable development,” Onoja said.
The director-general listed other areas of intervention in the year under review as wetland conservation, wildlife conservation, research and monitoring, community-based conservation and education.
“As we celebrate 44 years of conservation excellence, let us renew our commitment to protecting our natural heritage for future generations,” Onoja said.
The AGM was attended by corporate and individual members of NCF, NEC members, members of BOT and students from various institutions.
