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Climate change: Govt restates commitment to reduce carbon emissions

Michael Simire
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Climate change: Govt restates commitment to reduce carbon emissions

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to reduce the adverse effects of carbon emissions in Nigeria.

Dr Iziaq Salako
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako

Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Abuja.

He said this at the inaugural workshop on quarterly reporting of utilisation efforts and initiatives towards the reduction of carbon footprints (emissions) in Nigeria.

Salako said the workshop presented the proactive stance of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s pursuit of sustainable environmental practices.

“Today’s gathering marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints (emissions).

“It also mitigates the negative impact of climate change, particularly in the vital sector of oil and gas activities,” he said.

He said the workshop to reduce carbon footprint by the oil and gas sector, underscores the unwavering dedication to accelerating the gas flare-down dates within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“The introduction of the Nigerian Gas Flare Tracker (NGFT) tool stands as a testament to our commitment to innovative solutions.

“This unique, technologically driven environmental regulatory tool not only identifies gas flare sites with precision but also quantifies carbon emissions.

“It also computes economic values and estimates the power generation potential of the flared gas.

“As a monitoring mechanism, reporting on a quarterly basis to National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

“The agency serves as the secretariat saddled with the responsibility to fast-track the gas flare-down dates of oil and gas operators in Nigeria is expected,” he said.

The minister said this would enable Nigeria to achieve its goal on the nation’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) which defines a pathway to achieving a net zero target in 2060.

In a remark, the out- going Director- General, NOSDRA, Mr Idris Musa, said that since inception, the agency had been at the forefront of efforts to combat oil and gas pollution.

He said that NOSDRA was also at the forefront of championing a technology- driven approach to environmental regulations.

Musa said that the introduction of the NGFT as a tool stands as s shining example of the agency’s commitment to invocation and excellence.

He said that upcoming inauguration of the Satellite – based Methane Emission Tracker represented a significant milestone in the agency’s journey towards achieving tier 2 and 3 data reporting requirements.

“This is as outlined in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission data grade requirement,” he said.

Musa said that the quarterly reporting initiative would help to overcome some of the regulatory gaps in the oil and gas regulations.

Oil industry operators who made presentations, displayed their level of gas utilisation to reduce the adverse effects of carbon emissions in the country.

By Doris Esa

Saudi Arabia joins International Drought Resilience Alliance

Michael Simire
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Saudi Arabia joins International Drought Resilience Alliance

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the latest country to formally join the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the global coalition mobilising political, technical, and financial capital to prepare the world for harsher droughts. This addition brings the total membership of IDRA to 37 countries and 28 intergovernmental and research organisations, reflecting a growing commitment to address droughts in the face of climate change and unsustainable land management.

Al-Fadley
Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley. Photo credit: SPA

Launched at UN Climate Summit COP27 by the leaders of Spain and Senegal, IDRA rallies world leaders against one of the world’s most deadly and costly natural disasters, acknowledging that we are only as resilient to drought and climate change as our land is. The IDRA secretariat is hosted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al Fadley, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, said: “We see IDRA as an opportunity to protect our societies and economies in the face of drought.  As hosts of the largest-ever UN conference on land and drought this December, one of our priorities is to further the countries commitment to a drought-resilient future.”

Al Fadley emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 reflects the commitment of its leadership to environmental protection at the national, regional, and international levels, and adds to pioneering efforts like the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

Al Fadley also highlighted the urgent need to build drought resilience globally, while combating land degradation and desertification to counter their environmental, economic, and social impacts. He expressed hope that the Alliance would foster effective collective action and intensify global efforts to address these issues, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources for future generations.

One-quarter of the world’s population is already affected by drought, and three out of four people are projected to face water scarcity by 2050. In the Middle East and North Africa, 100 percent of the population will live with extremely high-water stress by 2050.

Third Vice-President of the Government of Spain, Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge and IDRA Co-Chair, Ms. Teresa Ribera, encouraged more countries to follow in the steps of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that drought resilience yields returns of up to 10 times the initial investment.

“The Alliance is as strong as the knowledge, experiences, and networks contributed by its members. I invite world leaders to join IDRA to transform the way humanity tackles drought, building our collective defenses before crises strike,” said Ribera.

UNCCD Executive Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, concluded: “Droughts are a natural phenomenon, but we are turbo-charging them by degrading our lands and disrupting the climate. In the lead up the UNCCD COP16, I urge countries to raise their ambitions for healthy lands and drought-resilient societies and economies.”

A watershed year for land and drought

UNCCD COP16, taking place in Riyadh from December 2 to 13, will be the largest-ever meeting of UNCCD’s 197 Parties, the first to be held in the Middle East region, and the largest multilateral conference ever hosted by Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom will also host the 2024 World Environment Day global celebrations with a focus on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.

On June 17, 2024, Desertification and Drought Day will mark the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), one of the three Rio Conventions alongside climate and biodiversity.

UK’s MOBILIST programme underlines commitment to Nigeria’s capital market for sustainable development

Michael Simire
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0
UK’s MOBILIST programme underlines commitment to Nigeria’s capital market for sustainable development

The UK Government says it is committed to supporting Nigeria to develop its thriving capital markets and sees its Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures (MOBILIST) programme as a strong basis for collaboration with Nigeria’s financial sector.

Mobilist
L – R: Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe; British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Johnny Baxter and Ag. Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Jude Chiemeka during the Public Markets -Focused Finance Engagement organized by Mobilist & NGX in Lagos

Nigeria’s capital market can help contribute to the delivery of the country’s economic goals, including the ambition to transition to clean energy solutions, but needs around $10 billion in financing per year to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

At two MOBILIST events hosted by the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the British Deputy High Commission (BDHC) in Lagos on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the UK underlined its commitment to work with Nigeria to enable private capital mobilisation at scale. The events in the Nigeria’s financial hub brought together stakeholders from across the finance community, including representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and pension fund industry, to discuss opportunities to solve some of the principal barriers to increasing investment in the SDGs via public markets.

This week’s events come after former UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s visit to Nigeria last year and his participation in the launch of the partnership between MOBILIST and NGX intended to catalyse greater investment in the SDGs via new investment structures listed on the exchange.

MOBILIST provides investment capital in the form of equity as well as technical assistance to overcome barriers and enable the listing of pioneering products that can mobilise institutional capital at scale to deal with the twin challenges of development and the climate transition. MOBILIST also offers extensive research and policy advocacy support to highlight obstacles and enhance the environment for issuers, investors, and intermediaries.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the African continent needs additional financing of about $194 billion annually to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Closing this financing gap cannot be achieved without mobilising private investment at scale and enhanced collaboration between capital market stakeholders, multi-lateral development banks, development finance institutions and policymakers.

British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, while delivering his remarks at the event, said: “The UK government is committed to supporting Nigeria in the continued development of its capital market to help deliver the country’s economic goals, including its ambitions to transition to clean energy solutions.

“A liquid and well-regulated capital market benefits the entire economy by enabling companies to raise capital to fund their expansion, which in turn helps deliver crucial development, job opportunities and improved incomes.

“MOBILIST’s focus on stimulating the creation of innovative listed products can make a unique and impactful contribution to achieving these objectives.”

In his goodwill remarks, the Chairman, NGX, Ahonsi, Unuigbe, highlighted the need for addressing barriers hindering public listings through collaborative discussions.

He said: “The discussions we have today are crucial as we address barriers hindering public listings and explore actionable solutions. By overcoming these obstacles, we can unlock the full potential of our capital market, enabling more businesses to access the funding they need to grow and thrive. Some of these obstacles are significant such as regulatory challenges, high listing costs, and market volatility.

“An enhanced and efficient listing process will democratise access to capital, nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly businesses dedicated to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), can flourish.”

MOBILIST Programme Lead at the FCDO, Ross Ferguson, said: “MOBILIST is the expression of the UK’s conviction that public markets have a underutilised but potentially critical role in financing sustainable development at scale by mobilising private capital to flow where it is needed most – to the firms that are going to contribute most to solving developmental challenges and help deliver a fair and orderly climate transition for Nigeria.

“We are committed to deepening our relationships in the Nigerian market as we seek to help position Nigeria’s capital markets at the forefront of these efforts.

While delivering the welcome address, the Ag CEO of NGX, Jude Chiemeka, emphasised the impact of the partnership with MOBILIST.

He stated: “Our partnership with MOBILIST is geared towards advancing market efficiency, sustainability reporting, and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This event represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the performance and deepening of Nigeria’s capital market by promoting sustainable capital flows and enhancing listing diversity.

“The discussions from today are poised to yield actionable insights on how we can collectively catalyse economic growth through the capital market. By harnessing the potential of our capital market, we can unlock new opportunities for funding businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and ultimately driving sustainable development across Nigeria.”

Group urges adoption of renewable energy to tackle climate change

Michael Simire
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0
Group urges adoption of renewable energy to tackle climate change

The Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre has suggested the adoption of renewable energy to reduce the effects of fossil fuels on the environment.

Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre
Participants at the sensitisation workshop for communities in Rivers State

Dr Confidence Otikor, the Project Officer of the Rivers-based advocacy group, spoke on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Port Harcourt at a one-day sensitisation workshop for communities in Rivers State.

Speaking at the workshop with the theme: “Awareness Creation on Energy Transition”, Otikor said the use of renewable energy would protect the environment.

The project officer said that the rapidly changing climate had made it imperative for humans to embrace green energy sources.

“This will help to preserve both the environment and the health of the citizens,” she said.

“The transition from fossil fuel is crucial to address climate change, considering that they are the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Gas emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming that leads to more frequent and severe weather conditions, such as rising sea levels, excess heat, and rain floods. among others.

“We encourage our people to buy into the idea of transiting from non-renewable energy to renewable sources,” she said.

Otikor stressed that adopting renewable energy means diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

She pointed out that Nigeria’s overdependence on fossil fuels had resulted in climate change, air and water pollution, land degradation, and health challenges, among others.

According to her, there is need to make renewable energy affordable and accessible to the average Nigerian household, without having to spend much.

“It is important that Nigerians transition to renewable energy, it will save them a lot money, protect the environment, improve air and water quality, and boost the economy.

“We understand that this transition is a gradual process, but it should be a collective effort so that everyone will embrace the idea to make it work.

“The government should provide solar systems to the people, especially those in rural communities that do not have the resources to purchase the facility,” she said.

Otikor said that while the government had a significant role to play in climate change mitigation, citizens should also make conscious choices in their daily lives.

She called on the Federal Government to invest in renewable energy sources such as wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar.

“We call on the people to plant trees because trees help freshen our environment, ultimately leading to a better quality of life,” Otikor added.

By Desmond Ejibas

International Day for Biological Diversity: Guterres demands urgent measures to halt environmental decline

Michael Simire
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International Day for Biological Diversity: Guterres demands urgent measures to halt environmental decline

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, called for taking urgent measures to halt environmental decline.

António Guterres
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres

Guterres said this in his message to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.

The top UN official highlighted the dire state of the planet’s ecosystems, emphasising that the world’s “complex web of biological diversity sustains all life on earth” but is “unraveling at alarming speed” due to human activities.

“We are contaminating land, oceans and freshwater with toxic pollution, wrecking landscapes and ecosystems, and disrupting our precious climate with greenhouse gas emissions,” Guterres said, underscoring the severe consequences of humanity’s footprint on nature.

The degradation of biodiversity is not just an environmental issue but a developmental crisis as well. “Decimating biodiversity damages sustainable development today and creates a dangerous and uncertain tomorrow,” he warned.

Guterres advocated for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework as a vital instrument to “reverse loss and restore biodiversity.”

He noted that this plan not only aims to halt environmental degradation but also promises economic benefits such as job creation, increased resilience and spur sustainable development.

Highlighting the need for widespread participation in conservation efforts, the secretary-general reminded that “we are all ‘Part of the Plan’ we all have a role to play.”

He called on indigenous peoples, businesses, financial institutions, local and regional authorities, civil society, women, young people and academia to work together in a manner that value, protects and restores biodiversity benefiting everyone involved.

“Let us commit to be Part of the Plan. Let us act urgently to put biodiversity on a path to recovery,” said the UN chief.

He stressed the importance of building momentum towards the upcoming Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of Parties (COP16) in October, to “protect the planet and create a more sustainable future for us all.”

The International Day for Biodiversity is celebrated every year on May 22 and coordinated by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), part of the United Nations Environment Programme.

This observance commemorates the adoption of the text of the CBD on May 22, 1992, and provides a unique opportunity to generate support for the convention, its protocols and related action frameworks.

FCT minister urges Nigerians to invest in afforestation for healthy living

Michael Simire
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FCT minister urges Nigerians to invest in afforestation for healthy living

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has urged Nigerians to increase investment in afforestation, describing it as critical towards building a healthy environment for a healthy living.

World Family Doctors’ Day
Commemoration the 2024 World Family Doctors’ Day in Abuja

Mahmoud, who made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at an event organised to commemorate the 2024 World Family Doctors’ Day, called on Nigerians to embrace afforestation against deforestation for its numerous benefits.

The minister, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr Abdullahi Kauranmata, said that the health of the people is largely dependent on the status of the planet.

She said that the theme, “Healthy Planet, Healthy People”, was timely and strategic, considering the importance of family doctors in any society.

“The contribution of family physicians to the healthcare system, especially in providing basic services is commendable.

“Most of the healthcare burden of Nigerian families are handled by the family physicians who are trained to handle all manner of diseases.

“A well-trained family physician is expected to perform and assist in routine surgeries, provide emergency care, vaccinate patients to prevent and treat diseases, perform patient advocacy roles, and coordinate or manage primary patient care amongst other services,” she said.

She called on family physicians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu to actualise his “Renewed Hope” agenda and pledged the FCT Administration’s continued support to family physicians.

Earlier, President of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, Prof. Musa Dankyau, said that family physicians recognised the interconnectedness of environmental health and human health.

Dankyau equally recognised the key role family doctors play in promoting environment and human health.

He pointed out that Nigeria was currently witnessing the effects of environmental degradation on the health of the populations.

“The effects from air pollution and climate change to deforestation, and water contamination are real, affecting our daily lives from Sokoto to Lagos, Jos to Enugu, Maiduguri to Port Harcourt.

“However, as family physicians, we are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and advocate for the health of our patients and families, as well as our planet,” he said.

The World Family Doctors Day is being celebrated annually, to recognise the vital role of family doctors in delivering personal, comprehensive, and continuous health care to patients.

It also serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of family doctors to the health of the planet and the patient.

By Philip Yatai

Tinubu appoints new CEOs for NOSDRA, Ogun-Osun River Basin

Michael Simire
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Tinubu appoints new CEOs for NOSDRA, Ogun-Osun River Basin

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Chukwuemeka Woke as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

Chukwuemeka Woke
Chukwuemeka Woke

Similarly, Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr Adedeji Ashiru as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA).

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Abuja.

Ngelale said that Woke is an engineer, environmental specialist and a politician.

He said that the appointee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical / Petrochemical Engineering, and had served under the Environmental, Safety, and Operations Departments of the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The Presidential spokesman said Woke was Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State and Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, for many years.

Ngelale said that Ashiru holds a Doctorate degree in Engineering from the Commonwealth University, UK, and has led a consortium of blue-chip companies, in addition to earning many stripes in his professional endeavour.

“The President expects the new Chief Executive Officers to deploy their competencies to these critical agencies for sustainable gains and turnaround, while maintaining utmost transparency in their operations,” Ngelale stated.

By Ismail Abdulaziz

Shell Group’s Bonga emerges 2023 Asset of the Year

Michael Simire
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0
Shell Group’s Bonga emerges 2023 Asset of the Year

Nigeria’s premier deep-water development, Bonga, operated by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), has won the coveted Asset of the Year award in the Shell Group for 2023, the latest recognition of its best-in-class performance in Safety, Environment and Asset Management.

Bonga
SNEPCo’s Bonga FPSO

Bonga had clinched same award in 2016 and was first runner up in the same category in 2019 for improved production, maintenance, problem-resolving capability, operational excellence and cost ownership.

The asset won again this year beating targets in oil production, plant availability, and greenhouse gas emissions. The asset also recorded zero fatalities and spills.

“This is a testament to a culture of excellence which has endured at Bonga since first oil in 2005,” SNEPCo Managing Director, Elohor Aiboni, said of the award.

“We appreciate the hard work of staff and contractors as well as the support of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and our co-venturers – TotalEnergiesNigeria Limited, Nigerian Agip Exploration and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited which has enabled Bonga to continue to safely and efficiently deliver value to stakeholders,” Aiboni added.

Among other factors, SNEPCo has relied on a motivated workforce, cutting-edge technology and a relentless drive on safety to deliver oil and gas at record levels at Bonga. Last year, the Floating, Production, Storage, Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is at the heart of the operations, achieved the one billionth barrel of crude oil export. Overall, Bonga produced 138,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in 2023 compared to around 101,000 in 2022.

The latest award for Bonga adds to a lengthy list of laurels won by Shell in Nigeria in the past few years. In 2022 alone, Shell Companies in Nigeria were recognised as Best International Company of the Year (Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria), Upstream Company of the Year (Nigeria International Energy Summit) and Leading Tax Compliant Firm in Nigeria (Federal Inland Revenue Service).

BATN marks 20yrs of transformative impact on smallholder farmers in Nigeria

Michael Simire
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0
BATN marks 20yrs of transformative impact on smallholder farmers in Nigeria

The BATN Foundation commemorates its 20th anniversary, acknowledging its efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and bolstering rural development through impactful initiatives across multiple sectors.

BATN Foundation
The BATN Foundation anniversary event in Lagos

The anniversary event, held at the Civic Centre in Lagos, brought together stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries to reflect on the Foundation’s journey and accomplishments.

Established in November 2002, the BATN Foundation has facilitated the transition from subsistence farming to sustainable commercial agriculture in Nigeria. This transition has not only improved the livelihoods of numerous Nigerians but also fostered the development of sustainable agricultural enterprises and transformed rural smallholder farmers into agro entrepreneurs.

In her anniversary message, Adebisi Lamikanra, Chairperson of the Board at the BATN Foundation, emphasised the significance of celebrating the Foundation’s accomplishments over the past two decades.

She stated that, since its establishment, the Foundation has witnessed the transformative power of collective effort and unwavering commitment to its cause.

Lamikanra noted, “Our emphasis on sustainable agriculture, the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and driver of food security, has been the focal point. We achieve this by supporting smallholder farmers and equipping them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed.

“Over the past two decades, the BATN Foundation has remained unwavering in its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and rural development across Nigeria. Our impact resonates in every corner of this great nation, touching the lives of countless individuals and communities in all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT,” reflected Yarub Al-Bahrani, a Board Member.

Al-Bahrani highlighted the Foundation’s broad impact and expressed optimism that these efforts would significantly contribute to shaping a bright future for Nigeria.

Mr Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Lagos, expressed his appreciation for the Foundation’s collaborative spirit, and value for the partnership with the BATN Foundation, saying, “The entire food system in Lagos state and the transactional value is estimated at 7 trillion is expended every year in food production and that is why we cherish the partnership with the BATN Foundation that strengthens, rendering support through our value chain actors. Whether in crop production and livestock, the footprint has been felt in the state and we treasure the support.”

Professor Babatunde Kehinde, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), commended the Foundation for its dedication to sustainable agriculture and rural development, stating, “I congratulate BATNF on its 20-year celebration, focusing on the rural opulence of any community shows a concern for the future of such community, that is why I believe the BATN Foundation is energizing our society as Nigerians and therefore we should all support the foundation to make more impact.”

Dr Olabode Adetoyi, the former Commissioner for Agriculture, Ekiti State, commended BATN Foundation for their tireless effort in improving the livelihoods of farmers in Nigeria and providing crucial support and empowerment to drive food security. He urged other companies to emulate and follow the lead of the foundation in supporting our nation’s farmers, ensuring a more food-secure future for all Nigerians.

Addressing the Foundation’s significant achievements, General Manager, Oludare Odusanya, asserted that the organisation remains committed to its mission.

He added that with a focus on empowering rural communities and smallholder farmers, the Foundation looks forward to another 20 years of creating lasting positive change in rural Nigeria.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), we are immensely proud of the impact we have had on rural development in Nigeria. Over the past two decades, BATNF has been dedicated to fostering sustainable agriculture and empowering rural communities, particularly smallholder farmers, across the country.

“Our commitment to driving positive change remains unwavering. Through our various initiatives and programs, we have not only improved the livelihoods of countless individuals but also contributed to the growth of sustainable agricultural enterprises and empowered the next generation of agricultural leaders,” he stated.

A highlight of the celebration was the launch of the Mobile App.

By Ajibola Adedoye

Ogunpa Forest Reserve: Tragic obliteration of a carbon sink, watershed

Michael Simire
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0
Ogunpa Forest Reserve: Tragic obliteration of a carbon sink, watershed

In the last few months, we have all watched with horror the ruthless destruction of over 50 hectares worth of old-growth trees in the Ogunpa Forest Reserve surrounding Agodi Gardens in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Ogunpa Forest Reserve
Aerial view of Ogunpa Forest Reserve after encounter with chainsaws and bulldozers

We have heard chainsaws working overtime to bring down 70-year-old trees that once formed a major carbon sink for Ibadan City.

Magnificent trees that were instrumental in protecting the catchment area and massive watershed for the Ogunpa River, while preventing erosion and landslides on the steep forest slopes during torrential rains.

Indigenous and hardy imported trees that once housed generations of bats, birds, and small animals.

Fast growing trees that had been imported from Southeast Asia and planted among the indigenous trees by icons of the Western Region, Chiefs Awolowo and Akintola and Oseni; visionary leaders with conscience who understood the importance of the Ogunpa River Watershed and the need to protect it.

Those screaming chainsaws worked overtime week after week, destroying lush, green, living trees that had been breathing in carbon dioxide and breathing out the oxygen that we breathe in, for longer than most of us have been alive.

Spectacular, efficiently functioning trees that had been storing water from trillions of raindrops year after year during countless rainy seasons, in their roots and the surrounding soil and gently releasing the water in safe quantities into the nearby water bodies; the Dandaru Tributary, the Agodi lake and the Ogunpa River with it’s notorious reputation for flood disasters (one of the major causes of the 1980 Ogunpa Flood Disaster was the extensive deforestation of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve on the lower slopes of Premier Hill to make way for the Cultural Centre).

The chainsaws never paused for a minute, felling tree after tree, even after the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), supported by the Nigerian Field Society (NFS) and the Abiodi Biodiversity Preservation Centre, led by Oladipo Olasope, had filed a Court Injunction at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, to stop the relentless deforestation of the Ogunpa Forest Reserve.

Those chainsaws kept forging ahead, even after the defendants in the case, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, the Attorney General of Oyo State, the National Environmental

Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Baywood Infrastructures Limited, had been served.

I am told that they did not stop for breath until they reached the verge of the forest reserve that borders on Dejo Oyelese street in Old Bodija, the site of the recent horrific blast explosion.

They did not stop for breath until truckloads of old growth trees were strapped to overloaded trucks, day after day, and carted off to the nearest sawmill.

The chainsaws did not stop screaming until had reduced that rich, green forest space to a raw shocking landscape.

And in the wake of the chainsaws came the bulldozers and other weapons of mass forest destruction, uprooting the colossal network of underground roots, which had been holding the soil in place and storing storm water run-off for decades.

And when they had finished the uprooting, they were busy churning up the precious forest topsoil and flinging it here and there like dust.

By the way, topsoil is the nutrient rich upper layer of soil, which contains the most organic matter and microorganisms.

It can take anything from 500 to 1,000 years to create just one inch of topsoil. I guess nobody ever told that to OYSG and Baywood Infrastructures Limited.

By Rosalie Ann Modder-Oyefeso, Chairperson, Save Our Green Spaces Group; Member, Save Ogunpa Forest Reserve

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