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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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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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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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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

ACReSAL: Ecosystem management plan will reduce poverty, says govt

Michael Simire
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ACReSAL: Ecosystem management plan will reduce poverty, says govt

The Federal Government has expressed determination to reduce poverty through the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) project, by managing the ecosystem through a catchment plan.

Balarabe Lawal
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said this in Abuja at the contract signing ceremony for the delivery of 20 strategic catchment management plans for the ACReSAL project.

The minister reiterated that catchments are vital ecosystems that support livelihoods, provide high-quality water, and sustain biodiversity.

“This catchment plan will help reduce poverty, promote sustainable agriculture, protect the environment, supporting livelihoods for generations to come.

“The Ministry of Environment under my watch has promised Nigerians of improvement in environmental sustainability interventions and initiatives.

“The Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) is a vital component of the ACReSAL project, aimed at ensuring sustainable management and utilisation of our water resources,” he said.

Lawal said that the agreement signing ceremony for the Development of Strategic Catchment Management Plan (SCMP) for ACReSAL is a crucial step towards responsible management of Nigeria’s natural resources.

“The SCMP is designed to address these issues through efficient, effective, and sustainable management practice to ensure that land, water, and related resources are developed and managed in a coordinated manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

“Indeed, what we are witnessing today is one of the hallmarks of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s love for the restoration of nature and its attendant protected ecosystems.

“By implementing the SCMP, the ministries of Environment, Agriculture and Water Resources, will not only ensure sustainable agro-climatic and land management but also improve the living standards of communities in northern Nigeria,” the minister said.

Chuka Offodile, consultant and Managing Director of Mecon Geology and Engineering Services Ltd., said the strategic catchment management plan study of the northern parts of Nigeria begins by scientific delineation of northern Nigeria into 20 mega-catchments.

“Then the scientific assemblage and analysis of data in that framework as a planning tool with its component natural and environmental resources in an integrated manner in line with the various interacting characteristics of each notable element,” Offodile said.

He said that the notable element should lead to the recommendation of knowledge-based infrastructure and investment implementation guided by a community-based sustainable, climate-resilient solution to environmental challenges in the northern parts of Nigeria.

Mr Abdulhamid Umar, National Coordinator for the ACReSAL project, said that the catchment plan would enhance livelihood for communities.

“The plan’s implementation will help us balance human needs with environmental protection, ensuring a resilient and thriving catchment area for future generations,” Umar said.

By Abigael Joshua

Extended continental shelf, significant achievement of Tinubu’s administration – NBC

Michael Simire
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Extended continental shelf, significant achievement of Tinubu’s administration – NBC

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has described the extension of Nigeria’s continental shelf as a significant achievement of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its one year in office.

Adamu Adaji
Director General of National Boundary Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji

Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, who stated this in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, described continental shelf as the natural submerged prolongation of a country’s land territory.

He congratulated Nigeria on the extension of the country’s continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles and sovereignty over additional 16,300 square kilometres of maritime boundaries, about five times the size of Lagos.

“Just recently, Mr. President, was briefed about the activities of the high-powered Presidential Committee on the extended continental shelf, where the Boundary Commission played a very key role.

“Of course, the project started from this commission. It’s a baby of NBC but now being handled by a presidential committee.

“We want to commend the visionary leadership of the Federal Government for the support and congratulate Nigerians for the extension of our maritime territory,” he said.

The DG said that the extended continental shelf would be of massive economic benefit to Nigeria considering its rich natural and mineral deposits.

He assured President Tinubu of the commission’s continued support to the High-Powered Presidential Committee on Nigeria’s Extended Continental Shelf Project.

“Of course, the committee is still working. Whatever the government decides as the next phase of action, the boundary commission will be ready to play its part and participate in the committee’s work as much as possible.

“I want to congratulate Nigeria for this achievement and congratulate this government for the interest it is showing and the willingness to support this project to logical conclusion,

“I want to pray that the dividends of democracy, as we are beginning to see in this administration will be sustained till the end of the administration,” Adaji said.

The High-Powered Presidential Committee had on May 14 briefed the President on the approval of the extended continental shelf by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).

The journey to extend Nigeria’s continental shelf began in 2009 with the country’s submission to the CLCS, but the project suffered setbacks due to lack of funds and other administrative challenges.

It was finally approved by the UN shortly after Tinubu assumed office.

By Philip Yatai

Kenya hosts global conference on energy efficiency to curb emissions

Michael Simire
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Kenya hosts global conference on energy efficiency to curb emissions

The ninth annual global conference on energy efficiency started in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call for sustainable energy resource consumption to curb the emission of planet-warming gases, including carbon and methane.

Davis Chirchir
Davis Chirchir, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for energy and petroleum

The conference is convened on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

The event would be attended by ministers, industry executives, heads of regional blocs and multilateral agencies, researchers and green campaigners, according to organisers.

It was the first time that the global energy efficiency conference was held in Africa.

Davis Chirchir, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for energy and petroleum, said the two-day conference would raise the bar in efforts to promote energy efficiency and revitalise action on the climate crisis.

“Our commitment to energy efficiency and conservation is central to realising a sustainable future.

“We must, therefore, enact enabling policies and regulations to promote sustainable energy use in the industries and households,’’ he said.

The meeting is expected to chart a new beginning in the global quest to achieve energy efficiency in line with the outcome adopted at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

In Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, last December, Chirchir said.

The participation of delegates from more than 20 African countries reaffirms the continent’s attempts to embed energy efficiency in climate action, poverty eradication and livelihood transformation, he said.

Amani Abou-Zeid, the AU commissioner for infrastructure and energy, said energy efficiency is a vital tool for addressing climate change, air pollution and respiratory diseases.

She stressed that energy efficiency should be at the heart of achieving shared aspirations of peace, sustainable development, climate resilience and prosperity in Africa.

Abou-Zeid also called for the harmonisation of policies and legislation to promote energy efficiency across critical sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, transport, buildings and home appliances.

Kadri Simson, the EU commissioner for energy, said the conference should explore high-impact interventions, including fiscal incentives, to boost energy efficiency and global access.

She underscored the critical role of private sector investments, enactment of laws and public education in promoting energy efficiency to avert the worst impacts of global warming.

NOA promises to sensitise Kogi residents on preventive measures against flooding

Michael Simire
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NOA promises to sensitise Kogi residents on preventive measures against flooding

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has promised to sensitise Kogi State residents on precautionary measures against flooding, ahead of 2024 rainy season.

Kogi State
Kogi State NOA Director, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare

The state new NOA Director, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Dare, who stated this in an interview on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Lokoja, the state capital, said that the state was among those prone to flooding as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He assured that the agency would collaborate with key stakeholders to sensitise the residents in order to mitigate the effects of flooding in the state.

“We will collaborate with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to sensitise residents in taking proactive measures to minimise flooding in the state,” he said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the “Renewed Hope Agenda” through the implementation of viable policies and programmes aimed at improving the well-being of Nigerians and foster development.

“I am appealing to all Nigerians to exercise little patience amidst the current economic hardships; the President is on top of the game, and there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” Dare said.

He solicited for the support and collaboration of the residents of the state towards fulfilling the agency’s mandate.

Dare also solicited for the support of Nigerians for the smooth implementation of policies and programmes of the Federal Government for the betterment of the nation.

Dare, who assumed office as state NOA Director, on May 13, commended the staff of the agency in the state for the warm reception and urged them to support him to fulfill NOA’s mandate.

“NOA is involved in collection, collation, analysis and provision of feedback from the public to Government on its policies, programmes and activities.

“We need the support and cooperation of the key stakeholders’ and the entire Nigerians in carrying out our mandate of relating government’s policies, programmes and activities to the people.

“We will consistently raise awareness for people to embrace positively change attitudes, values and behaviours; we will accurately and adequately inform them.

“We will sufficiently mobilize citizens to act in ways that promote peace and harmony in Kogi and the nation at large,” he said.

Speaking on his plans for the state, the director said he would build and consolidate on the already established structures with the collaboration of the formidable management and staff of the agency.

Dare promised to intensify beyond what was obtainable in terms of partnership with the state government as well as other relevant stakeholders in the state.

He promised to continue to interface with the people through the media, town hall meetings, religious and traditional institutions as part of the mandate given to the agency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

By Stephen Adeleye

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