25.5 C
Lagos
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 45

Stakeholders unveil co-created Climate Education Manual for Nigerian schools

Michael Simire
-
0
Stakeholders unveil co-created Climate Education Manual for Nigerian schools

Over 100 students, teachers and other stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to unveil a co-created Climate Education Manual for teaching climate change in Nigerian Schools.

Climate Education Manual
Prof Chukwumerije Okereke (centre) with students, teachers and other stakeholders at the unveiling of the Climate Education Manual in Abuja

The Climate Change Manual, an initiative of Prof Chukwumerije Okereke, with funding from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, was designed to equip Nigerian secondary school students with the essential knowledge and practical tools needed to advance their knowledge of climate literacy. The manual built on the success of co-creation and the inception workshops held in Abuja and Enugu State in September 2024.

Delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment, described the Climate Manual initiative as a step forward. She praised the collective effort of all stakeholders in ensuring that the younger generation is empowered to take climate action from their young age and contribute towards the development and enhancement of a sustainable, low carbon economy.

Dr Abiola-Awe highlighted several initiatives that the DCC has implemented across several capital cities of the nation to enhance the capacity of the next generation to innovate and mentor fellow learners in taking climate actions.

“Today, as we launch this manual, I want to encourage everyone here present to adopt the use of this manual. There is no small pace in learning. We learn every day, and every opportunity provides that. Together we will all make a meaningful difference, not only for this generation, but generations to come,” she added.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, F.C.T.A, Education Secretariat, represented by Dr. Mrs. Bukola Obateru, thanked everyone who contributed to the development of the manual, stating that their efforts will shape the future of the planet. He added that the fight against climate change is a collective responsibility.

“Through this education awareness that we are creating, and the action it motivates, we can build a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come,” he said, while thanking Professor Chukwumerije Okereke and his team at the Society for Planet and Prosperity for driving this initiative.

The Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Miss Peace Gobo, expressed his support for the Climate Manual initiative. He stated that, as part of NOA’s mandate to drive awareness and sensitisation, the NOA has developed a National Climate Charter, with climate awareness as one of the anchor pillars.

Climate Education Manual
Climate Education Manual

He also noted that the agency has recently created the Environment, Climate and Energy department within the agency to drive the present administration’s environmental sustainability goals. He also stressed the need for every citizen to be climate aware, especially the young ones to whom the future belongs.

Highlighting his optimism in his goodwill message, Sir Richard Inyamkume, Registrar General, Institute for Climate Smart Research and Policy advocacy, stated that this initiative marks a pivotal step in the journey towards a sustainable future. He added that the initiative also resonated strongly with the work being carried out by the institute.

“As we launch the climate education manual, we aim to empower individuals, students, educators, and communities to deepen their understanding of climate change, and also recognise its impact on our world today. Through the knowledge that we will give to them through this manual, we will pave the way for informed action. So, let this manual serve as a tool of hope and change guiding us towards a greener future,” Sir Inyamkume stated. 

Several distinguished stakeholders, including Miss Ifechi Anikwe of Clean-Tech Hub, Mr. Shekwoyemi Kure from ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Chioma Ome, Country Director of Solar Sister Nigeria, Rifkatu Joseph Odeyemi from Eco-Friendly Sensitisation and Advocacy were present and endorsed the manual, describing it as a timely resource that will help to drive Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Launching the Climate Education Manual, Professor Okereke gave an overview, objectives and the methodology through which it was developed, stating that the next step is to ensure that it is used in order to achieve its objectives. Prof Okereke thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the development of the Climate Education Manual.

He also thanked the First Lady of Enugu State, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for her endorsement, and for writing a powerful foreword for the manual.

The launch brought together students, teachers, and key stakeholders, as witness to this historical milestone and unveiling of the much-anticipated manual.

By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu (Communication Specialist, SPP), Elochukwu Anieze (Senior Policy Analyst, SPP) and Ginika Okoroafor (Research Fellow, SPP)

ACReSAL awards ₦8.5bn contract for erosion control project in Kano

Michael Simire
-
0
ACReSAL awards ₦8.5bn contract for erosion control project in Kano

Kano State Government under its World Bank-assisted programme, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has awarded a N8.5 billion contract for the Bulbula/Gayawa gully erosion control project in Kano.

ACReSAL
ACReSAL officials in Kano announce Habib Engineering Limited as the bid winner

The project, a long-awaited intervention, seeks to address the severe erosion issues affecting communities in both Ungogo and Nassarawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the event to announce the bid winner, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, reaffirmed government commitment to the project.

Hashim, who is also the Chairman of the ACReSAL Project, said the project marked a significant milestone in efforts to prioritise infrastructure projects that safeguard lives and property.

“This project is a direct response to the cries of the people. Many believed it was not feasible, but under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, we refused to accept impossibilities.

“Today, we are delivering on his mandate to make Kano a safer and more resilient state.

“For years, residents of Bulbula and Gayawa have suffered the devastating effects of erosion, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and hazardous routes for school children.

“The contract, awarded to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦8,497,595,290.00, is expected to be completed within 715 days,” Hashim said.

He noted that to ensure quality execution and accountability, a  robust monitoring team would be constituted, adding that over N600m would be spent on compensating residents affected by the project.

In his remark, Ammar Nouri, the General Manager of Habib Engineering Nigeria Ltd., which is handling the project, said work would commence on the project on April 1.

He promised to deliver the highest quality of work and assured that the company would actively engage with the local community once the project begins.

Some of the residents of affected areas also voiced their support for the project.

Ali Bala, a community member at Gayawa, commended the state government for addressing their long-standing concerns.

He noted that the erosion had been a major challenge, causing frequent flooding and damaging homes, roads, and farmlands.

Buba Sani of Bulbula, expressed his happiness that the government has finally awarded a contract for the gully erosion control.

He said that erosion has been a serious problem in the neighbourhood for years.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Flooding: Ogun advises residents in 22 communities to relocate to safer grounds

Michael Simire
-
0
Flooding: Ogun advises residents in 22 communities to relocate to safer grounds

The Ogun State Government on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Abeokuta, the state capital, advised residents of 22 flood-prone communities in the state to quickly relocate to safer grounds.

Isheri
Flooding in Isheri North community in Ogun State

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, at a news conference said this was to prevent the devastating consequences of flood on their lives and properties.

The news conference was held to create awareness on the 2025 flood risk.

It was also to list the achievements of the state government in flood prevention and erosion control since the inception of the Dapo Abiodun administration in 2019.

Oresanya stated that Gov. Abiodun had pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent residents from suffering losses due to flooding.

“Ogun has been identified by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) as one of major flood-prone areas in the country.

“As part of the state’s mitigation strategies, an annual flood alert is always issued by the Ministry of Environment to enlighten the residents on the extent of the vulnerability of settlements and communities,” he said.

The Commissioner further stated that the governor has vowed to do everything possible to prevent the residents from lamenting due to damages from flooding.

“The communities on the flood red alert are on the flood plains of Isheri, Akute, Warewa, Oke-Afa, Owa and Yemule River Banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ifaara, Ebute-Oni, Ayede-Atila, Makun, Iwopin and Igele Waterside, Ebute-Imobi in Ijebu East,

“Others are: Sokori, Arakanga and Onikoko River in Abeokuta; Eruwuru, Eri, Ibu, Majopa, Odan and Sense in Sagamu; Ijamido, Ilo, Erukomu and Isakale in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, among others,” he added.

Oresanya said the state government, through the ministry, has constructed and improved upon 69 drainages and rivers within six years of assumption.

“To mitigate the impact of flood in the state, the government within six years have also worked on 988.3 kilometres of rivers and drainages, and constructed 698 metres of concrete drainages and culverts.

“Presently, the cleaning of rivers are still ongoing in various parts of the state to further reiterate the governor’s determination to reduce the impact of flood in the state.

“More projects to mitigate flooding in wetlands areas of Isheri, Akute and Werawa will commence in April in phases, with the cleaning of Banku River to Majidun and Wawere,” he said.

The Commissioner also stated that the retention of flood in the area has reduced from annual average of six to three weeks in 2024.

“This positive impact is the outcome of approval given by the governor for the dredging of Apara River to mitigate the adverse impact of flooding in the Isheri community,” he said.

Oresanya then asked local government chairmen and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to disseminate the information to those dwelling in the grass roots.

He pleaded with farmers to follow the rainfall predictions and plan the planting scheme in line with the weather forecast.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Gbenga Oyeleye, while speaking on the development, disclosed that the state government has also assembled seasoned environmental experts to tackle unexpected developments through flood.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, urged residents to take heed of the directive to help neutralise the negative impact of flooding in the state.

By Bukola Adetoye

‘An assault on climate movement’ – Group flays $660m Greenpeace judgement

Michael Simire
-
0
‘An assault on climate movement’ – Group flays $660m Greenpeace judgement

Climate advocacy group, 350.org, says it stands in full solidarity with Greenpeace as it appeals the devastating legal ruling in favor of Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).

My Esperanza
My Esperanza, the Greenpeace ship

The $660 million defamation judgment, submits 350.org, “is not only an attack on Greenpeace – it is a chilling assault on the entire climate movement”.

Anne Jellema, Executive Director, 350.org, said: “This ruling is a blatant attempt to silence dissent and crush the power of grassroots activism. It sends a dangerous message: that fossil fuel giants can weaponize the courts to silence those who challenge the destruction of our planet. 350.org unequivocally expresses its solidarity with Greenpeace as it appeals this ruling. Greenpeace has been a tireless force for environmental justice, and this legal attack is a deliberate attempt to undermine its critical work.

“SLAPP suits like this one are designed to intimidate, drain resources, and stifle public participation. They strike at the heart of climate activism by creating a precedent that could cripple not-for-profits and grassroots movements through legal intimidation.

“The ruling sends a dangerous message to environmental organizations worldwide: that corporate polluters can weaponise the courts to silence opposition. This is especially concerning for smaller, frontline groups operating in regions without strong legal protections. If one of the world’s most prominent environmental organisations can face financial ruin for speaking out, smaller movements with fewer resources are even more vulnerable.

“This is a wake-up call for the entire movement. The fossil fuel industry is increasingly turning to ‘lawfare’ – using courts and legal action as weapons of intimidation. If this tactic succeeds, it will embolden corporations to escalate their attacks on environmental defenders everywhere.”

350.org says it is calling for: 

  • Stronger legal protections against SLAPP suits: Governments must introduce and enforce anti-SLAPP legislation to prevent corporate abuse of the courts.
  • Global solidarity and financial support: Environmental groups, funders, and allies must rally around Greenpeace and other organisations targeted by lawfare, ensuring they have the resources to fight back.
  • Public resistance against corporate bullying: The climate movement will not be silenced. This ruling only strengthens our resolve to hold fossil fuel companies accountable and push for a just, renewable energy future.

Jellema adds: “This verdict is a dangerous escalation – but it will not succeed in silencing the global climate movement. We will not be intimidated. This fight is far from over, 350.org will continue to stand with Greenpeace and all movements challenging fossil fuel giants – because our future is worth fighting for.”

Greenpeace ordered to pay more than $660m to fossil fuel company over pipeline protests

Michael Simire
-
0
Greenpeace ordered to pay more than $660m to fossil fuel company over pipeline protests

In a win for the oil and gas pipeline company Energy Transfer, a nine-person North Dakota jury found the environmental group Greenpeace liable for more than $660 million in damages and defamation for the 2016 to 2017 Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Greenpeace
Protest against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Photo credit: Getty Images

In their lawsuit, Dallas-based Energy Transfer claimed Greenpeace was responsible for defamation, disruption and property damage for the protests that captured national attention in 2016. Greenpeace claimed the lawsuit threatened its freedom of speech. 

In a statement, Energy Transfer said, “This win is really for the people of Mandan and throughout North Dakota who had to live through the daily harassment and disruptions caused by the protesters who were funded and trained by Greenpeace. It is also a win for all law-abiding Americans who understand the difference between the right to free speech and breaking the law.”

Greenpeace plans to appeal the verdict. “This is the end of a chapter, but not the end of our fight. Energy Transfer knows we don’t have $660 million. They want our silence, not our money,” Sushma Raman, interim executive director of Greenpeace Inc., told CBS News.

Greenpeace accused Energy Transfer of filing a “SLAPP” lawsuit, short for strategic lawsuits against public participation. SLAPP lawsuits have been criticised as being a method of curtailing free speech and assembly by individuals, organizations or press by threatening lengthy and expensive legal proceedings in court. 35 states have anti-SLAPP laws aimed at preventing these types of lawsuits. North Dakota is not among them.

Energy Transfer previously filed a federal RICO lawsuit against Greenpeace seeking $300 million in damages in 2017, but that case was dismissed by a federal judge. Energy Transfer then filed a lawsuit against Greenpeace in North Dakota state court shortly after.

“The verdict against Greenpeace not only represents an assault on free speech and protest rights,” said Rebecca Brown, president and CEO of the Center for International and Environmental Law, in a statement. “This case is a textbook example of corporate weaponization of the legal system to silence protest and intimidate communities. This misuse of the legal system stifles legitimate dissent and must be seen as a direct threat to environmental justice and democratic freedoms.”

In the weeks and months preceding the trial, Greenpeace raised the alarm that the damages sought by Energy Transfer, thought at the time to be in the $300 million range, would be catastrophic to the group, claiming that would amount to 10 times the group’s annual U.S. operating budget. Energy Transfer reported over $82 billion in revenue in 2024.

The damages ultimately awarded total roughly $667 million and will be split up among several arms of Greenpeace. Greenpeace USA is on the hook for about $404 million, while Greenpeace Fund Inc. and Greenpeace International must each pay some $131 million, according to The Associated Press.

The 1,172-mile pipeline crosses four states and has been operating since late 2017 despite the controversy and the protest, which stemmed from a pipeline crossing under Lake Oahe near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The Standing Rock Sioux tribe called the pipeline a violation of its treaty rights and claimed the pipeline route risked polluting the tribe’s primary water source and would damage sacred sites.

The protests at Standing Rock drew thousands of people from around the country who camped outside the pipeline’s construction site. Celebrities and prominent figures including now-Trump cabinet members Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also visited the camp.

But violence erupted between police, security guards and protestors several times, culminating in tear gas and water cannons being used against protestors. The camps were cleared in February of 2017. More than 140 people were arrested at the Standing Rock protests.  

One of the organisers of the protests was Chase Iron Eyes, an attorney for the Lakota People’s Law Project, who was arrested during the demonstrations and charged with felony inciting a riot. Iron Eyes questioned Greenpeace’s liability for the protests.

“I never met a single Greenpeace person, a representative, or ever went to a training or anything like that,” Iron Eyes told CBS News.

Instead, Iron Eyes found the ruling to delegitimize the concerns and agency of Native Americans who chose to protest at Standing Rock. “To hold them solely responsible for our fight, this is a tribal nation fight,” he said. “I think it’s disrespectful to tribal nations, to the Sioux Nation in particular, it was our nation, and our people who stood up.”

Courtesy CBS News

Access Bank to honour ‘Power of 100’ awardees at IWD 2025 conference

Michael Simire
-
0
Access Bank to honour ‘Power of 100’ awardees at IWD 2025 conference

Access Bank, a financial institution committed to fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment, will be honouring the distinguished Power of 100 awardees at its upcoming International Women’s Day (IWD) Conference.

Women
Women

The landmark event, scheduled to take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, will celebrate the achievements of exceptional women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact across various industries in Africa.

The Power of 100 initiative is said to be part of Access Bank’s continuous effort to recogniee and support women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for others.

“These remarkable individuals have made significant contributions to business, entrepreneurship, social development, and advocacy, aligning with this year’s IWD theme: Accelerate Action,” said the bank.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, expressed enthusiasm for the celebration, stating: “At Access Bank, we believe in the power of women to drive progress and transformation in the society. The Power of 100 awardees represent a diverse group of trailblazers whose resilience, passion, and dedication inspire the next generation of female leaders. We are honoured to celebrate them at this year’s International Women’s Day Conference.”

Reiterating Chizoma’s comments, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Head, Women Banking confirmed that the conference will feature insightful panel discussions, keynote addresses from industry leaders, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony to highlight the achievements of the Power of 100 recipients.

Kunle-Ogunlusi said: “The Access Bank International Day event will serve as a platform to encourage dialogue on gender inclusion, leadership, and economic empowerment for women.

“The Bank remains committed to promoting initiatives that create an enabling environment for women to thrive. Through our flagship ‘W’ Initiative, we have consistently championed financial inclusion, capacity building, and business growth for women across Africa.”

Austrian hydrologist, Günter Blöschl, emerges 2025 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate

Michael Simire
-
0
Austrian hydrologist, Günter Blöschl, emerges 2025 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate

Based on his world-renowned research and work on flood risk reduction, water resource management, flood scaling, and regional process hydrology – Professor Günter Blöschl has been declared winner of the Stockholm Water Prize 2025.

Professor Günter Blöschl
Professor Günter Blöschl

Professor Blöschl is a pioneer of water engineering. His comprehensive database and analysis are said to have revolutionised and deepened the global understanding of flood risk reduction and water resource management. His contributions make him the founder of the new and growing scientific field, regional process hydrology, and co-founder of sociohydrology, both of which advance our knowledge of flood risks under climate change on a global scale.

In its citation, the Prize Committee of the Stockholm Water Prize said: “Professor Günter Blöschl is the world’s leading flood hydrologist. He has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding the drivers of increasing flood risks under climate change coupled to the strong influence of regional flood processes. His observation-based connection between climate and floods revealed that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to the historical record.”

On winning the Stockholm Water Prize, Professor Blöschl states: “This is such an honour. It really makes me think about how lucky I am to be working with such brilliant people.”

He has worked alongside previous prize laureates, Taikan Oki and Andrea Rinaldo.

Günter Blöschl is a professor at the Vienna University of Technology, the current head of the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at the Vienna University of Technology, as well as the Director of the Doctoral Programme of Water Resources Systems at the Vienna University of Technology, that he founded more than 15 years ago, and part time professor at the University of Bologna. He grew up in Vienna, where he currently lives with his family, three children and four grandchildren.

Professor Blöschl’s research took him to many international locations, including the US and Canada, and he spent two years in Australia. He enjoys being a citizen of the world, in particular working with people, gaining new international perspectives on scientific and societal issues, and believes that there is immense value in sharing perspectives and aims across disciplines and sectors of society.

Anette Scheibe Lorentzi, Chair of Stockholm Water Foundation, says: “With his ground-breaking research, Professor Blöschl has made invaluable contributions to our understanding of flood risk reduction and sustainable water resource management. In the face of a changing climate, this knowledge is more important than ever, and I congratulate Professor Blöschl on being awarded the Stockholm Water Prize 2025.”

The Stockholm Water Prize is awarded by the Stockholm Water Foundation in cooperation with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The Prize will be presented to the Laureate, Professor Blöschl, by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, official patron of the Prize, during the World Water Week in Stockholm in August. Founding partners of Stockholm Water Prize are Ålandsbanken, Bacardi, PDJ Foundation, WEF, and Xylem.

Report blames perilous state of water on corruption, limited funding by states

Michael Simire
-
0
Report blames perilous state of water on corruption, limited funding by states

A report released on Thursday, March 20, 2025, ahead of the commemoration of World Water Day has pinned the perilous state of water infrastructure across the country on corruption and deliberate starving of the utilities and the required funding by the state governments.

State of Water Report
The unveiling of the report

The report, titled “Dry Taps: A Damning Verdict on the State of Water Utilities in Nigeria”, was launched by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre (SERDEC), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Service Employees (AUPCTRE), Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF), Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) and New Life Community Care Initiative (NELCCI).

The report uncovers the near comatose state of public waterworks in Kogi, Oyo, Lagos, Enugu, Edo and Kano states and sheds insight into the seeming intractable water crisis that has enveloped all the states of the federation with particular focus on the reasons behind the situation.

At the public presentation of the report, AUPCTRE General Secretary, Comrade Sikiru Waheed, explained that though the scope of the research is limited only to six out of Nigeria’s 36 states, it deliberately captures the situation in at least one state per geographical zone, making it a sneak peek into the overall picture of access to water in the entire federation.

He explained that due to manpower and resource challenges the research focused on the water situation in the cities since it is a forgone conclusion that the rural communities where 70 percent of Nigeria’s population are found rely only on streams, rivers and in a few cases private water vendors and boreholes to meet their domestic water needs.

Executive Director of EDEN, Barrister Chima Williams, said: “The outcomes of the fact-finding visits to the water utilities in Edo State just like in other states of the federation are depressing and demands immediate intervention. Multi-billion-naira water projects are rotting away forcing citizens to rely on unwholesome sources of water. It is disheartening.”

Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, said: “We need not probe further to know why Nigerians are coming down with dysentery and other water -related illnesses. The blame is solely that of governments at all levels that have abandoned their primary responsibility of ensuring citizens have access to clean and potable water. In all the states visited the situation is shamefully the same.”

Some of the key highlights of the report are that most of the major waterworks in the six states are functioning epileptically and far below installed capacity. Similarly, most of the mini or micro-waterworks in the sampled states are either completely shut or neglected or outrightly vandalized and stripped.

The fact-finding teams observed low morale among workers in the public utilities due to failure of government in providing funds that would make the facilities operate maximally.

In Edo State, the Ikpoba River Dam, which is supposed to feed the headworks in Ugbowo and Iyaro, has been left fallow. Some privately owned fishponds now operate within the vicinity. The dam, which used to produce over 90MGD, was confirmed to be no longer operational as the pumping facility had been abandoned.

Reports from Lagos, Kano, Kogi, Enugu and Oyo expose similar scenarios. In their recommendation to the government, the groups called for a state of emergency in the water sector. They also want governments at federal and state levels to integrate broad public participation in formulating plans to achieve universal access.

Another key demand from the groups is a probe of billions of naira in loans for the countless water schemes littered across the federation and the strengthening of public accountability in the management of water resources, among others.

George Ilebo: Protecting our forests is key for a sustainable future

Michael Simire
-
0
George Ilebo: Protecting our forests is key for a sustainable future

Every year, the world celebrates International Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21, to raise awareness of these critical ecosystems. Forests are home to about 80% of global terrestrial biodiversity, including nearly two thirds of all bird species, of which 996 species are globally threatened.

Nigeria REDD+
Community forest: It became pertinent for Nigeria REDD+ Programme to take steps to create synergies between REDD+ and CBR+. Photo credit: UNDP Cambodia/Chansok Lay/Oddar Meanchey

Further, forests provide critical ecosystem services including food, water purification, and climate change mitigation, while about 1.6 billion people around the world rely on them for livelihoods.

According to the 2020 FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment, the world’s total forest area is about four billion hectares, translating to about 31% of the world’s total land area. However, they are fast disappearing, with around 10 million hectares of forests being lost every year.

According to statistics, tropical Africa has lost about 22% of its forested area since the 1900s. Between 2015 and 2020, the continent’s deforestation rate stood at 4.41 million hectares annually. Major drivers of deforestation on the continent include agriculture, infrastructure developments, and mining among others.

This year’s IDF theme is Forests and Foods, highlighting the vital role that forests play in food security, nutrition and livelihoods.  Consequently, concerted efforts are required to safeguard forests. One of the ways to do this is by involving local communities who are the custodians of these resources. Through community forestry – a participatory approach to forest conservation and management, where local communities play a key role in decision making and benefit sharing – multiple environmental, social and economic benefits can be realised.

According to the International Tree Foundation, research conducted in 16 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America showed that government-managed protected areas lost on average 1.47% of forest cover annually, compared to 0.24% in community managed forests, underlining the effectiveness of this approach.

Across Africa, BirdLife International, the world’s largest partnership of nature conservation organisations is working with partners across the continent through Community Forests Associations (CFAs) models. In Liberia and Sierra Leone, BirdLife partners are collaborating with local communities to manage and conserve, the 370,000 ha Gola Forest – the largest remaining block of Upper Guinean Forest, straddling the border of the two countries.

In Rwanda, Cote Ivoire, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya, BirdLife Partners are involved in the restoration of approximately 3,000 hectares of degraded forest areas as part of the TerraFund for AFR100 Initiative. The AFR100 initiative is a commitment by African governments to restore 100 million hectares of land as a contribution to the Bonn Challenge and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

The Bonn Challenge is a global commitment by governments to bring 350 million hectares of degraded land under restoration by 2030. This initiative also aims at reversing deforestation and land degradation to fight climate change while boosting food security and helping rural communities thrive

Restoration at scale is vital.  One such example is Trillion Trees, a partnership between  BirdLife International, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), which aims at growing one trillion trees around the globe including in Kenya and Uganda. The use of technology is increasingly becoming critical for forest management and conservation. Technology including satellite technology, remote sensing, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) among others are revolutionising forest conservation efforts world over.

Further, establishing partnerships and linkages with governments and the private sector can help achieve forest restoration targets, especially through strengthening policy and mobilizing private sector investments.  As we celebrate the International Day of Forests, let us do more to protect our forests for a healthier world.

George Ilebo is the Africa Forests Programme Coordinator at BirdLife International; Email: george.ilebo@birdlife.org

Benue NGOs commemorate IWD, call for collective action to empower women

Michael Simire
-
0
Benue NGOs commemorate IWD, call for collective action to empower women

In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Benue State – including Prime Youths and Women Empowerment Initiative (PYWEI), Gender and Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative (GERI), Gender and Community Empowerment Initiative (GECOME), Mother of Faith Foundation, and Dorcas Women Aid and Care Foundation (DOWCAF) – gathered at the NUJ House, Ankpa Road, Makurdi. The event, themed “Accelerate Action: Unstoppable Together, Women Driving Change,” focused on advancing women’s leadership and promoting gender equality in Benue State.

Women
Unstoppable together: Women driving change

The event brought together key stakeholders from civil society organisations, the media, government agencies, and the private sector.

In her welcome address, Iveren Ilim, Executive Director of PYWEI, emphasised the significance of celebrating women’s resilience and contributions across various sectors. She urged participants to take the knowledge and insights gained from the event back to their communities and to continue championing women’s rights.

Delivering goodwill messages, Magdalene Andoor, Director of Women Affairs, called on women to support one another in the collective struggle for gender equality and social justice. She highlighted the critical role of women in driving sustainable development and urged stakeholders to create inclusive spaces for women’s voices to be heard.

Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, underscored the importance of inclusive policy-making and practical steps to ensure women’s full participation in governance and development. He reaffirmed the media’s commitment to amplifying women’s issues and promoting gender equality through accurate and responsible reporting.

A highly engaging panel session featured leading advocates and experts, including Fanen Tyoakoso (GERI), Magdalene Andoor (Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development), Dorcas Iorkusa (GECOME), Stephanie Tofi (Entrepreneur), and Iveren Ilim (PYWEI). They addressed several critical issues impacting women in Benue State, such as:

 1. The effects of climate change, water, sanitation, and hygiene on women.

 2. The high rate of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Benue State and the actions being taken to address it.

 3. The role of government in responding to the challenges women face.

 4. Empowering women and enhancing their livelihood opportunities through entrepreneurship and business development.

 5. Gender-based violence: identifying who is most vulnerable in society and why.

The session was interactive, with participants actively engaged in the discussions. Many shared insightful perspectives, personal experiences, and recommendations, further enriching the conversation and reinforcing the collective commitment to advancing women’s rights and empowerment in the state.

In her closing remarks, Dorcas Iorkusa emphasised the urgent need for solidarity among women, highlighting that collective action is essential for meaningful change. She encouraged participants to continue advocating for policies and programmes that prioritise women’s rights and development.

As part of follow-up activities, GERI announced it will lead an advocacy visit to the Barakur Traditional Council in Kwande Local Government Area on March 24, 2025. The visit will focus on building partnerships with traditional leaders to train 100 community members on compost manure production as part of broader efforts to promote women’s economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and as imperative for mitigating negative impacts of climate change on agriculture with implications on gender inequality.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Iveren Ilim called on the Benue State Government, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to prioritise investment in women’s empowerment. “When we accelerate action together, we become unstoppable. Women are driving change and must be supported to build a more equitable and prosperous society,” she said.

1...444546...2,211Page 45 of 2,211

TV Report

Archives

2025 EnviroNews Nigeria. All Rights Reserved.

×