Author: Babatunde Henry

Ocean
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Director, International Ocean Institute (IOI), Mr Akanbi Williams, has called for enhanced international agreement and policies to address marine issues and ocean conservation.
Williams said this at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR) on Tuesday in Lagos in commemoration of the 2024 World Ocean Day (WOD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WOD with the theme: ‘Awaken New Depths,’ was organised by the IOI in collaboration with the NIOMR.
The WOD was set aside by the United  Nations and celebrated every June 8.
He said that nations, organisations, and individuals must work together to protect and restore our oceans.
According to him, the ocean covered 71 per cent of the planet’s surface and plays a crucial role in sustaining life on earth.
“The health of our ocean is a global issue that requires global cooperation.
“Nations, organisations, and individuals must work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies to protect and restore our oceans.
“Also, they must support and strengthen international agreements and policies aimed at ocean conservation.
“Also engaging in collaborative projects that address transboundary marine issues and promoting the exchange of scientific data and best practices across borders are essential for
fostering global collaboration,” he said.
Williams noted that the ocean regulates the climate, provides oxygen.
He added that the ocean a vital source of food and livelihood for billions of people was faced with unprecedented threats from pollution among others.
“Our oceans face unprecedented threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
“To “awaken new depths,” we must first awaken to the reality of these challenges.
“We need to educate ourselves and others about the ocean’s significance and the perils it faces.
“Promoting ocean literacy programs in schools and communities, utilising media and social platforms to disseminate factual critical information are all vital steps towards this goal.
“As we celebrate WOD, let us reflect on our profound connection to the oceans and the responsibility we share in protecting them,” he said.
Dr Awwal Bamanga, the guest lecturer who spoke on the topic: ‘Blue Economy: Balancing Economy and Ocean Health’, said that everyone had a stake in the ocean.
Bamanga added that the ocean needed to be managed from over exploitation and pollution.
“The ocean has long been an economic force to reckon with.
“The 2015 briefing puts the value of key ocean assets at over $24 trillion with two third of that based on assets that require healthy and productive ocean.
“Infact based on gross marine product, the ocean may be considered the world’s seventh largest economy.
“By efficient management, the sustainable exploitation of resources in the oceans, seas, lakes and rivers also known as blue economy would contribute up to $1.5 trillion to the global economy,” he said.
Bamanga who said that the ocean, in spite of its importance, was still under intense pressure from local and climate related factors.
“Local factors such as over fishing, coastal overdevelopment, situation and pollution from sewage and runoff threaten to diminish coastal resources and jeopardising the economic viability of the tourism product.
“Climate change problems are manifested through land loss, beach erosion and damage to reefs,” he said.
He added that the ocean had been threatened by the consequences of climate change as a result of a continual increase in atmospheric carbon emissions.
Speaking on blue economy, Bamanga described it as a concept that seeks to promote economic growth, social inclusion and preservation or improvement of livelihoods, at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability.
He said that effective collaborations must be between the private and public stakeholders within the maritime sector to achieve the blue economy.
“The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency must guarantee zero tolerance for non- compliance with maritime safety and security standards in order to eliminate substandard shipping in Nigeria.
“It is really commendable that Nigerian leaders and institutions have recognised the need for us to harness our blue economy.
“It must be recognised, however, that the appropriate strategies must be in place to actualise this dream.
“This is the focus of this latter to essay which seeks to propose means and methods through which Nigeria may actually actualise the dream of a blue economy,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director, NIOMR, Prof. Abiodun Sule, in his opening speech, said the theme was a call to action of the vast unexplored potential that the sea holds.
Represented by Dr Obatola Ochwuko, he said that NIOMR had always been at the fore front of ocean research and conservation.
“Today’s celebration features a series of activities designed to engage, educate and inspire.
“As we celebrate the WOD, let us remember that our actions today will determine the future of our oceans.
“Let us pledge to awaken new depths of knowledge, innovation and commitment.
“Together we can make a difference and ensure our oceans remain vibrant, resilient and bountiful for generations to come,” he said.
NAN reports that some schools were given prizes for their craft competition in commemoration for the WOD. (NAN)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Mining
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) A renowned conservation biologist, Prof. Excellence Akeredolu, has tasked the Federal Government on policies against unregulated mining of mineral resources in the country.
Akeredolu said this at an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos Zonal office, in commemoration of the World Environment Day on Wednesday in Lagos.
He enjoined the Federal Government  to tighten policies against unregulated mining of mineral resources, open grazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and deforestation to ensure economic growth.
He explained that these policies if not tightened could undermine the nation’s efforts at actualising the global mandate to restore degraded ecosystems and halt desertification.
In his lecture tilted: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’, he observed that the environment had been hugely degraded affecting lives and livelihoods.
“Following unregulated human activities like unsustainable agricultural practices, open grazing and mining, the environment has been hugely degraded with attendant consequences of lacking the ability to support lives and livelihoods,” he said.
He added that  in line with the United Nations Decade of ecosystem restoration, the nation should adopt sustainable agricultural practices, conserve forests and massively plant trees, amongst others.
The expert who stressed the need to prioritise land restoration and combat desertification said everyone must get involved to sustainably protect and conserve the nation’s environment.
The Federal Controller, Ministry of Environment and Zonal Director, South-west, Mrs Margaret Akinyemi, in her address, called on every  Nigerian to plant at least a tree.
Akinyemi said this would be in support of the government’s 50 million trees target towards achieving the goal of this year’s World Environment Day celebration.
She said that the ministry had committed itself to planting 50 million trees within the next five years.
Akinyemi said that this year’s event, the 52nd edition, emphasised the land as the determinant of the future and must be protected at all costs.
According to her, land across the globe is under threat of diverse disasters including desertification, land degradation, pollution, and drought.
She added that all hands must be on deck in tackling them.
Akinyemi identified tree planting as the most sustainable strategy for tackling most environmental issues.
The event was attended by pupils and students from schools in Lagos, who made presentations to further convey the message of the event.
The high point of the event was the distribution of tree seedlings to all the participants to inculcate in them the culture of tree planting. (NAN)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

World Pest Day: PECAN seeks support to manage challenges

Pests
By Henry Oladele
Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) In commemoration of the World Pest Day, the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has solicited the collaboration and cooperation of governments and corporate bodies to effectively manage pest challenges.

The association through its National President, PCO Olakunle Williams, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.

Williams appealed to government-at-all-levels, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations for collaboration at effectively managing the nation’s pest challenges.

“We appeal to government at all levels, corporate bodies, NGOs to collaborate with the association in appreciating the contributions of the pest control industry.

“We also appeal to them to create awareness to actualise our determination to effectively manage the nation’s pest challenges,” he said.

The President said that PECAN was proud to commemorate the 2024 World Pest Day, which had the theme, “Global Solutions, Local Impact: Mapping Success in Pest Management.”

“The World Pest Day is an annual event established in 2017, and serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of pest control and contributions of the pest management industry in safeguarding public health.

“Also protecting food supplies and preserving the integrity of structures and infrastructure.

“This year’s theme resonates strongly with PECAN’s unwavering dedication to implementing tailored solutions that cater to the pest challenges of various Nigerian communities,” he said.

He added that over the years, PECAN had been dedicated to promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the pest management industry across Nigeria.

“PECAN has been at the forefront of the pest management industry in Nigeria, working tirelessly to address the diverse pest-related issues that our nation faces.

“We have invested heavily in developing comprehensive training and certification programmes for pest control operators and technicians across Nigeria.

“These programmes equip professionals with the latest techniques, technologies, and industry best practices, ensuring the highest standards of service delivery,” Williams said.

He added that PECAN worked closely with government agencies and regulatory bodies to advocate for robust policies and regulations.

“These regulations enhance the safety, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of pest control practices in Nigeria.

“This collaborative approach has led to the implementation of stricter guidelines and the adoption of more eco-friendly solutions,” he said.

The PECAN president reiterated the need and urgency for collaboration with governments and corporate bodies to create awareness to effectively manage the nation’s pest challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Christiana Fadare