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Author: Fabian Ekeruche

  • NCF, Continental Reinsurance plant trees to boost environmental sustainability

    Trees
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with Continental Reinsurance Company on Friday planted 2,000 trees to boost environmental sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tree planting which took place at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) is critical in challenging the impact of climate change within the Lekki Epe corridor.

    Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, noted that the month of June is a very special month for nature with many events aimed at nature conservation.

    Represented by Mr Uchenna Achunine, Director, Business Development and Communications, NCF, Onoja extolled the quality of the partnership between the NCF and Continental Reinsurance.

    “Though our partnership has not been for many years, we have become a family.

    “They have treated us very well as partners,” Onoja said.

    He said that the insurance company with presence in six African countries has an ambitious project of planting one million trees in Africa.

    “The company invited us to speak to at their ninth Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) summit in Zimbabwe in May; thus giving us the opportunity to talk about nature conservation to insurance CEOs.

    “We are working out all the details of playing a key role in that sector and how it can be achieved,” Onoja said.

    He noted that the NCF is the foremost environmental conservation organisation in Nigeria and has been advocating environmental sustainability and nature conservation for over 44 years.

    Onoja said the foundation launched the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) project in 2017 with an ambitious target of restoring and recovering Nigeria’s lost forest cover to 25 per cent.

    “Today Nigeria’s forest cover hovers around four to eight per cent.

    “It is still a far cry from where it is supposed to be,” Onoja said.

    In his goodwill message, the Group Executive Director, Technical Operation, Continental Reinsurance, Mr Chukwuemeka Akwiwu, said that the tree planting event was in line with the GRN project of the NCF.

    “We are pleased to support this noble goal with a donation of 2,000 trees for now.

    “It is my intention of having this conversation on an annual basis,” Akwiwu said.

    He noted that following the participation of the NCF at the ninth CEOs Summit in Zimbabwe, Continental Reinsurance would continue the advocacy for climate change in the insurance industry.

    “We will mobilise key players in this regard.
    “These trees are not just ceremonial trees, but a symbol of hope in combating climate change,” Akwiwu said.

    According to him, NCF’s participation at the ninth CEOs summit inspired our audience of insurance industry leaders by showcasing what NCF does.

    He added that the input of NCF at the summit demonstrated how company’s can support such impactful work of the foundation.

    “Today’s event is a significant milestone of broader goal of achieving our environmental target as Continental Reinsurance.

    “Working together we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in environmental conservation.

    “At Continental Reinsurance, we are unwavering in our commitment to make a positive difference in our environmental future.

    “We believe that through collaboration and shared effort, we can create a lasting impact,” Akwiwu said.

    NAN reports that the climax of the event was the tree planting exercise at the conservation area of the LCC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Flooding: Lagos to construct additional drainage collector on Agungi

     

    Flooding

    By Fabian Ekeruche

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN)  The Lagos State Government says it will construct additional drainage collector on Agungi, Lekki, to tackle the perennial flooding in the area.

    Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, said this on Thursday during the on-the-spot assessment of the impact of Tuesday flooding around Agungi and its environs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wahab, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite,  Heads of Agencies and Directors in the Ministry also visited Freedom Park Road/Kusenla Junction and Alpha Beach Road in the Lekki area.

    Wahab said  the Lagos State Government was committed to a flood-free Lagos by ensuring that residents do not have to panic whenever it rains.

    He said the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) of the ministry were deployed at the peak of the rainfall to clear the debris in the collector at the  aforementioned areas to ensure free flow of water.

    Wahab said that a minor encroachment was observed along Alfa Beach behind the James Hope University where a blockage was discovered.

    He added that  full excavation would start on Saturday from Alpha Beach to Lekki Conservation Road.

    Wahab stressed that the  construction of a new collector at Agungi Road was just one of the several which the LASG would construct to address perennial flooding issues in the identified areas.

    “At  Agungi, we have agreed that the area needs a new collector that will take the water from the road into the lagoon; the collector they have there is too small to  serve the volume of storm water on the  Agungi Stretch,” Wahab said.

    He said that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure would be invited to raise the level of the road after the construction of a new collector.
    According to him, the flooding issue on System 156 (Up stream), Alpha Beach Road,  has been a recurring problem for a while.

    He  said that the dredging of the channel would commenced immediately towards making the state flood free.

    Wahab noted that people were discovered to have built to block System 156.

    He emphasised that the state would not fold its hands and allow some people for the sake of profit making destroy public infrastructure  provided by individuals and government.

    “Like we have always been saying, people built to block System 156 and some families on this  corridor also obliterated with developers to block System 156,” Wahab said.

    The commissioner vowed that the state government would continue to ramp up enforcement operations across the state to reclaim setbacks and drainage alignments.

    He appealed to residents to be whistle blowers for  government, adding that the  government cannot be everywhere.
    “Things cannot stop over night and government agencies and ministries will join forces to put a stop to these actions by enforcing our laws,” Wahab said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FG distributes maize, sorghum, garri to Lagos residents

    Food
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed 1,674 metric tonnes of food items to Lagos state to cushion the effect of high cost of food items in the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the food items included 780 metric tonnes of maize, which is equivalent to 15,600 bags of 50 kg maize; and 800 metric tonnes of sorghum, which is equivalent to 16,000 bags of 50kg sorghum.

    The other included 94 metric tonnes of garri, which is equivalent to 3,760 bags of 25kg bag of garri.

    Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NEMA, Hajia Zubaida Umar, said the presentation of the assorted commodities was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Umar was represented at the event by the Zonal Director, Southwest, NEMA, Mr Steven Adewale.

    She expressed gratitude to the President for fulfilling his promise to cushion the effect of high cost of food items by ordering the distribution of food items across the country.

    “In fulfillment of his promise to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn experienced in the country and in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr President approved the release of 42, 000 metric tonnes of food commodities from the national strategic reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

    “The assorted food commodity include maize, sorghum and garri.

    “The above food items will be given to all the local government areas in the state.

    “Based on the directives of Mr President, 20 per cent of the food items will be given to religious organisations, while three per cent to boarding schools in all the local governments in the state,” Umar said.

    Dr Rasheed Macauley, Head of Veterinary Services, who received the items on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the kind gesture.

    Macauley said that based on the population of Lagos, he requested that more of the commodities should be sent to the state.

    One of the recipients, Mrs Victory Olaleye, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and Lagos state for the kind gesture. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • LASG reiterates commitment to flood-free state

    Flood
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government on Sunday reiterated its commitment to a flood-free state.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, stated this at the end of an extensive inspection tour to various contravention sites and drainages across the state.

    Wahab said that the government would continue to enforce the law, while reclaiming drainage setbacks.

    He said the inspection team was out on a normal routine to ascertain the state of some drainage channels across the state baring in mind that most flooding issues were majorly caused by negative human activity.

    The commissioner and his team visited Aladelola Street in Ikosi-Ketu where some individuals had cut the supporting iron under the culvert leading to the collapse of the channel.

    He said the state public works office would cordon the road off and commence repairs immediately.

    The team also visited Victory Estate collector, Ago Palace Way, where some unscrupulous individuals blocked water path and canals and engaged in illegal sandfilling and selling.

    He said that an enforcement team had earlier been sent there, adding that the visit was to check enforcement and compliance level.

    “We are here as a result of a written petition by residents complaining about several distortions.

    “There had been a lot of distortion on these canals and roads by some individuals which has been causing flooding in the area,” Wahab said.

    At Sangotedo by the Lagos Business School, Wahab said there is a natural stream that is supposed to discharge into System 63 and from there to Omu creek.

    According to him, the stream has been blocked and reduced by illegal structures built along the channel.

    He said that a 48-hour contravention notice have been served to owners of buildings lying within the channels.

    On the process of serving contravention notices, Wahab said property owners whose buildings and fences fall within drainage channels would first be served a 48-hour notice.

    He said that the initial notice would be followed by another 14 days notice before the commencement of enforcement.

    He said that the government would commence full enforcement after the expiration of all notices.

    The team was also at Ajiran Primary Channel, Chevron Drive, to ascertain the level of the on going dredging of the channel.

    He added that there was going to be the construction of a new alignment for free flow of water in the axis.

    At Ilabere Collector at old Ikoyi, the team observed that there was an encroachment on the alignment and said that the fences would be removed in the next few days.

    He said that the government is fixing a major infrastructure around Ilabere and if the collector is not properly handled, the infrastructure will be destroyed.

    “Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others has remained afloat because of various measures put in place by the government,” Wahab said.

    He explained that the ministry has strengthened its drainage enforcement activities in ensuring due diligence concerning all drainage channels and restoring Right-of-Ways on all channels.

    He added that the ministry would continue its intense all-year-round clearing and cleaning of major primary and secondary drainage channels.

    “I tell people climate change is real and there is a cholera outbreak.

    “We must know that all these things are interwoven.

    “We must all be responsible and responsive as a people, people cannot continue to brazenly abuse the environment and expect that there will be no consequences, Wahab said.

    He appealed to the residents to always take ownership of their environment, desist from unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal, illegal construction of buildings on drainage, drainage setback and Right-Of-Way.

    The commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretaries, Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen and Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite.

    Others included the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, General Manager, LASPARK, Mrs Toun Popoola and the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, among others. (NAN)(ww.nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Combined team of emergency responders puts out Christ Embassy fire

     

    Fire

    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) A combined team of emergency responders has put out a fire that engulfed Christ Embassy Church, Ikeja, on Sunday morning.

    Mrs Ibitayo Adenike, the Head of Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Lagos Territorial Office, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adenike told NAN that NEMA received an alert about a fire at the main auditorium of the Christ Embassy Church on Oregun Road in the early hours of Sunday.

    “The immediate cause of the fire which started around 7.00 a.m. was not known but it spread quickly causing the roof of the auditorium to cave in.

    “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) and other emergency responders fought the inferno and was eventually able to put it out late in the afternoon,” Adenike said.

    She added that an integrity test would be carried out on the structure before further actions can be taken.

    Adenike noted that emergency responders at the scene of the incident included the Lagos Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), NEMA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, LSFRS, the Police and the Red Cross.

    Earlier, the Director of the LSFRS, Mrs Margret Adeseye, had called for calm as the situation was under control.

    Adeseye said excavators were deployed during the operation to pull down some parts of the building to ensure complete extinguishment of the fire and to prevent further structural collapse.

    The director said the cause of the incident was yet unknown adding that investigations are underway to determine the cause.

    She said that no casualties were recorded.

    Also, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, said that the massive fire had been brought under control.

    “Dampening down is ongoing, with monitored property salvage.

    “The operation involved all key stakeholders.
    The building will be subject to materials testing.

    There were no casualties or mortality despite any reports to the contrary,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Christ Embassy fire under control – LSFRS

    Fire
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) said that the fire that engulfed the main auditorium of Christ Embassy Church Headquarters, Oregun, Ikeja, has been put under control.

    Mrs Margret Adeseye, Director, LSFRS, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    Adeseye said the fire impacted the main auditorium of the church.

    She said that the fire escalated because the church’s fire service thought they could handle the situation by themselves without recourse to the Lagos fire service.

    She said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained at the moment until after proper investigation. (NAN)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • SPP, FMOE to launch subnational climate governance performance

     

    Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke

     

    Environment
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE) will launch the rating and ranking of the climate governance performance of Nigeria’s 36 states in July.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Wole Adegbule, Senior Policy Analyst of SPP, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    The statement quoted Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President, SPP, as saying that the project builds on the mapping of the climate change impact, policy, and action of the states, which was executed by the team last year in collaboration with the DCC and the Nigeria Governors Forum.

    Okereke said the current project would provide a single rating and ranking report of the performance of the 36 states of Nigeria.

    He said the rating and ranking were done based on five governance criteria, namely, climate change governance administrative structure, and the presence or absence of climate policy and action plan.

    He listed others as; extent of climate change project implementation; extent of incorporation of climate finance in state budgets; and online visibility of state’ climate activities.

    According to him, the ranking and rating exercise is based on the responses provided by the states commissioners, permanent secretaries, and climate desk officers across the 36 states and extensive independent verification done by the research team and the Department of Climate Change staff.

    He expressed confidence that the rating and ranking exercise would raise awareness of climate in the states.
    He added that it would create an atmosphere of positive competition and a race to the top among the states.

    Okereke stated that the states with the highest ranking scores would be recognised during the report’s launch, expected to be held in the last week of July.

    The statement also quoted Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, as expressing delight at the official launch of the Subnational Coordination Meeting on Climate Change.

    Kambari noted that climate change is a major emergency and one of the most pressing issues in the country.

    He said that the conference would strengthen the synergy between national and subnational actors in order to achieve better climate governance in the country in line with the Transformative Agenda of the President.

    He described subnational climate change officers as key personnel in the fight against climate change, given their role in translating global climate goals into concrete actions and policies that resonate at the local level.

    The statement quoted Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director of the Department of Climate Change, as saying that the initiative would help in tackling climate change challenges.

    Abiola-Awe listed the objectives to include, improving collaboration and knowledge sharing among Subnational Climate Change Desk Officers, promoting effective climate change action at the subnational level, and targeted training and capacity building of the desk officers.

    She urged climate change desk officers to be responsive and on time at all meetings, as they were expected to attend and offer updates on climate change initiatives, successes, problems, and lessons learned in their respective regions during the monthly sessions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Lagos hosts African forum on air pollution

    Forum

    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The air quality stakeholders in Africa will convene in Lagos for a five-day CLEAN-Air forum to discuss the pressing issue of air pollution in the continent.

    The forum is expected to attract over 300 participants from over 40 cities in 40 countries.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Rose Alani, Lead, University of Lagos Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG), on Friday in Lagos.

    The statement said the participants represent the air quality communities in practice in Africa comprising different stakeholders including policymakers, representatives from civil society organisations, the private sector, development partners and the scientific communities.

    It said the forum would take place from July 8 to July 12.

    The statement said the forum would foster knowledge sharing and transdisciplinary collaborations, while emphasising the need to strengthen regional networks and multi-regional partnerships for sustained interventions for clean air in African cities.

    The statement said the forum is organised by AirQo, a pan-African research initiative at Makerere University, Uganda.

    It added that it would be hosted by the Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG) and EUEPiN from the University of Lagos, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and UrbanBetter, among other stakeholders.

    It added that the forum built on the success of its inaugural event in Kampala, Uganda, in 2023, which brought together participants from over 31 cities worldwide.

    “A study from the Global Burden of Disease indicates that air pollution is responsible for around 1.1 million deaths annually in Africa.

    “It has become the second leading cause of death on the continent, largely due to rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.

    “However, air quality experts point out that Africa lacks the resources and capacity to develop and implement effective measures to address air pollution in its cities,” the statement said.

    It quoted Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, the AirQo Project Lead, as saying that the CLEAN-Air Forum underscores the urgency of addressing and championing clean air in Africa’s urban environments.

    “The forum will provide pathways to air quality management for African cities and increase awareness of air quality and air pollution issues for better health outcomes in Africa,” Bainomugisha said.

    It quoted Alani as saying that 39 air quality monitors have been installed in Lagos City providing real-time air quality data.

    Alani noted that access to real-time air quality data and ongoing research is crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate air pollution.

    “This forum will enhance our efforts to discuss how we can create sustainable air quality interventions and improve public health outcomes not only here in Lagos but across the continent,” Alani said.

    The statement said the week-long forum would feature plenary sessions discussing evidence-informed policy development for air quality management in African cities, health impacts of air pollution in Africa and knowledge-sharing sessions to advance science-policy interface and public awareness of air quality.

    It said that Dr Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager,  LASEPA,  would be one of the keynote speakers.

    According to the statement, Ajayi said the forum presents a unique opportunity to accelerate our ongoing efforts to tackle air pollution in Lagos.

    “Lagos is Nigeria’s largest city and Africa’s largest megacity, and with its rapid urbanisation comes various challenges.

    “We are committed to addressing air quality issues in the city.

    “Together with our partners from the University of Lagos, we have installed an air quality monitoring network to provide real-time data on the status of air quality in Lagos.

    “With this data we have reliable information that we are using to inform sustainable interventions to improve the quality of air in Lagos,” it said.

    The statement also said that the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) will be participating in the forum.

    It quoted Mr Abimbola Akinajo, the Managing Director, LAMATA as saying: “At LAMATA, we are committed to transforming urban mobility in Lagos.

    “The transport sector plays a vital role in air quality and our participation in the CLEAN-Air Forum underscores our dedication to sustainable transport solutions.”

    The statement quoted Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority, as saying that the authority is committed to implementing effective waste management strategies that not only keep Lagos clean but also significantly improve air quality.

    “Proper waste management is crucial in reducing pollutants and ensuring a healthier environment for all.
    “Our involvement in the CLEAN-Air forum highlights our commitment to innovative solutions and collaborative efforts that drive sustainable development and protect our communities from the adverse effects of air pollution,”  Gbadegesin said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Wild Africa unveils ‘Music for Wildlife’ on Trace

     

    Wildlife

    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The  Wild Africa has launched ‘Music for Wildlife’ with OASISONE, a dynamic concert series, bringing African artistes together to protect the continent’s iconic wildlife.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa Representative in Nigeria.

    Iyorah said the premium live concert on-demand content and live experiences network would be on Trace’s TV broadcast channels and streaming platform.

    He said for viewers in Nigeria, the shows could be found on Trace Naija, channel 325 on DSTV.

    Iyorah said the show is produced by Wild Africa, a non-profit organisation  to inspire the protection of Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces, and with OAS1SONE.

    “Music for Wildlife’ now sees Africa’s creative talent and natural heritage celebrated globally, reaching more than 350 million people.

    “Music for Wildlife’s engaging blend of studio sessions, interviews and captivating wildlife content will reach viewers in 180+ countries, across 28 localised Trace TV channels and Trace+ global streaming platform.

    “These performances will air across Trace’s television and streaming platform from the 21st of June onwards aligned with Trace’s 21st Anniversary.

    “Through the intimate concert series, audiences will meet Africa’s finest musicians, including chart-topping stars such as Musa Keys, CKay, Focalistic, and a multitude of other stars and the latest emerging talent, as they tell the story of their music, lives, careers and inspirations, and express their passion for endangered species.

    “Each concert also includes special features from African and international stars from music entertainment, sports, comedy, television, and film like Davido, 2Baba, Jacky Chan, Boity, Alex Iwobi, Stonebwoy, Emmanuella, Yao Ming, Sir Richard Branson, Morgan Heritage, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Stephanie Linus, Djimon Hounsou, and many others,” he said.

    He added that the concert would  feature over 150 musicians from across the continent.

    According to him, Music for Wildlife harnesses the emotive power of music to raise awareness and inspire action for wildlife protection.

    He noted that Africa which is home to a quarter of the world’s biodiversity, faces enormous challenges – from poaching to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade to climate change and human-wildlife conflict.

    Quoting World Wildlife Fund Living Planet Report, Iyorah said that Wildlife populations had plunged by 66 per cent in the last 50 years.

    “Once home to rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs, Nigeria faces rapid biodiversity loss rates. With just 50 West African lions, about 100 Cross River gorillas, and a couple hundred elephants, many species stand on the brink.

    “According to the UN, the country also has the highest rate of deforestation in the world, losing 3.7 per cent of vitally important forest each year, and has emerged as an export hub for the illegal trade in pangolin scales and ivory.

    “But Africa is not staying silent. From Johannesburg to Lagos, Accra to Windhoek, artistes raise their voices, speak out against the threats facing wildlife, and inspire their audiences to connect with their wild spaces in national parks.

    “Nigeria’s musicians, 2Baba, Ckay, Laycon, and more, are especially vocal and are working with Wild Africa as part of a wider campaign beyond Music for Wildlife.

    “They are taking a stand against illegal bushmeat, deforestation, the illegal wildlife trade and promoting wildlife tourism. And it’s having an impact,” Iyorah said.

    He said that a recent survey of 1,000 Nigerians conducted by Lagos-based Market Surveys International found that 88 per cent are aware of Wild Africa’s campaign.

    He said that 97 per cent of people aged 10-17 report that they remember the campaign.

    He added that 86 per cent said they would no longer kill or consume because of learnings from the campaign, and 31 per cent said they have stopped consuming bushmeat due to the campaign.

    He noted that such testimonies of impact underscores the aim of partnership between artists Trace, OASISONE, and Wild Africa.

    Iyorah quoted Olivier Laouchez, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of the Trace Group, as saying that the company is proud to open its global network to host the Music for Wildlife shows.

    Laouchez said that it perfectly aligned with its values and initiatives.
    “Trace partners with one of the leading conservation communications organisations in the world, to collectively lend their voices for Africa’s future, for its wildlife conservation.
    “We are thrilled to be part of this game-changing partnership, both for the massive audience reach in protecting Africa’s wildlife:
    “But also the unprecedented push this will achieve for Africa’s amazing artistes and music, to audiences of millions around the globe,” says Jandre Louw, Founder and CEO of OAS1SONE.

    Also, Mr Peter Knights, Wild Africa Chief Executive Officer, said they were excited to partner with Trace in the launch of Music for Wildlife across their varied and far-reaching channels.
    “This collaboration allows us to leverage the power of music to connect with a continent-wide and even global audience, turning up the volume on the issues that affect not only wildlife but the natural foundation on which human life depends,” Knights said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • NEMA, LASEMA, hold workshop on flood free Lagos 

    NEMA, LASEMA, hold workshop on flood free Lagos

    Flood

    By Fabian Ekeruche

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency ( LASEMA), held a stakeholders engagement to fashion ways of curbing the threats of flooding in Lagos .

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop which held on Thursday at Ikeja saw the gathering of various stakeholders involved in emergency management in the state.

    Speaking at the event, Director-General (D-G) of NEMA, Hajia Zubaida Umar, said that the devastating impact of flood over the years especially that of 2012 and 2022 had served as a wakeup call to all tiers of government to collaborate with NEMA, to manage disaster risks and associated hazards.

    Represented by Mrs Ibitayo Adenike, Head of Operations, NEMA, Lagos Territorial Office, Umar said that in the recent past, lives had been lost, means of livelihood and infrastructure amounting to billions of Naira had been destroyed, due to unmitigated incidences of flood.

    The D-G said that the rainfall and flood advisories contained in the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) respectively, have provided us with valuable early warning alerts.

    “Consequently, we are expected to take actions that will drastically reduce the adverse impact of flood on the entire landscape and the Nigerian population, especially for the most vulnerable persons living in communities identified to be at risk of flooding.

    “NIHSA has specifically stated in the 2024 AFO that 31 states with 148 LGAs have been predicted to be within the high flood risk areas, while 35 states including FCT with 249 LGAs are considered to fall within the moderate flood risk areas.

    “The remaining 377 LGAs are forecasted for the low flood risk areas. These flood risk areas are presented with their degree of vulnerability to serve as a tool for governments at all levels to develop risk reduction measures to avert disaster losses during this rainy season.

    ” Similarly, sectors of agriculture and food security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), education, health, transportation, protection and security amongst others are to set up mechanisms for disaster preparedness and risk reduction based on the early action strategies,” Umar said.

    In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke- Osanyintolu, said that flooding had become a major unavoidable disaster in Lagos State in recent times.

    Oke-Osanyintolu said that flooding had posed serious threats and damage to the livelihood and sustainability of most of the important settlements and communities in the state.

    He explained that with the Year 2024 rainfall prediction by NIMET, it had become imperative to brainstorm on new ways to tackle flood and source practical technologies in flood prevention, which the State Government could embrace.

    The permanent secretary said that LASEMA had conducted Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of flood in every part of the state, using integrated approach of Remote Sensing Data and Geographic Information System, for evaluation and mapping in its efforts to mitigate the impact of flood disaster in Year 2024.

    “This assessment is fundamental to mitigating flood by enabling the agency provide early warning, efficient and prompt planning, facilitate quick response and rehabilitation of affected victims in the state.

    ” It is on this note, that LASEMA is meeting with relevant stakeholders’ such as NEMA, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Red Cross Society, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Fire Service.

    “Other stakeholders include the Office of Drainage, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, FRSC, RRS, Nigeria Army, Lagos State Neighbourhood Security Corps (LSNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ministry of Local Community Affairs, LABSCA.

    “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, LGSs/LCDAs, NGOs ann other stakeholders will also be involved, to develop a Work Plan, which will reduce the effect of flood on lives and properties in Lagos State,” Oke- Osanyintolu said.

    NAN reports that the following LGAs, which are under High and Moderate Flood Risk Areas include Badagry, Amuwo Odofin, Ikeja, Ojo, Ikorodu, Epe, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Kosofe, Eti Osa, Apapa, Ibeju Lekki, Surulere, Shomolu, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Agege, Mushin, Alimosho, Oshodi/Isolo and Ifako/Ijaye. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FBO/IFY

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    Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole