Category: Environment

Minister pledges to promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage

Heritage

By Femi Ogunshola

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy,  Hannatu Musawa, has pledged to promote Nigeria’s diverse heritage in a bid to sustain the culture of the people.

This is contained in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Sub-National Engagement and Partnership, Mr Abiola Abdulkreem, in Abuja on Thursday.

The minsiter’s promise was made at the 2024 Emirate Durbar in Ilorin and other parts of the country after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Abdulkareem quoted Musawa as saying that her commitment underscored the ministry’s dedication to fostering critical partnerships at both the national and grassroots levels to celebrate and elevate the country’s diverse heritage.

“I will continue to support and partner players both at the national and grassroot levels to fashion our new ways to promote and celebrate the beauty of our diverse heritage,” she said.

Musawa emphasised the importance of the Emirate Durbar, not only as a cultural event but as a vital symbol of Nigeria’s historical and social unity.

She said that the durbar, renowned for its vibrant display of horse-riding regalia, traditional music, and dance, served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural history.

“The Emirate Durbar in Ilorin is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage.

“Our ministry is committed to ensuring that such events receive the recognition and support they deserve.

“We believe that by partnering with local and national stakeholders, we can create new avenues to showcase the beauty of our traditions and bring them to the forefront of national consciousness,” she said.

Musawa said that the pledge was part of a broader initiative by the ministry to integrate cultural heritage into the national development agenda.

According to her, by supporting traditional events like the emirate durbar, the ministry aims to foster unity, national pride, and cultural awareness among Nigerians.

She said that the initiative would boost the local economy by attracting tourism and providing opportunities for local artisans and performers.

Musawa highlighted the ministry’s strategic plan to collaborate with state governments, traditional leaders, and cultural organizations to create sustainable frameworks for cultural preservation and promotion.

According to her, the plan includes capacity-building programmes, financial support for cultural events, and the development of cultural infrastructure across the country.

“Promoting our cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a vibrant future where our traditions can thrive and inspire future generations.

“The Emirate Durbar is a testament to our rich cultural diversity, and we are committed to making it a landmark event on both the national and international stage,” Musawa added.

She promised to promote cultural celebrations in Nigeria, where the beauty and diversity of the nation’s heritage will be honored and cherished.

She stated that through these efforts, the ministry  would position itself as a strong player in the cultural sector, dedicated to nurturing and promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage.

She added that the commitment would not only help to celebrate the past but also paved way for a culturally-enriched future in the country.

She commended the organisers for a great job and the wonderful hospitality experienced at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ODF/OJI/BRM

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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

CAAF2024
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Ms Grace Mbah,   the Chief Executive Officer and Convener of Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF2024), says smallholder farmers are most impacted by the climate change.
Mbah said this while delivering an address of welcome at the CAAF 2024 on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of CAAF2024 is: “Green Economies, Brighter Futures: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate Smart Development.”
Mbah said that smallholder farmers who make up 60 per cent of the population and produce 90 per cent of food are greatly impacted by climate change.
“Their lives and livelihoods are on the frontlines of this existential threat,” Mbah said.
Mbah said the challenges of climate change are stark, adding that Africa is warming nearly faster than any other region, with 130 million people at risk from rising sea levels.
“How we react to the challenges we encounter is up to us, the stories we choose to write of ourselves is up to us.
“We at Climate Action Africa live on the premise that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world.
“In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
“So, we choose to push ourselves continually, to innovate, and invest in the future we want for Africa.
“A future that is sustainable, green, prosperous and harmonious with nature. That is the story of Africa we choose to write
“It is this drive that motivates us to boldly announce today the launch of our ‘Billion Trees for Africa’ Initiative under our community programmes,” Mbah said.
She said the project would address environmental degradation and enhance the ecological and economic resilience of African communities.
“As we celebrate the vibrant innovations happening across our continent following the registration of over 800 innovators for the CAAF24 deal room, and the selection of outstanding projects for today’s pitch, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing innovators and climate solutions through our new Pan-African Green Economy Programme (PAGE).
“PAGE created in partnership with IDEA AFRIC will support 5,000 innovators across the continent by 2035,” Mbah said.
Mbah said that the CAAF recognises the critical role of investment in climate action and is  proud to support the Pan African Climate Action Fund.
She explained that the fund, a $20 million initial investment fund, co-created by dedicated Africans, seek to empower small growing businesses and startups in the energy, agriculture, circularity and transportation sectors.
She expressed gratitude to the sponsors, innovators, inventors and exhibitors at the forum for making the summit a success. (NAN)
FBO/JNC
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

LAWMA

By Fabian Ekeruche

Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO,  Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA),urged  residents to observe best personal and domestic hygiene to curb spread of cholera

He also said there was need for proper waste management and disposal of Lagos state is stop the rampaging cholera.

He gave the advice in a statement on Tuesday  against the recent outbreak of the disease, which has claimed some lives, leaving many hospitalised.

Gbadegesin noted that Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.

 “The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

“Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing  spread of the fatal disease,” Gbadegesin said.

The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures including: ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities among others.

He admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse dumping and to imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing of their waste using covered bins to prevent the spread of diseases by vectors, and  ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.

Gbadegesin said the authority would continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state  was promptly and efficiently managed, with service providers working around the clock to clean up black spots.

He further appealed to residents to always wash their hands when they come in contact with waste, either while bagging or putting in covered bins.

He urged them to align with the state government’s environmental and health safety policies, by avoiding reckless waste dumping in drains, road medians, among other negative environmental practices.

“We are fully committed to the health and safety of every resident. Our teams are on  ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed of to minimise health risks.

” However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” Gbadegesin said. (NAN)

FBO/CHOM/VIV

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

PG student captures stunning footages of endangered C’ River gorillas
Gorillas
By Christian Njoku
Calabar, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adekambi Adeyinka, a Masters student at the University of Calabar, has captured stunning footages of the world’s rarest great ape, the Cross River gorillas, in the Afi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Adeyinka of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, disclosed this on Wednesday in Calabar while reacting to the need to protect the rare apes on the list of endangered species due to human activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the extraordinary sightings marked the first successful photos since three graduate students at UniCal began studying this elusive subspecies in 2023.

NAN reports that the study was part of the Cross River Gorilla initiative.

The Cross River Gorilla, known as Gorilla gorilla diehli, is a critically endangered subspecies of the western gorilla.

It was named a new species in 1904 by Paul Matschie, a mammalian taxonomist working at the Humboldt University Zoological Museum in Berlin, but its populations were not systematically surveyed until 1987.[3][4]

It is the most western and northern form of gorilla, and is restricted to the forested hills and mountains of the Cameroon-Nigeria border region at the headwaters of Cross River.

Estimates from 2014 suggest that fewer than 250 mature Cross River gorillas remain, making them the world’s rarest great ape.

Adeyinka said that the sighting was more than just a visual success and underscored the importance of community involvement and innovative research in conservation.

“By working closely with local communities, we are not only gathering crucial data but also fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to protect these incredible great apes and their habitat,” he said.

Dr Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to the realisation of their strategic pillar of saving species in peril.

Onoja said the University of Calabar in 2022 commenced a five Year Community Conservation Graduate Student Scholarship Programme for the Conservation of Cross River Gorilla.

He said the initiative was funded by the Wilder Institute – Calgary Zoo and implemented by NCF in partnership with the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research (CBCR), Ghana.

“The programme which involves supporting graduate research projects in Nigeria, including scholarships for one Ph.D. student and four master’s students in UniCal for five years.

“This collaborative initiative extends beyond borders to allow an exchange programme for knowledge sharing that creates successful community conservation initiatives,” he said.

Prof. Francis Bisong, Secretary, Cross River Gorilla Conservation Project Committee, said Adeyinka’s result was promising as it demonstrated the power of collaboration to save the severely endangered Cross River gorillas.

Bisong said the capture of two silverback gorillas on trial cameras in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary emphasised the need for innovative technology, collaborative and community engagement to safeguard the species and its environment.

“These findings highlight the sanctuary’s vital role in gorilla protection and the need for more research and collaboration to conserve Cross River gorillas and the region’s rich biodiversity.

“I urge the scientific community, conservation organisations, and stakeholders at all levels to support and extend this essential effort to protect one of the world’s rarest and most fragile species,” he said.

Dr Mary Liao, Conservation Manager, Wilder Institute, said the images captured by the camera traps were an incredible glimpse into the life of the elusive and magnificent creatures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CBN/DE/IS
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ismail Abdulaziz

Fire destroys 2 shops in Anambra community market

Fire
By Monday Ajogun
Nnobi (Anambra), June 19, 2024 (NAN) An early morning fire, on Wednesday, gutted two shops at the Afor Nnobi Market, by Nnobi Roundabout, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inferno destroyed goods, including household items and clothing, worth millions of naira.

The Chief Fire Officer, Anambra Fire Service, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Onitsha on Wednesday.

Chiketa said: “The Anambra Fire Service received a distress call at 7:52am about a raging fire at Afor Market.

“The firemen and fire truck at Nnewi Fire Station were deployed immediately and they turned out to the scene and contained the fire.

“No life was lost, the fire affected about two shops.

“The cause of the fire was suspected to be power surge in one of the affected shops.”

According to him, fire kills but it can be prevented.

He said that it was necessary for the public to know that the time of call always determined the time of response. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AJOM/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Oil Spill: Aiteo shuts OML 29 field in Bayelsa

Spill
By Nathan Nwakamma
Yenagoa, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Company (AEEPCO), operator of the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 on Wednesday announced that the shutting of its Nembe Oilfields following a leak.

AEEPCO in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Ndianabasi Mathew, said that the field was shut as a precautionary measure to safeguard the environment from further degradation.

“AEEPCO, operator of the OML 29, confirms it has detected an oil leak at its Nembe swamp facility in OML 29, Nembe Kingdom, Bayelsa State. The leak was reported on Monday, June 17, 2024, during routine operations.

“AEEPCO’s Oil Spill and Emergency Response Team were immediately activated and all production from OML 29 shut down. This is a precautionary measure while mobilizing additional resources to contain the spill.

“The cause of the spill is currently undetermined. However, we are proactively engaging with stakeholders to mitigate the immediate effects,” Mathew said.

The spokesman quoted AEEPCO’s Group Managing Director, Victor Okoronkwo, as saying: “During our operations on Monday, June 17, 2024, the subject leak was detected. A Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) with stakeholders has been initiated to determine the cause of this incident.

“While we regret the production losses to the Joint Venture and the nation and the potential environmental impact, our current priority is to expedite an efficient spill management process in line with regulatory standards and collaborate with all stakeholders to restore production and mitigate associated risks.

“Our joint venture partners and the relevant regulators; The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have been notified of the incident.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that NOSDRA has scheduled a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to ascertain the cause of the spill, estimated volume of crude spilled and its impact on the environment.

Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, had told NAN on Wednesday that the agency was investigating the incident.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
NN/IS
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NOSDRA confirms oil spill from Aiteo’s field in Nembe, Bayelsa

Spillage

By Nathan Nwakamma

Yenagoa, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has confirmed an oil leak from the Nembe Oilfields operated by Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited at Nembe in Bayelsa.

Mr Solomon Ukponevi, Head of NOSDRA’s field Office in Yenagoa, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Yenagoa.

He said that the oil firm reported the incident to the agency on Tuesday.

He explained that the Agency had deployed its officials to the spill site to ascertain the cause and volume of crude oil discharged to the environment.

On the extent of the pollution, Ukponevi said that the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) scheduled for Wednesday would determine the area among other details.

“I will not be able to provide details until staff deployed for the JIV return from the fields, but I can tell you that Aiteo has reported the spill and investigation is underway,” he said.

NAN learnt that the leak occurred on Monday at a section of the 97 kilometer Nembe Creek Trunk line (NCTL) that hitherto fed the Bonny Oil Export Terminal in Rivers.

Following persistent vandalism on the oil export line with capacity to evacuate 180,000 barrels of crude daily, Aiteo resorted to using barges to convey crude from the Nembe fields.

The barges are used to transport crude from onshore oil wells to a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel from which Aiteo exports the Nembe Crude blend to crude tankers.

The Management of Aiteo is yet to respond to the incident.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

NN/GOM/IS

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ismail Abdulaziz

Investigation

By Monday Ajogun

Onitsha (Anambra), June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion Onitsha, Anambra, on Tuesday inaugurated a 9-man panel of enquiry to investigate the cause of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha Centenary building collapse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday reports that the five-storey building collapsed within the premises of DMGS on June 12, leaving one dead and two persons rescued.

Most Rev. Owen Nwakolo, Bishop on the Niger, told newmen at the site of the building collapse, that the committee was given nine terms of reference.

Nwakolo noted that the 9-man committee comprising architects and surveyors was headed by Justice Pete Ohioto, while Mr Andy Obiamwu would function as secretary.

He gave the names of other members as Mr Ofodile Anieto, Mr Chukwunonto Igboka, Mr Peter Okpala, Mr Shed Omwuasoanya, Dr Azuka Onweluzo, Mr Samuel Akabogu and Mr Kingsley Ibekwe.

According to him, we expect your report within one month from June 18, being the date of the inauguration of the panel.

“You are therefore constituted as a panel of enquiry to investigate and determine the cause of the collapse of the building,” he said.

Nwakolo listed the terms of reference to include, examining the administrative and technical processes followed during the building to ensure that proper procedures were followed.

Others are for the committee to study the building plans to ensure that they meet the expected standards, enquire whether approval was sought and obtained from the approving authority for the building to proceed.

He stressed that they were also to enquire whether the architectural design of the building was done by a qualified architect registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, amongst others.

On his part, Dr Alexander Ibezim, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Bishop of Awka, thanked God that the situation did not escalate more than it did.

“God has done wonderful; it could have been a tragedy, a lot of lives could have been lost, but because God is with his people, God did not allow the wishes of our enemies to come to pass.

“Anybody seeing this knows that God is a living God, even to say that one life was lost shows that this God is a miraculous God.

“And shows the children schooling in this school and teachers are innocent.

“We, as a province, are standing with the Diocese on the Niger in this difficult time in whatever we can do. We are already praying,” he said.

Those in attendance are; Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu of Mbamiri Diocese, Bishop Prosper Amah of Ogbaru Diocese, Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi Diocese and Bishop Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese, and many priests of the Diocese. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AJOM/DE/MNA

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Maureen Atuonwu