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Modi Advocates for Conservation of Big Cats

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Modi Advocates for Conservation of Big Cats

By: Michael Mike

India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has advocated for the conservation of the big cats in order to prevent their extinction.

The Prime Minister, in a mega international event held on Sunday at Mysuru, Karnataka, to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger, made the call for their conservation.

Modi while launching the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma harbouring our planet, noted that India has a long-standing experience on the tiger agenda and conservation of other big cats like lion, snow leopard, leopard, now the translocation of the Cheetah to bring an extinct big cat back to its natural habitat.

According to a report from one of India’s major newspapers, IBCA will focus on protection and conservation of seven major big cats of the world such as tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah in collaboration with countries harbouring these species.

“The belief of Narendra Modi has been integral in the environmental consciousness. Wide-ranging efforts have been undertaken, which have together positively impacted the wildlife in the country,” according to a government release.

The IBCA will provide assured support over five years with guaranteed funding of over Rs 800 crore.

The group will work towards the protection of the seven big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah.

Membership to the alliance will be open to 97 “range” countries, which contain the natural habitat of these big cats, as well as other interested nations, international organisations, etc.

The IBCA will engage in advocacy, partnership, knowledge e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism, partnerships between expert groups and finance tapping.

The main objective of the alliance is to rehabilitate the big cats, with the alliance disseminating information on benchmarked practices, capacity building, resources repository, research and development, and awareness creation.

In July 2019, Prime Minister Modi had called for an Alliance of Global Leaders to firmly curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia.

According to the government, the population of tigers increased by 33% over 4 years to 2,967 in 2018.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi visited Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka where he interacted with frontline field staff and self-help groups involved in conservation efforts, as part of programmes to mark 50 years of ‘Project Tiger’.

Chairing the Ministerial session on global status of big cat conservation Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav said conserving big cats and their habitats can secure some of the most important natural ecosystems on Earth leading to natural climate change adaptation, water, and food security for millions of people, and provide livelihood and sustenance to forest communities.

He said the Alliance will strengthen global efforts and partnerships on big cat conservation, while evolving a platform for convergence of knowledge and best practices, supporting existing species specific inter-governmental platforms, while also providing direct support to recovery efforts in potential range habitats.

Shri Yadav said with big cats as mascots for sustainable development and livelihood security, India and the big cat range countries can usher in major efforts on environmental resilience and climate change mitigation, while paving a future where natural ecosystems continue to thrive, and gain centrality in economic and development policies in the “Amrit Kaal”.

The Ministers of Big Cat Range countries acknowledged and appreciated the leadership of India in big cat conservation and praised the efforts of Prime Minister, Union Minister and senior forest officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate change.

The Ministers of Big Cat Range Countries made the following remarks on the momentous event of launch of International Big Cat Alliance by the Prime Minister of India.

Forest Minister of Bhutan in his speech accepted the leadership of India in guiding them. His passing remarks like may Goddess Chamundi shower her blessings on all of the forest fraternity and his words in Hindi reverberated around the hall.

Forest Minister of Bangladesh praised India in helping in their conservation efforts in saving their pride that is Sundermani and Chittagong tigers.

His Excellency from Cambodia, was enthusiastic in getting tigers from India and rehabilitating them in in their Cardamom Hills and in their Sripok Wildlife Sanctuary.

He also spoke about the re-introduction plan prepared by them.

Kenya’s Minister of Wildlife, Tourism and Culture, through her video message lauded the help rendered by Government of India and Indian Forest Service, in formulating the protocols, good managerial practices, in the conduct and evaluating of Census results of wild animals especially Lions in her country.

Minister from Nepal, accepted the leadership of India in the field of wildlife conservation and offered all support to the alliance.

Ethiopian Forest Minister without mincing words expressed his greatest satisfaction in being a part of an endeavour to save big cats all around the world.

His Royal Highness the Regent of Pahang was all praise for India’s efforts and wanted assistance in recovery of tiger population in Malaysia. Besides this Ministers and head of delegations of Suriname, Armenia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Vietnam, Thailand and Lao also expressed their appreciation for the said initiative.

The Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav acknowledging the overwhelming support promised to work on modalities to take the launch of IBCA forward and thanked everyone for their participation.

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Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

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Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has conducted a free medical examinations as well as distributed free drugs to its staff in Gombe State Office, as part of its health advocacy to improve wellbeing of its employees and boost productivity.

As part of JEDC’s health initiative, a fitness walk was also organised on Saturday for all employees in Gombe State.

A fitness coach, Jauro Dauda, who led the walk urged officials of JED to prioritise regular exercise as part of efforts to maintain good health and boost productivity.

The exercise began at the company’s state headquarters, from where officials trekked to Pantami Stadium.

At the stadium, staff members participated in various physical exercises before returning to the office premises for medical examinations.

Speaking to participants, Dauda emphasised the need for a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.

“For you to function well, you need to keep your body fit. So I advise each and every one of you to create time at home. You can take your wife on a walk.

“The content of what we eat today can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Knowing your health status is very important; knowing it is good to living long,” he said.

Also speaking, the Gombe State Operating Officer of JEDC, Rilwan Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and encouraged staff to sustain the culture of exercise beyond organised events.
“We are happy that we can exercise not only in the stadium; you can exercise at home,” Shehu said.

He added that the company operates an inclusive system that promotes unity among staff.

“We in JEDC operate an open-door policy; there is no junior or senior cadre. We do things together and we win together,” he said.

Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

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Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun

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Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

A senior officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ASC Akinyode Mustapha, has been shot dead by unknown gunmen following the interception of a vehicle loaded with cannabis in Imeko area of Ogun State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that a team of officers from the NCS Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, led by DSC Ogundana Oluwademi, had on Feb. 2, at about 11:40 p.m., intercepted a Sienna bus loaded with suspected cannabis at Oke-Agbede via Imeko.

The driver of the vehicle, however, escaped on foot.

“While the team was returning to Lagos with the seized exhibit vehicle, they came under gunfire by unknown assailants at the Immigration checkpoint, Idofa, Imeko,” the sources said.

The sources added that a bullet struck ASC Akinyode Mustapha, aged 50, during the attack.

He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Ilaro, where he was later confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.

Upon receipt of the report on Feb. 4 at about 3:30 p.m., security forces stormed the scene. No expended ammunition or cartridge was recovered at the location, and photographs of the scene were taken.

The team leader reportedly released the corpse to the deceased’s family for burial, while the seized exhibit vehicle had earlier been taken to the NCS base in Lagos.

The sources said preliminary investigation was ongoing to verify the claims and unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Further developments will be communicated, the command said.

Customs officer killed in gun attack after cannabis seizure in Ogun

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VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

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VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

***Assures all hands are on deck to restore peace, tranquility to Kaiama

***Says President Tinubu has directed NEMA to mobilise resources to support distressed communities

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that peace and tranquillity are restored in Nuku and Woro villages in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attacks on the communities by terrorists.

He assured the people of the communities that while the President had ordered the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army to Kaiama, all hands were already on deck to rid the affected communities and the entire state of insecurity.

Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Saturday when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the people of Kaiama Local Government and the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, over the deadly terrorist attack that claimed several lives.

The Vice President disclosed that President Tinubu has instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to mobilise all resources, in partnership with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency, to provide succour and support to the distress communities.

“Your Excellency, we are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserates with you and the good people of Kaiama and Kwara State, by extension, over the tragedy that befell our communities of Woro and Nuku on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

“That tragic killings had shocked Nigerians because the victims were peaceful members of the communities that were dedicated to building peaceful livelihood, while they practice their religion in the peaceful and harmonious manner that the injunctions of Islam has instructed,” he said

VP Shettima extended what he described as the heartfelt condolences of President Tinubu and the Federal Government to the government and those who lost their loved ones in the gory attacks, noting that all hands were already on deck to restore peace in the community.

“Please, accept our heartfelt condolences, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A battalion of the Nigerian Army had been deployed to Kaiama and all hands are on deck to ensure that peace and tranquility is restored to those communities,” he assured.

The VP did not disclose the measures being taken to restore peace in the area, observing however that “security issues are sensitive issues and we do not have to divulge most of the actions that are being taken by our security establishment.

“But I’m here fundamentally to commiserates with the government and people of Kwara and the people of Kaiama, in particular, over the tragic loss of lives and to reassure the good people of the state of harmony. Our prayers are with you, our empathy is with you,” the Vice President added.

Earlier, Chairman of the North East Governors Forum, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, extended the condolences and sympathy of the North East Governors to the people and government of Kwara State over the tragedy.

He said, “As Muslims, we believe in destiny and it is our sincere hope that, by God’s grace, this act will not happen again. Our prayers are with you and it is our sincere prayer that Almighty Allah will forgive those that have lost their lives and grant them Aljannah firdaus,” Governor Zulum prayed.

Responding, the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRazaq, applauded the swift response of the Federal Government to the incident, saying “as confirmed by the Local Government Chairman, troops are already on ground and the Operation Savannah Shield is in motion.

“As you can see, we were welcomed at the airport by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Second Division of the Nigerian Army. A DIG is on ground. We truly appreciate the response of the Federal Government, and representatives of NEMA have been on ground since the incident happened.”

The Governor called for continued prayers for better a situation and better security in Nigeria, just as he said, “One is short of words and what to say but we will continue to support our President, the Vice President and our leadership for God to guide them in the affairs of this nation.”

Also, the Chairman of Kaiama local government area, Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Danladi, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immediate deployment of a military battalion in the area, and thanked the Governor of Kwara state for his leadership.

On his part, the Emir of Kaiama, HRH Alhaji Mu’azu Shehu Omar, also applauded President Tinubu for the prompt action taken after the massacre that in Kaiama.

“We really appreciate the effort of President Tinubu. Since the incident happened on Tuesday, he has shown concerned toward us. The security personnel and other relevant agencies are adequately deployed to arrest the situation,” the traditional ruler said.

Other dignitaries present during the visit include the Director-General of NEMA), Zubaida Umar; Sen. Ali Mohammed Ndume; Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd (NDPHC), Eng. Jennifer Adighije; former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, and members of Kwara State House of Assembly, among others.

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Victims Of Kwara Attack

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