Nigeria Emerges New Africa Representative in International Ranger Federation

By: Michael Mike

The National Park Service (NPS), Assistant Conservator of Parks, Mohammed Dikko Bala has emerged the new regional representative for Africa.

He was elected in a recent election of new executives of International Ranger Federation (IRF) at the 10th World Ranger Congress (WRC) held in Hyeres, France.

Remarking on his emergence as the new Africa Regional Representative, Mohammed Dikko Bala, who is a dedicated and highly committed ranger, promised to continue protecting and promoting the interest of African rangers, forest guards and other protected area workers.

He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal Abbas and the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, for their kind approval and unwavering support for his participation in the elections.

Bala promised to be more dedicated and committed in his new position towards giving African rangers a renewed hope and a befitting representation at the IRF as well as in realizing the 30X30 target.

He explained that The 30X30 target is the target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aimed at achieving effective conservation and management of at least 30% of the Earth’s land and sea area by 2030.

In his message at the 10th IRF Congress, President of International Ranger Federation, Chris Galliers, emphasized the critical role rangers play especially given the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Calling for more support for rangers, he said, “Ask yourself this simple question, how much wildlife would there be today, if there were no rangers, and you will realize why the world needs to recognize the value and importance of rangers, particularly in light of the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss facing humanity.”

Speaking further, Galliers said “Whether state, private, volunteer or indigenous community rangers, rangers are essential planetary health workers and are the key workforce in achieving the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework Targets.”

He noted that the 10th IRF World Ranger Congress was an opportunity to share knowledge, develop new skills, broaden perspectives, forge meaningful collaborations and collectively, advance the ranger profession.

The 10th World Ranger Congress was organized by the International Ranger Federation in collaboration with Gardes Natures de France (GNF), in Hyeres, France, from 7-11 October 2024

The International Ranger Federation Congress is a Triennial global forum and the 10th IRF Congress attracted over 400 ranger professionals and conservation workers to discuss topics of common interest and concern in an international development event.

The IRF Congress is a pivotal event that fosters international collaboration, addressing pressing environmental issues such as wildlife protection, sustainable practices, and emerging technologies. Beyond knowledge exchange, the Congress celebrates ranger commitment and bravery, acknowledging their sacrifices on the conservation frontline.

With a focus on diversity and inclusivity, the event honors indigenous perspectives and advocates for ongoing support. It stands as a dynamic, cross-cultural platform shaping the future of global conservation efforts.

Nigeria Emerges New Africa Representative in International Ranger Federation

Nigerian Wins Chinese Singing Competition

By: Michael Mike

A Nigerian, Linda Ifeoma has emerged as the winner of the Chinese category at a Singing Competition organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre.

The grand finale of the competition sponsored by China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, had two categories Chinese and English and was held at the weekend at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Abuja

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Linda expressed her excitement about her win, as she competed in a category dominated by Chinese native speakers.

She said she initially did not want to compete when she was contacted as she had lost first time she competed at a similar competition.

She narrated that: “At that time (last time she contested), I was very discouraged. But when she asked me to try again, I thought, ‘Okay, let me give it another shot.’ Initially, I didn’t even expect to win the first round. So, I’m absolutely excited to win here today.”

Linda’s journey to the finals involved winning the first round of the competition held few days earlier, followed by intensive practice leading up to her performance in the finale.

Linda, who studied Business Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and pursued Chinese as a side course, and later received a Chinese government scholarship to study in Nanjing, China, where she earned a master’s degree in the language, performed a Chinese song, showcasing her fluency and passion for the language.

She said: “When I was in school, I wanted to work in an embassy. I asked myself, ‘What do I need to achieve this goal?’ I realized I needed to learn a language other than my mother tongue.”

The singer also shared her aspirations in songwriting, describing this competition as a pivotal moment in her journey. “Personally, I write songs, and I think this is an opportunity for me to step out of my shell and showcase my talent,” she said.

Linda encouraged Nigerians to study Chinese language, highlighting its potential to unlock opportunities in employment and cultural exchange, noting that: “The character aspect can be challenging, but with dedication, you’ll find it easier to learn.”

Other winners of the competition were recognized in both English and Chinese categories.

English Category Winners: Third Prize (200,000 Naira): Chen Jun, Li Wei, and Qiu Liu Liu

Second Prize (300,000 Naira): Guan Xin and Wang Jia Yi

First Prize (500,000 Naira): Tan Jian

Chinese Category Winners: Third Prize (200,000 Naira): Yang Fan, Zhang Ji, and Deng Xiu Yuan.
Second Prize (300,000 Naira): Contestants Glory Livingston and Yang Xin.

The event which is organised annually underscored the strengthening ties between China and Nigeria through cultural exchange and mutual appreciation of music and language.

Nigerian Wins Chinese Singing Competition

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai

By: Our Reporter

Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR, has called for collective efforts and unity to build a secured Nigeria.

General Buratai gave the remarks Saturday, while being inducted as the 2nd Patron of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, at the 17th International Security Conference.

The event, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, brought together top security experts, academics, and stakeholders to discuss the most pressing security issues facing Nigeria.

General Buratai, emphasized the importance of security education, training, and excellence. He pledged to support the Institute’s initiatives and programs, advocate for policy reforms, and improve security in the country and the world.

“Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” General Buratai said.

He also emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and prosperity thrives. “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives,” General Buratai added.

Performing the investiture, General Olu Bajowa, the 1st Patron of the Institute, praised General Buratai’s exceptional leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s security, setting the tone for a thought-provoking conference that emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria.

General Bajowa described him as an outstanding Nigerian who embodies courage, determination, and patriotism.

“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,” General Bajowa said.

General Bajowa praised General Buratai’s wealth of experience and expertise, which will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the institute’s members to strive for excellence in security education and practice. He highlighted General Buratai’s distinguished military career, spanning over 40 years, including his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled, and his contributions to the fight against insurgency and terrorism have been invaluable,” General Bajowa added.

In his remarks, Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt a more inward-looking approach to development. He advocated for prioritizing domestic development, focusing on areas of comparative advantage, such as agriculture, and developing smallholder peasant agricultural production.

“For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Professor Bello said.

Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun Rtd., former Chief of Policy and Plans Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of security education, highlighting the need to carry education down to the grassroots. He emphasized that local government empowerment is crucial in addressing security challenges.

“Security education must start from the grassroots. It is a key aspect of our development. We must take security education down to the grassroots. We cannot leave it at the elitist level,” General Adeosun said.

Major General Bulama Biu Rtd., urged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies to expand its reach beyond the political zone, emphasizing the need to implement ideas and advocate for policymakers to take action.

“We need to extend our frontiers and drive these ideas to make a real impact. Otherwise, we’ll just be limited to our own circles and destinations,” General Biu said.

The event with the theme: Advancing Security Education for Stable Political Systems, Socio Economic Development, Good Governance and Mitigating Terrorism in Nigeria, concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and prosperity thrives.

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai