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FG Moves To Restore 4 Million Degraded Forest

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FG Moves To Restore 4 Million Degraded Forest

FG Moves To Restore 4 Million Degraded Forest

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government said it will soon move to restore 4 million hectares of degraded land forest and landscape, which is in line with its commitment to the Africa Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, (AFR100).

It however said that this would only be achievable through stakeholders’ collaboration that would create an enabling environment for the exchange of information relating to successful implementation through its various engagements.

The Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, disclosed this at the Formal Inauguration of the AFR100 National Stakeholders Platform on Degraded Forest and Landscape Restoration in Nigeria, held in Abuja on Thursday.

Ikeazor said the AFR100 would accelerate achievement of food security, increase climate change resilience and mitigation as well as combat rural poverty.

The Minister added that: “This will not only contribute to the UN decade on ecosystem restoration but will also deliver on the objectivities of the three global Multilateral Environmental Agreements, that is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, UNCCD and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, UNCBD.” 

She noted that landscape restoration is not limited to planting trees, it is about restoring the whole landscape and involves several sectors such as agriculture, livestock, forest and the environment, town planning and housing, water and sanitation, energy, tourism and land use planning.

She said that “the platform would serve as a framework for exchange of experience, sharing of results and dissemination of information on the restoration of forest and degraded landscapes in Nigeria to track and monitor progress thereby subscribing to the Bonn challenge barometer.”

She added that: “After more than four years since Nigeria joined the AFR100 imitative, the government through the Federal Ministry of Environment with the Department of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought Management as the focal department for the AFR100 initiative is here to inaugurate the AFR100 national stakeholder’s platform to foster collaboration among MDA’S public and private Oragnisation, CBO’s, NGO’s, as this would enhance coordination of restoration activities and strengthen partnership.”

She claimed that collective commitment towards sustainable land management practices would help conserve and restore the Nigeria environment and make the country vulnerable to climate change.

Ikeazor said each year, 13 billion hectares of forest are lost to land conversion for agriculture uses such as pasture and cropland.

She lamented that: “This has detrimental effects on regional water availability, soil fertility, biodiversity, and climate change. More than 70% of all natural ecosystems have been transformed to produce food and animal, illegal logging is threatening forest worldwide, home to several indigenous people, communities and wildlife.”

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In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment, Mr Hassan Musa, said the AFR100 stakeholder platform would create awareness, promote sustainable practice, and serve as frame work for the exchange of experience as well as sharing of results and dissemination of information on restoration activities in the country.

It would also present an opportunity for public and private sectors to demonstrate large scale of transformative action to restore degraded land.

He said; “A national stakeholder’s platform for forest Landscape Restoration was convinced to help harmonise and integrate various interventions on restoration in the country, to accelerate restoration practices towards achieving the commitments to the African Forest Initiative, AFR100 and the Bonn challenge.”

He also commended the development partners especially the United Nations Development Program UNDP for sponsoring this meeting to foster collaboration amongst stakeholders and hasten the restoration of degraded forest and landscapes.

AFR100 Regional Coordinator for West Africa, Dr Oluseynou Ndoye commended the Nigerian government for taking the decision to restore 4m hectares of degraded land forest and land by 2030, being the second largest engagement in West Africa.

 He noted that exceeding the objective of the initial commitment, 33 technical partners and 12 financial partners support the initiative.

“The AFR100 Initiative responds to the Africa Union mandate to restore 100million hectares of degraded forest and land by 2030. It is a contribution to Agenda 2063 which is the African continents strategic framework for an inclusive and sustainable development, ” Dr Ndoye added.

The Africa Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, AFR100 is a country led effort to restore 100m hectares of forest and degraded landscape across Africa by 2030, to date 32 countries have pledged to restore 128million hectares thus surpassing the commitment goal.

It is a pan Africa initiative aimed at restoring 100m hectares of degraded forest and land by the year 2030.

FG Moves To Restore 4 Million Degraded Forest

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

By: Yahaya Wakili

The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a solidarity visit to the residence of the former chairman of the United Marketers Association Potiskum (UMAPO) and staunch member of APC in Potiskum, Alhaji Nasiru Mato.

The main purpose of the visit of the former Senate President is to sympathize with Alhaji Nasiru Mato following the unfortunate fire accident that gutted his house.

Senator Lawan was deeply saddened to witness the extent of the damage caused by the fire, and thanks Almighty Allah that no lives were lost in the accident.

He assured Alhaji Nasiru Mato of his support as he works to rebuild and recover from his setback, adding that such moments remind us of the importance of compassion and sacrifice for one another in times of need.

“But most importantly, we should always remember that Almighty Allah will always test us in various ways, including the loss of our possessions. May we always pass these tests. Amin,” Senator Ahmad Lawan said.

He also prays, May Allah (SWT) grant him and his family the strength to overcome this trial and replace what was lost with something better. Amen.

The Sardaunan Bade was accompanied during the visit by Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Gado Da Masun Bade, and Alhaji Mohammed Garba Gagiyo, among others.

Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Lt Col Adamu Ngulde has disclosed to the participants of Strategic Communication Course to prepare to further enhance their knowledge on Artificial Intelligence in Information Management and Fact Checking as part of the courses lined up for their training. He made this known on Friday 11 April 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of the second quarter courses 2025 at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja auditorium in Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja.

The acting Commandant further stated that the School is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja and Prof Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, Research Professor, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to training them on current trends in the field of Strategic Communication.

He also said that in modern public relations, Strategic Communication is essential for aligning military messaging and narratives with national interest, managing public perception, and countering misinformation in both peace and conflict situations.

Similarly, he also reminded students of A1 Photojournalism Course the vital role photographs play in documenting military activities, telling authentic visual stories that shape public trust and boost morale while graphic design and printing ensures that communication materials are not only informative but also visually compelling and professionally delivered. Assuring them that NASPRI will provide a well package training for all students in line with their various courses.

Lt Col Ngulde expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and NASPRI which has been instrumental in sustaining the standard the school upheld today. He also extended appreciation to the Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe and the Chief of Training (Army) Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the training year.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Instructor of the school, Maj Tonye Wenke while reading out the course expectations stated that courses are prerequisite for career progression and service delivery and the students are therefore expected to meet up with the training objectives of the school as they will be tutored in many subjects which will equip them with the skills in handling the 5th Generation Warfare, which is information based. He admonished them to settle down quickly and ensure that they put themselves in the right frame of mind to effectively key into the training activities earmarked for the courses.

Maj Wenke also reminded the students on the need to acquaint themselves with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of NASPRI and exhibit the highest standard of discipline required of military personnel as all acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated.
A total of 76 students assembled for the second quarter 2025 courses comprising of 16 Senior Officers for the Strategic Communication Course, A1 photojournalism and X3 Graphics Design and Printing

NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

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VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday attended the turbaning ceremony of legal luminary, Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), who was conferred with the title of the first Kuliya Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate.

The ceremony which took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the Palace of the Emir of Ilorin, HRH, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, attracted a host of senior government officials, traditional leaders, and prominent figures from the legal community across Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, lauded the recognition bestowed on Prof Ali, describing it as a reflection of his outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

He said, “Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali’s contributions to the legal system in Nigeria need not be overemphasized. Today’s event is an indication that the people of Ilorin, especially the Emirate in particular, have confidence in what he is doing, and I believe he will justify the confidence reposed in him.”

Governor Zulum further urged the honouree to stay true to his principles and continue serving society through his legal work.

“I advise him to continue to do all the good work that he has been doing so posterity will judge him positively,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), lauded Prof. Ali’s contributions to legal development in Nigeria.

“Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali is not a stranger when it comes to contributions to legal development,” the Justice Minister said, noting that more than ceremonial recognition, the turbaning symbolized the enduring value of justice and service to society.

He continued: “If you heard the reason given by the Emir for conferring in him the prestigious title of “Kuliya Ngeri” which ordinarily means someone who stands for justice, you will know that we cannot overemphasize it.

“The role he has been playing in the judiciary, especially contributions to the rule of law at so many levels, you cannot be counting one by one. So, to me, it is a recognition well deserved. I urge him to take it up as a challenge so that he will continue to mentor people coming behind.”

Prof Yusuf Ali, who was elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 1997, has had a career in law spanning over four decades.

As Principal Partner at Ghalib Chambers, he is recognised as one of the most respected legal personalities in Nigeria, known for his integrity, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice.

He is also a Life Bencher and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

VP Shettima Graces Turbaning Of Yusuf Ali As Zulum, AGF Hail Legal Icon

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