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Deforestation: Tinubu Calls for Action to Strike a Balance between Forest Security and Sustainable Forest Management
Deforestation: Tinubu Calls for Action to Strike a Balance between Forest Security and Sustainable Forest Management
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has decried the growing deforestation in Africa which was largely due to subsistence and commercial agriculture, noting that there is urgent need for ambitious regional action to strike a balance between food security and sustainable forest management.
Speaking at the ongoing 1st International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation holding in Brazzaville, Congo, President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal
said: “It gladdens my heart that the first ever International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation is taking place right here in Africa where more than 15% percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions takes place. This historic gathering marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Forests, covers nearly 31% of the world’s land area and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, preserving biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods to millions of people. However, deforestation and forest degradation continue to threaten these vital ecosystems, leading to severe consequences for our planet and future generations.”
Tinubu while quoting the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) report that nearly 4 million hectares of African forests are being cut down each year, which is almost double the speed of the world’s deforestation average, noted that factors contributing to forest loss in the region include increasing population, indiscriminate land expansion for agriculture, rapid urbanisation, social needs and illegal logging.
He added that: “About 70% of deforestation in Africa is as a result of subsistence and commercial agriculture therefore, urgent ambitious regional action is needed to strike a balance between food security and sustainable forest management.”
He admitted that the choice of Congo for this conference was apt taking into consideration the contribution of Africa’s deforestation around the world. He said: “We are all here to remedy the situation by bringing together leading experts, policymakers, researchers and practitioners from around the globe to share knowledge, exchange ideas and foster collaborations. Our goal is to develop and implement innovative and scientific strategies for afforestation and reforestation which will in turn restore degraded lands, enhance biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
He stated that: “Regional and global cooperation like this is imperative and will foster development of appropriate regional transformative policy and legal frameworkcapable of mitigating the impacts of climate change. Through initiatives like this we will accomplish progressive adoption and implementation of climate smart agriculture practices that would assist in strikingbalance between food security and sustainable forest management.”
He disclosed that: “Nigeria has gone a long way and we are making progress in contributing to the reversal of forest cover loss through sustainable forest management and massive afforestation. As part of our determination to upscale forest financing and increase forest cover,”
He added that: @Government has recently approved the sum of 8.5 million US Dollars under the Presidential Initiative on Afforestation. These funds are mainly for the afforestation and restoration of degraded forests and other critical landscapes across the country. This is in addition to other similar programmes like the Great Green Wall Pan African Program and Agro-Climatic Resilience Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) being implemented resulting in the restoration of over 1.5 million hectares of degraded forests including establishment of over 1,428.9km Shelter belts covering 4,286 hectares, empowerment of more than 200,000 forest community members and creation of more than 3 million jobs for our youths.”
He said: “Relevant policy and legislative framework are being strengthened in response to the current and emerging circumstances we are faced with. We have recently placed an interim suspension on the export of wood-based products to enable adequate appraisal of the process and ultimately emplacement of a sustainable forest management trade complaint system without jeopardizing progress in the implementation of the UNSPF, NDC, and other global agreements.”
The President said: “Nigeria remains committed to global, regional and sub-regional consensus to promote and accelerate progress on sustainable forest management. This includes the COP27 Africa and Global Decade of Afforestation and Reforestation and COP26 Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use as well as, other key outcomes of COP28.”
He said: “As parties to the globally agreed goals and targets on forests, biodiversity, climate change, and SDGs, we have no choice but to do all within our powers to accelerate transformative delivery of these goals within the set timelines. Restoration of our forest should not only be the responsibility of governments alone. It must be the collective effort of Government, Non-government organizations, corporate/private organizations, civil societies, and communities. We should all strive to achieve the common goal of increasing global forest cover.”
Deforestation: Tinubu Calls for Action to Strike a Balance between Forest Security and Sustainable Forest Management
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
By: Balami Lazarus
The Southern Borno Concerned Citizens has made her position clearl on the tax reform bills.
In a press release issued recently to newsmen in Maiduguri signed by her National Chairman/ Spokenman Comrade Bulama Ali Haruna Sawa said that the organization is standing firm with Senator Ali Ndume on tax reform bills.
“In reality Senator Ndume stands has only bolstered our support for his commitment to our welfare.” It further said that government should consider tax relief for the suffering masses “this is a time when our government should be considering tax relief , as seen in neighbouring countries.”
The organization disputed the fallacies of one Adamu Bashir of the so called “Northern Redemptions Colliations” regarding the position of Senator Ali Ndume, on the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the National Assembly.
“We feel compelled to counter the fallacies in Bashir’s recent response to Senator Ndume interview on channels TV. “
Finally, the statement said that they strongly affirm that the people of Southern Borno are satisfied with Senator Ndume’s representation and stand with him.
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
*** Commissions Mosque in Ogbomoso, warns against selfishness
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians, especially leaders, to exemplify true leadership by prioritizing community service and legacy-building over personal gain.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise spiritual obligations and community service over personal interests in an era where people are becoming more individualistic and giving less premium to God.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration of the Ibapon Central Mosque in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the Vice President expressed worry about the shifting societal values in contemporary Nigeria.
“Today, the world is unfortunately marked by a mindset that values self-interest over selflessness, and many see giving back or even engaging in spiritual obligations as burdens or distractions,” VP Shettima said.
According to him, the Mosque, a multi-million naira project built by Senator Abdulfatai Omotayo Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District, is a “gift for generations” that stands in stark contrast to prevailing materialistic trends.
“Every second of our lives is a reminder of our impermanence, and the brevity of life underscores the urgency of filling our days with deeds that matter in the hereafter,” the VP added.
VP Shettima lauded the project, describing it as an example of Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), noting that such initiatives represent the kind of legacy-building that society desperately needs.
“This is a legacy, a bridge between this world and the next, grounded in kindness and devotion,” he stated.
In a pointed message to political leaders and wealthy Nigerians, Shettima questioned the lasting impact of material accumulation: “We must ask ourselves—what remains when this race ends? In the end, all that endures are the records of our selfless deeds, our adherence to our faith, and our acts of charity.”
The new religious edifice is expected to serve as a major spiritual centre for Muslims in Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, with the Vice President expressing hope that it will “be a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for this community and beyond.”
Earlier, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, also eulogised Senator Buhari, saying the Mosque project was not just a service to the Muslim Ummah but to humanity at large.
“My prayer is that God reward you with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. You are an epitome of good character and someone who is always at the forefront of service to this country and humanity at large,” he said.
On his part, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, said the immediate family of Senator Buhari would be proud to have someone who makes them very proud all the time.
“On behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, we appreciate the Vice President for coming to our state,” he said.
He said the Mosque project is not just a physical building but a spiritual exercise in which the reward extends beyond one’s earthly life.
“It is also a means of spiritual purification and unity, fostering the unity of Nigeria because whenever we worship, we call for the unity and peace of Nigeria,” he added.
Responding, Senator Buhari said it was indeed an honour and a dream come true for him to have completed the Mosque project.
He specifically thanked the Vice President, the governors of Oyo and Kwara States, members of the National Assembly, and community members who contributed to the success of the worship centre.
There was also a welcome address by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland and the turbaning of two Imams for the newly commissioned Mosque.
Other officials at the event included the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; the Soun of Ogbomoso Land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, state government officials and traditional rulers.
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
News
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) concluded the fifth and final session of its Executive Leadership and Strategic Management Course. This intensive program, spanning from 23 September to 8 November, trained senior and mid-level officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian military, and other security agencies. The course, organised by NARC in collaboration with the EFCC, aligns with NARC’s vision to be a leading think tank focused on research, knowledge advancement, and sustainable development solutions.
The graduation ceremony was graced by Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab (Rtd), Director General of NARC, and the EFCC Secretary, Mr. Mohammad Hassan Hamman-Joda, representing the EFCC Chairman, Executive Director Consult, Major General AS Ndalolo, management staff of NARC, and consultants. Highlights included the presentation of certificates to the course participants, souvenir presentations to dignitaries and resource persons, and the decoration of key NARC figures with the EFCC Crest as Ambassadors for Anti-Corruption. The event took place at Hall F, ML Agwai Block, NARC.
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
Tax Reform Bills, Southern Borno Concerned Citizens Stands With Senator Ndume
VP Shettima Demands More Community-Oriented Leadership, Legacy-Building
NIGERIAN ARMY RESOURCE CENTRE CONCLUDES LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SECURITY AND MILITARY OFFICERS
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