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FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks
FG Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Molded from Destroyed Trafficked Wildlife Ivory and Tusks
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has unveiled the sculpture of an elephant crafted from pulverised Wildlife stockpile, signalling a climax of the disposal of about six tons of confiscated wildlife stockpiles by the National Environmental Standards And Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
NESREA is the agency designated by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to enforce international law on the endangered species.
The Sculpture, a first of its kind in Nigeria, represents the country’s zero-tolerance stance against wildlife trafficking and its dedication to protecting listed endangered species of Wild fauna and flora.
The event on Wednesday marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, which has been a major threat to the country’s biodiversity and global conservation efforts.
Concerted efforts by NESREA and sister agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service led to the arrest of several suspects between 2011 and 2023. 185 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3991 kilogrammes, 11 bags of crocodiles and other listed reptiles, leopard skins and feathers weighing 102 kilogrammes and 2500 kilogrammes of ivory were recovered from these suspects and kept in the custody of NESREA.
In October 2023, the seized pangolin scales and other animal skins were incinerated by NESREA and this was followed by the crushing of the confiscated ivory in January 2024. Both exercise were carried out with the support of Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) of United Kingdom and the United States Embassy in Nigeria.
Unveiling the statue crafted from the residue of pulverized confiscated stockpiles, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, officially christened it the ‘Giwa Statue of Renewed Hope’. He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to eradicate wildlife trafficking in Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to support the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking by providing intelligence, discouraging animal poaching and refusing to use products that are not ethically sourced, stressing that “we need wildlife for our survival, well being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, maintains the food chain and they keep us connected to nature”.
Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said, “This Elephant sculpture symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to zero tolerance to Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) at all levels, and a proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism.”
NESREA, is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with the mandate to enforce all environmental laws, policies, guidelines, standards and regulations as well as to enforce compliance with the provisions of multilateral environmental Agreements, Protocols, Conventions and Treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
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Why Ahmed Lawan’s Record Raises Concerns About His Governorship Ambitions in 2027
Why Ahmed Lawan’s Record Raises Concerns About His Governorship Ambitions in 2027
By Garba Abdullahi
Ahmed Lawan, the former Senate President, has long been a figure of controversy in Nigerian politics. His potential bid for the governorship in 2027 invites serious reflection on his leadership style, particularly concerning issues of tribalism, fairness, and inclusivity.
Lawan’s tenure in public office has raised questions about whether he is truly fit to lead in a diverse and pluralistic society like Yobe State.
Lawan’s political career has been marked by allegations of tribal favoritism, often prioritizing personal and ethnic loyalties over merit and inclusivity. Critics argue that his appointments and political alliances frequently reflected a bias toward his own ethnic group, fostering resentment among other communities. This approach undermines unity and breeds discontent in a state like Yobe, where diverse ethnic and religious groups coexist.
Yobe State deserves a leader who can bridge divides, not deepen them. Leadership should be about fostering unity, yet Lawan’s history suggests a tendency to use his position to consolidate power within a narrow circle. This has left many questioning whether he has the capacity to govern with fairness and equity.
One of the key qualities of a good governor is transparency in decision-making. During his time as Senate President, Lawan was often accused of shielding the executive branch from scrutiny rather than holding it accountable. His perceived loyalty to political elites rather than the people raises concerns about his ability to govern effectively and prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens.
Transparency is non-negotiable in governance. Yet, Lawan’s record suggests a pattern of opaque dealings and an unwillingness to embrace accountability. If elected governor, will he prioritize the people’s welfare or the interests of political elites?
Lawan’s leadership style has often left communities feeling excluded and marginalized. In a state like Yobe, where poverty and insecurity are rampant, a governor must be able to unite all segments of society toward a common goal of progress and development. Lawan’s tribalism threatens to deepen divisions rather than heal them.
His track record in the Senate offers little hope for a transformative agenda in Yobe. Development requires bold and visionary leadership, not one constrained by parochial interests or loyalty to a select few.
As Yobe State approaches the 2027 elections, its citizens must critically evaluate the candidates vying for leadership. The state needs a governor who can rise above ethnic and political divides, someone who will prioritize development, inclusivity, and fairness. Ahmed Lawan’s record raises serious doubts about his ability to meet these standards.
Leadership is about service, not self-interest. It is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart. For Yobe State to progress, its people must choose leaders who embody these values.
Ahmed Lawan’s history of tribalism and exclusionary politics makes him an unsuitable choice for the governorship.
Why Ahmed Lawan’s Record Raises Concerns About His Governorship Ambitions in 2027
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Zulum Inaugurates MT Monguno, Rep Talba Projects
Zulum Inaugurates MT Monguno, Rep Talba Projects
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned some projects by the senator representing Northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and the member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba.
Zulum, in a ceremony on Thursday, unveiled the distribution of 10 Lexus sport utility vehicles (SUVs) procured by Senator Monguno to party stalwarts and another 15 pickup vans for commercial activities.
Senator Monguno also distributed N100,000 and a starter pack each to about 400 beneficiaries that had undergone horticulture training.
Zulum, also in Monguno, commissioned one block of six classrooms constructed by the member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai federal constituency at Abbari Primary School.
The governor also commissioned the construction of a block of 10 shops at Monguno Central Market by the local government council, which aims at rejuvenating the economy of the area.
Zulum commended both lawmakers and the local government chairman for the positive projects, which has a direct impact on the lives of Monguno people.
Governor Zulum, who was on a state visit in the northern part of Borno, had visited Baga on Wednesday before spending the night in Monguno, where he coordinated development activities and assessed the security situation.
Zulum Inaugurates MT Monguno, Rep Talba Projects
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Sudanese Government Condemns U.S. Sanction Against Burham
Sudanese Government Condemns U.S. Sanction Against Burham
By: Michael Mike
Sudanese Government has condemned the sanction by the United States on the President of the Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), General Abdel Fattah al-Burham.
The condemnation was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement signed by the Ministry’s Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate, read: “The Government of Sudan rejects and condemns the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the President of the Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
“This decision lacks the basic principles of justice and objectivity, relying on implausible pretexts. It also reflects a blatant disregard for the Sudanese people, who stand firmly united behind General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan as a symbol of their sovereignty and armed forces, and as a courageous leader in the battle for dignity against the terrorist janjaweed militias.
“It is both strange and troubling that such a dubious decision comes shortly after the U.S. administration determined that the RSF militia are committing acts of genocide in Sudan. Consequently, the administration’s move, days before the end of its tenure, to sanction the Commander-in-Chief of SAF, who is protecting the Sudanese people from this genocidal design, reflects inconsistency and a profound failure to uphold justice.
“This flawed decision cannot be justified under the guise of neutrality, as it practically amounts to support for those committing genocide.”
The statement added that: “This unethical decision will not deter the Sudanese people in their struggle against the terrorist militia. It will neither weaken their resolve nor their unity in eradicating this cancer from their land, so that Sudan will emerge stronger than ever.”
Sudanese Government Condemns U.S. Sanction Against Burham
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